Cleaning or changing the air conditioning filter is very important / Web
Except for the occasional unawares, everyone knows that the car consumes more gasoline when we turn on the air conditioning and give it “hard and even” in these very hot times. The same thing happens when driving fast or when the vehicle is heavily loaded. But what is less known is that, if a series of guidelines are followed, it is possible to make these antagonistic worlds coexist a little less and that, ultimately, results in benefits for the driver.
Filling the fuel tank costs more and more and making the most of it becomes a necessity for more people who, by the way, do not want traveling to become an ordeal due to the heat and want to use the air conditioning without restrictions. Nothing to return to the times when everyone rolled down the car windows -most cars did not have this system- when the temperature made confinement oppressive and “nobody died” far from it.
Proper use of air conditioning can prevent excessive fuel consumption
But well, so as not to make it any longer, what can be done to use the air conditioning without triggering gasoline consumption? Well, here are some tips from specialists in the field, to achieve better results without making life too complicated.
Avoid the “oven effect”
First of all, it is key not to leave the car in the sun, something that many people do not pay attention to and which is decisive, because it forces forced cooling to appease the “hellish” heat inside the passenger compartment until it is again nice to be there. When a car is left in the sun with the doors and windows closed, an “oven effect” occurs, whereby the interior temperature can climb up to 70 degrees. For this reason, if it is impossible to leave the car in the shade, it is essential to use sunshades, curtains or blinds in order to keep the passenger compartment as warm as possible.
Starting with the windows down
If the car was parked in the sun, the passenger compartment will be at a high temperature and the air conditioning will have to make a great effort to reduce it. That is why the first thing to do is open all the windows, regardless of whether it seems that this will not allow the temperature to drop. And put the vehicle in motion so that the air, even if it is hot, begins to circulate. This will help the temperature begin to drop.
Use the “recirculator”
The cooling systems of most vehicles have a button with a little bent arrow, the use of which is crucial in summer. Activating the “recirculation” function uses less energy, because the equipment is cooling only the air that is already inside the vehicle, and not bringing in warmer outside air to cool.
Direct upwards the cold air flows
The driver can choose which vents to direct the air to. To make the most of the cold generated by the equipment, the ideal is to configure it so that it “blows” only through the upper ventilations.
To cool those behind, clear the floor
Many times the driver and his passenger feel cool, but those who travel in the back seats complain that they are hot. The common reaction, then, is to make the air run at a higher power. But the solution could be much simpler and cheaper. Often it is enough just not to put objects under the front seats, because they could hinder the flow of cold air to the rear of the passenger compartment.
Use the right temperature, without overcooling
In cars with a digital thermostat, it is recommended to set the temperature at no less than 24 degrees, and ideally at 25 or 26 degrees: that is enough, according to experts, for most people to feel good, with loose clothing .
On routes and highways, turn on the air
Many believe that, when driving at high speeds, they can save fuel by turning off the air conditioning, opening the windows, and cooling the vehicle with the current. Actually, that is counterproductive.
Turn off the air before you arrive
This helps reduce humidity in the evaporator, reducing the appearance of unpleasant odors inside the vehicle. The other big benefit of doing this is that it saves energy, as the system will continue to “blow” cold air for several seconds without using the compressor.
Keep air filters clean
The dust and pollen filter reduces the penetration of particles from the outside air into the interior of the vehicle, and needs to be replaced regularly so as not to impair the efficiency of the air conditioning.
Frequently check the air intakes
Another frequent problem that causes the air conditioner to malfunction and consume more energy is that the air intakes that are in front of the windshield, on the outside, are covered. Leaves, small branches or fruits and other materials fallen on the vehicle can be the cause of the air not entering properly. So that the system does not lose effectiveness due to these causes, it is enough to adopt the habit of checking and clearing the air intakes every time we approach the car, and before starting the engine. It takes a few seconds and the benefit is immediate.
