Is it okay to run the air conditioning with the windows open?
2 Answers
Is it okay to run the air conditioning with the windows open? However, in this state, the air conditioning effect inside the car will be poor, and the fuel consumption of the car's air conditioning will increase significantly. Here is more related information: 1. Car air conditioning: The car air conditioning system consists of a compressor, condenser, throttle element, evaporator, fan, and necessary control components. It is used to regulate the temperature and humidity inside the car, providing a comfortable environment for the driver. 2. Working principle: When the compressor is working, it sucks in low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant from the evaporator. After compression, the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant increase, and it is sent to the condenser. Inside the condenser, the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant transfers heat to the outside air passing through the condenser and liquefies, turning into a liquid.
Over the years of driving, I've often seen people roll down their windows while running the air conditioning, thinking they can enjoy both natural breeze and cool air. But based on my experience, this is actually a misconception. With the windows open, hot outside air continuously flows in, forcing the AC system to work overtime to cool down. The compressor pressure increases significantly, leading to noticeably higher fuel consumption. I remember one summer road trip when I drove with the windows down and AC on—my fuel consumption per 100 kilometers was nearly two liters higher than usual. The AC efficiency also dropped drastically, leaving the car feeling stuffy instead of cooling down quickly like it does when windows are closed. It's like running the AC at home with the door wide open—a pure waste of resources. The correct approach is to open the windows briefly to let hot air escape, then close them before turning on the AC. This allows the system to operate efficiently. Consistently using it this way extends the AC's lifespan and saves a lot on fuel costs. Developing good habits is both eco-friendly and economical.
