What is the difference between turning on AC and not turning on AC in a car?
3 Answers
Only by turning on the AC switch on the car's air conditioning control panel will the car's air conditioning start to cool. If this AC switch is not turned on, the car's air conditioning will not cool, and it will blow out natural air. The following is a related introduction to car air conditioning: 1. Introduction to car air conditioning: The car air conditioning device (air-conditioning-device), referred to as car air conditioning. It is used to adjust and control the temperature, humidity, air cleanliness, and air flow inside the car compartment to the optimal state, providing passengers with a comfortable riding environment and reducing travel fatigue; it creates good working conditions for the driver and plays an important role in ensuring safe driving. 2. Car air conditioning devices: Generally include refrigeration devices, heating devices, and ventilation devices. This combined device makes full use of the limited space inside the car, has a simple structure, and is easy to operate, making it a popular modern car air conditioning system internationally.
As a seasoned driver with over a decade of experience, I know there's a big difference between turning the car AC on and off. When the AC is on, the compressor kicks in to cool, cycling refrigerant to absorb heat like a fridge, blowing out icy cold air that also dehumidifies to prevent fogging—perfect for quick cooling and reducing stuffiness during summer rains. However, running the AC increases engine load and fuel consumption, especially in traffic where it can hike fuel use by around 20%. Compressor wear also raises the risk of costly repairs. Without AC, just the fan blows natural or warm air without cooling, ideal for breezy spring/autumn days to save fuel and eco-friendly, but unbearable in heatwaves when it blows hot air. My advice: use AC briefly for summer relief, otherwise conserve resources and car health. Regular checks (like refrigerant levels) extend AC life and prevent sudden breakdowns. Drive more to feel the difference—safety and comfort come first.
I own a family car that frequently goes on long trips, and I've experienced the difference between having the AC on and off. When the AC compressor is running, cold air blows strongly, quickly lowering the interior temperature, and the dehumidification function is excellent, preventing window fogging on misty days for safer driving. In contrast, without the AC, only the fan blows air, which isn't very effective, making the car stuffy under the sun, leading to sweating and irritation. However, using the AC does consume significantly more fuel—I estimate about 10% more on highways, and even more noticeable in city traffic, increasing expenses. Prolonged compressor use may also cause overheating and damage. So now, I've learned to use it wisely: turn on the AC for quick cooling and dehumidification on hot or rainy days, and just use the fan or open windows for ventilation when it's cooler to save fuel and money. I've also noticed that new cars have more responsive compressors, while older ones need maintenance. When using the AC, avoid extreme temperature changes by adjusting the fan speed and temperature reasonably to keep the whole family comfortable.
