Burn Up or Burn Gas? The A/C Dilemma

As soon as the temperature goes up, the air conditioning goes on.  But, what is the cost of that comfort?  

Anything you switch “on” in your car will make your battery work harder, and that battery is getting its juice from that expensive gas you put in the tank.  So, should you keep the air conditioning off and the windows down?  The answer is… maybe.

At slower speeds, you are doing yourself and your mileage a favor by having the windows down.  But, those savings seem to go away as you go faster.  In fact, one study done in 2005 by Edmunds suggests that having the windows down while driving over 55 miles per hour burns the same gas as driving at 55 with the windows up and the air conditioning on.  Having the windows down causes drag on your car, and that burns more gas.

To help save gas and make sure your air conditioning is running properly, be sure to service the system once a year.  Also, try to park in shaded areas and leave the windows open.  Finally, when you are in town driving in stop-and-go traffic, put the windows down and turn the A/C off. 

Spring into Summer with an Air Conditioner Repair or Tune-Up

We know, we know. Spring has only just begun, and here we are already talking about summer. But now really is the time to get your air conditioner tuned up or repaired. Yes, now.

Get your Air Conditioner checked now!

We promise we haven’t been hitting the bottle. We’re not a few trucks short of a convoy. We just see every year how common it is for people to wait until summer to discover there’s trouble afoot with their A/C.  Most really wish they’d taken the smaller expense and less time to get a quick diagnostic checkup or minor repair before the proverbial you-know-what hit the fan.

We’ll admit that rolling down your window will help in case of emergency and buy you some time. Is the windswept look still in these days? Even for that big meeting or big date? How about the sweaty-faced, ring-around-your-armpits look? If you can pull it off, more power to you. But to save you on time, money, and antiperspirant, we’d like to gently suggest you take a moment today to see how your AC is faring. Here are some of the common signs of trouble:

·         Blowing hot or warm air instead of cold air

·         Oil on the air conditioner’s components

·         Paint damage, rust, or off-center drive hub on the compressor

·         Squealing or slipping drive belt when A/C is on maximum

·         Temperature or blowing power fluctuates or rapidly cycles on and off

·         Can’t generate or maintain the minimum temperature setting or a temperature 40 degrees below the outside air

Usually A/C trouble is related to a low level of refrigerant. We can identify the reason for the diminished level or for anyother problems with your air conditioner’s performance. And we can get it back to being the reliable workhorse it’s meant to be. Then? Well, then you can go for the windswept look only when you really feel like it. Just remember we’re here for you when you need us, hopefully before you’ve broken a sweat.