During the summer months in Portugal, many drivers turn on the air conditioner as soon as it gets in the car in an attempt to relieve intense heat. However, this habit, which is repeated daily throughout the country, can translate into a higher than expected fuel consumption. The explanation is in the operation of the system itself, which requires more energy to the engine and, consequently, more fuel, according to the Club of Portugal (ACP).
Additional consumption is due to the activation of the air conditioning compressor, which uses the power of the engine to climate the cabin. This extra request requires the engine to work harder, implying greater energy expenditure. However, the impact may vary depending on the type of system installed in the car.
Digital and analog systems with differences in consumption
Vehicles equipped with a digital climate management system have more efficient consumption. In these cases, the air conditioner is automatically regulated, adjusting the intensity of operation depending on the interior and exterior temperature, minimizing the engine effort.
In models with analog system, manual temperature and intensity control prevents the optimization of operation, resulting in a longer and less rational use of the equipment. This difference is more evident in urban or frequent stops, where the engine does not operate on constant regimes.
Small gestures can reduce engine effort
There are simple measures that, according to the same source, can be adopted to avoid excessive expenses. One of the recommendations is to avoid turning on the air conditioner immediately after entering the car, especially on intense hot days. The ideal will be to open the windows or doors for a few seconds, allowing the accumulated hot air to exit inside.
Soon after turning on the air conditioning system, it is advisable to keep the windows closed and trigger the air recirculation mode, which facilitates the maintenance of the intended temperature without the need for added effort. This procedure allows fresh air to remain inside and that the system quickly reaches the desired temperature.
Proper practices can make a difference at the end of the month
On long trips, it is also important to maintain a moderate temperature and avoid the extremes. Experts stress that defining very low values requires the system to work continuously, penalizing energy performance. In general, keeping the air conditioner between 22 and 24 ° C is sufficient to ensure comfort and savings.
According to, these practices contribute to a more rational use of the climate control system, with a positive impact on the global consumption of the vehicle. In the current context of fuel prices, each adjustment can represent a significant difference at the end of the month.
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