AC-on vs. windows-down controversy continues -- Page 2

Windows up, AC on

Jeannie scores a point:

The air is re-circulated so that it does not have to work so hard cooling the hot air. Also, you don't save any money if you get sick from carbon monoxide fumes in traffic.

C. Brubaker fumes:

Obviously the people conducting this study do not live in Phoenix. The hotter it is the more driving rage we experience here. The subsequent accidents slow down traffic and are then much less efficient.

Mary confesses:

Windows up and air on. You talk about road rage -- just live in the South where you live and work in air conditioning all day, then tell me to drive in heat and humidity?! Road rage is just a turn of the ignition key away.

Helen is NOT interested in reminiscing:

You didn't address the people who live in the tropics, like Florida. From the central part of the state to the bottom, it's hotter than- -, even with the air conditioning on. We just have too much sun. We can't function (i.e., breathe) for about eight months out of the year without air conditioning everywhere, including cars!!

Bill encourages:

You might want to contact Toyota, who states clearly in their manual for the 2004-2005 Prius Hybrid that driving with the windows down increased drag and reduced gas efficiency over using the air conditioning. But then, their air conditioner works from an electric compressor, allowing engine off while still cooling.

Perhaps, if you really want to impress gas savings on your readers, you'll look inside the bigger box: Owner of three hybrids, solar-electric panels on my house, and loving them all. Get on board, do your part, too!

Gordon, a physics teacher weighs in:

Just as around the house, dry air, with fans moving the air, is the key to the cheapest comfort. Placing the temperature control at a higher setting controls how often the AC compressor is on and minimizes how much the AC is actually in the cooling cycle. Only when the compressor is on is it putting a load on the engine and using more fuel. Just an occasional operation of the AC's compressor dries the air and the fan, along with the re-circulation switch keeping out moist air from outside, maximizes comfort. It's the same around the house. Higher temp settings and ceiling fans is by far the best way to economical comfort. Ask your home air-conditioning service man.

WHA stands firm:

If you're concerned about fuel economy, then ride a bike. As for me, it's full speed ahead with the air conditioning on. You could pull the seats out and remove anything you're not using, like the spare. All these things will reduce fuel economy -- but at what cost? I like my comfort.

JazzStew stews:

I don't really care about this debate. It's a question of being comfortable in 90-plus degree heat. Use the air and be comfortable. You only live once.

B D controls his comfort zone:

Roll down the windows with the AC off when driving under 40-50 mph as long as it is bearable.

Roll up the windows, set the air to recycle, and manually cycle the AC on and off to maintain a bearable environment. It appears that most cars' air conditioners, with temperature control, operate with the AC on at all times and maintain the set temperature by cycling the heater. This, of course, results in wasting energy to keep running the air conditioner when it is not required.

Or, you could follow this hardy reader's advice: Move to Alaska and you'll not have to worry about this!

Do you have any tricks? Bankrate would like to hear what gets the best mileage on your car.