Thread: Heat vs. A/C
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Old 08-28-2006, 04:39 AM
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Bob259 Bob259 is offline
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Location: Upstate NY
Hybrids: 05 Prius, 06 Highlander Limited AWD
Posts: 169
Default Re: Heat vs. A/C

Quote:
Originally Posted by greenLIFE
Obviously A/C alters the fuel economy of vehicles, but does using heat at all?

I've never heard anything about heat having any effect on fuel economy, but anyways I'm just curious.
For heating your just running the warm water through a smaller radiator (heater core). The milaage drop is minor as you are only running a small fan to push the air through your heater core. Except however, when you use your defroster and that runs you A/C compressor. The A/C compressor, except in the late model Prius/Highlander, runs off a belt and this saps power and fuel mileage but even withthe electric driven compressor it takes so much to run it your ICE has to run more often to keep the battery charged.

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2005 Prius - White, Gray Interior, Option Package 6, Mud Flaps & Auto Door locks from Coastal


2006 Highlander Hybrid - Limited, White, Tan Interior, Nav, 4WD, Trailer Hitch

NOTE: On both the Prius and HH batteries are included with your purchase !
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