Quote:
Originally Posted by albertw
Thanks for the great post.
Question: I've read in several different magazines that air conditioning typically draws 1/3 hp, but that's not the greatest source of facts. Is the 5 ~ 7 hp you quoted peak or average draw?
If it's average, then it is a very substantial addition to the power required to maintain a steady highway speed. If it's even half of that on a day when running the AC is optional, it's another excellent reason for me to keep it off.
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Power draw from AC compressor is highly varied by ambient condition.
If ambient is about 100F/40%, AC compressor will take about 5~7hp in fresh air mode, continuously.
If AC is left in recirculation mode, then it will take about 2 hp, after cabin cooled down.
If ambient is 70~80F, AC will be mostly stay in fresh air mode and it will take about 0.5~2hp. (again, highly varied by temp and humidity)
1/3 hp is when the ambient is very mild (50~60F).
BTW, car needs about 25~30 hp to maintain highway speed. (~70mph)