[JohnS]

Hey guys,

[Keep in mind that I'm pretty ignorant when it comes to engines, accessories and how they all work together once the key is turned. So if you can type an answer to this dummy's question between falling off your chair and laughing hysterically, I'd appreciate it.]

I've been running without my A/C turned on since learning more about hypermiling. BUT, last week we had our first 95* days up here in NJ. Stuck in traffic heading over the George Washington Bridge into Manhattan, that A/C had to be turned on. So here's my question...

Once you turn the A/C on, does it matter whether you run it at a low level as opposed to MAX? In other words: As far as gas consumption goes, does setting the controls to a higher temperature and lower fan speed use less gas than full-on cold and blast the fan? Or is it that once you turn the A/C on, it uses the same amount of fuel no matter what the setting?

Thanks in advance,
John