In the car: Windows open, or A/C?

This isn't a debate about which is more fuel-efficient. I've seen studies, equations, real-world tests, etc about the pluses and minuses of each.

I want to know, when the temp is borderline, do you have the A/C on, or the windows open? If it's 90+, the A/C is on for me. If it's below 60, the windows are closed. I try to have the windows open as much as possible. I usually only use the A/C if I feel uncomfortable, even with the windows open.


ETA: Sorry about the confusion.. *I* knew what I meant...

I was wondering about in the car, while driving....

Message edited 5/12/2009 10:37:19 AM.

Re: Windows open, or A/C?

I have CAC and I open the windows whenever possible. I love fresh air!

Re: Windows open, or A/C?

AC, for allergy reasons right now. but we usually like to keep the windows open as much as possible.

Re: Windows open, or A/C?

I try to keep the windows open as long as possible. Once it gets to be too humid, then the windows are closed and the A/C goes on.

I can't stand not being able to breathe b/c its too hot

Re: Windows open, or A/C?

In the car

I like the sunroof open- with the ac or heat (even the heated seat) depending on the temp

If it's over 45 out- chances are my sunroof is open (unless it's raining)

Message edited 5/13/2009 10:34:39 AM.

Re: Windows open, or A/C?

ooops--thought this was about homes.


if its humid and sticky--a/c

otherwise--windows

Message edited 5/12/2009 10:55:33 AM.

Re: Windows open, or A/C?

i think the question is about when driving... if i read that right: i love the wind in my hair! if i'm on the highway and i want to hear music, the windows get closed and AC is on.

now the discaimer: i have curly hair. so if it's humid, the windows are UP and the AC is on.

Re: Windows open, or A/C?

I didn't see the car part ... Windows open

Message edited 5/12/2009 2:25:23 PM.

Re: Windows open, or A/C?

If it's hot AND sticky, the AC must be on for me. I start to feel sick if it's really hot and humid.

That's usually all of July and August. Some of June and some of September. But if it's not really humid and just warm, I'm good with opening the window and turning on a fan.


ETA: ok just saw it's for IN THE CAR. I like having the AC on when it's hot because you don't get much wind when you're in stop and go traffic. If I'm on the highway, sometimes I'll just open the windows, but if it's really beaming hot and humid, AC is a must.

Message edited 5/12/2009 10:44:10 AM.

Re: In the car: Windows open, or A/C?

Windows all the time. It has to be ridiculously hot for me to use the AC.

As for the house, we don't have AC so it's windows all the way but honestly, because we live at such a high elevation for the island, we get such a breeze that we really don't need it.

Re: In the car: Windows open, or A/C?

I use the AC on days its hot. Otherwise I like to have the windows open, I love the fresh air.

Right now I usually start out with the windows open till my sneezing becomes uncontrollable and I have to put the AC on to survive

Re: In the car: Windows open, or A/C?

Windows open as much as possible. However, if it was up to DH A/C would pumping all day everyday. Its a constant battle in the house. To him, Its been A/C weather for a month already

Same for car windows!!

Message edited 5/12/2009 10:54:25 AM.

Re: In the car: Windows open, or A/C?

In the car.........I usually put the A/C on if its above 75 or so....especially if its humid.

If I'm hot and sweaty and the windows down arent cutting it for me.......no matter the temp........I put the a/c on.

I have no patience when I'm hot........and if I'm getting outside hot air blown in my face........the a/c comes on.

Re: In the car: Windows open, or A/C?

It all depends on the day. If it's humid A/C definitely. Today it was hot in the car but I had the window open. It all depends on if DC is in the car also and how hot it is in the backseat.

Re: In the car: Windows open, or A/C?

I put other.... bc it's a toss up. Sometimes I like AC, sometimes I like fresh air and the windows down. Depends on my mood (and of course if it's unbearably hot out).

Re: In the car: Windows open, or A/C?

Windows open in the car for as long as possible. I love the fresh air.

I def. use the a/c when it's hot out though. It's there for a reason, right?

Message edited 5/12/2009 11:19:46 AM.

Re: In the car: Windows open, or A/C?

I prefer windows open, but when it's too hot for that, the a/c comes on.

Re: In the car: Windows open, or A/C?

I cannot stand ANY wind whatsoever... so I NEVER open my windows.
The only time I open a window is to get my food at the drive thru!

I only use AC when it's like 90 degrees out though. I LOVE a hot car. It warms me up since I'm always freezing- even in the summer because they keep the buildings too cold with the AC in the summer...

Re: In the car: Windows open, or A/C?

It depends, if we're driving on the highway then the A/C is on. I don't like the interior noise from the wind blowing in. If we are doing local driving and it's less than 85 then the window is open.

Re: In the car: Windows open, or A/C?

Posted by anonttcer

I cannot stand ANY wind whatsoever... so I NEVER open my windows.
The only time I open a window is to get my food at the drive thru!

I only use AC when it's like 90 degrees out though. I LOVE a hot car. It warms me up since I'm always freezing- even in the summer because they keep the buildings too cold with the AC in the summer...

Re: In the car: Windows open, or A/C?

Car: AC once it's warm enough. The sunroof makes too much wind noise and the window open messes my hair.

House: We really don't need it b/c where we live it doesn't get too hot or humid!

Message edited 5/12/2009 11:54:18 AM.

Re: In the car: Windows open, or A/C?

On a day like today I love to have the windows open. If it is hot - A/C.

Re: In the car: Windows open, or A/C?

I love having the windows open when I'm driving, but I have long hair and it just whips in my face and ends up in knots, so it's usually A/C for me.

Re: In the car: Windows open, or A/C?

Windows and the sunroof open when possible. Especially after this long and drawn out winter.

Re: In the car: Windows open, or A/C?

Windows open 1/4 way down to get in a breeze when its warmish like now - i love the breeze but hate it blowing my hair around.
If its hot, i welcome the A/C to cool me down.

DH knows as soon as i get in the car that the AC has to go on immediately otherwise i get overheated.
I never have the problem of being cold all the time, i'm always hot!