Does AC rob power while not in use?

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95dakotadude

95dakotadude

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Hey all,

I have a general question with AC. That is, does the AC system draw power even when not engaged? I know it draws power when it's turned on, but I'm wondering if simply having the pulley drag on the engine would cause more than a 1-2hp loss. I'm considering adding AC to my Dakota but won't do it if it draws a significant amount of power while not in use.

Thanks again,
Karl G.
 
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I bet the idling pulley doesn't cause more than 1/2 hp at most if that. A typical clothes dryer motor is around 1/4hp. You really think it takes more to spin that pulley?
 
I know if may AC is not on I get hot as hell and become sluggish. But the real answer is yes. You lose some power because of friction and resistance just in the pulley. But how much I don’t know. The way I look at it unless you are racing for money to make a living and you trailer it ditch the AC. But if it’s a daily keep it. AC down here is highly desirable.
 
I'd bet it's 1/4 hp or less. Not enough to make a difference. A bearing in good condition would give minimal drag.
 
Take the belt off, and spin the pulley. Of course it uses some power, but it wasn't hard to spin, was it? I think the drag would be difficult to measure. Certainly way under a 1/2 hp. I think I read somewhere that an alternator putting out 80 amps still uses less that 1 hp.
 
I bet it takes more power to carry the extra weight around than to just spin that little pulley.
 
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