Flipping on the AC contributes to greenhouse gas emissions in more ways than one. Not only do air conditioners burn fuel, but they also leak millions of tons of greenhouse gases each year.
Vehicle ACs leak 8.7 million metric tons of carbon equivalent, but new technology that detects refrigerant leaks is being incorporated into vehicles. New recycling machines that recover a higher amount of refrigerants will also reduce the amount of gases that escape into the atmosphere.
The technologies were developed through the EPA's Mobile Air Conditioning Climate Protection Partnership, which estimates that powering vehicle air conditioners consume 7 billion gallons of gasoline every year.
Me, I only use the air conditioner when it is absolutely necessary, which isn't very often in Portland, Oregon. I prefer the fresh air, and I also think you can hear what is going on around the car better with the windows open, which makes me feel safer driving. I wouldn't expect folks to drive sans AC if it's over 90 degrees or if the air outside your car smells really bad (like driving past a pig farm or in most parts of New Jersey).
Source: EPA
