WASHINGTON - According to an AP-Yahoo News poll, $4 per gallon gasoline is not only causing Americans to drive less, it’s also causing them to cut back on their air conditioning use.

The poll indicates that the price of gasoline is the biggest issue on the minds of American consumers at this time. Ninety percent expect high gas prices to have a financial impact on them. About half are expecting serious financial hardship because of the high prices.

Of those earning less than $25,000, two-thirds are using their HVAC systems less to reduce their expenses. But even among higher-income consumers, those with incomes greater than $100,000, almost 60 percent are using their heating and cooling systems less.

Publication date:07/21/2008