Does running the AC burn gas..?

Do you mean does your MPG go down if you use the AC vs opening the windows? It is negligible.

It's 6 of one and a half dozen of the other. Running the air conditioning does put an added load on the engine. But riding with the windows down makes the vehicle less aerodynamic. Both scenarios cause a slight loss of gas mileage that's about equal to each other! So if I'm going to lose a mile or two per gallon, I would rather be comfortable with the air conditioning on while doing it! Hope that helps! Jim