Air-con query

L

Loverobot

Member
Do you run with the air-con switched on even when it's cold out and if so why?
Does it harm anything to not run it? Seems a bit pointless to run it when no cooling needed and guess it affects fuel consumption?
I ask because I am sure I read that these systems need to be run and also because as a contact lens wearer I prefer not to as it dries the air
 
Loverobot, I leave mine running all of the time as it is air conditioning as opposed to simply air cooling. In addition, it is generally considered better to let the air con run all of the time for its reliability. It certainly should not make the air dry just, well condition - so the humidity should be controlled. That said on other cars I have switched it off for winter periods and it has not stopped working! As for the fuel consumption, yes it does use some power but I would think a very little and probably less than an overly heavy accelerator foot on a frustrating day. :D
 
Thanks Mike that's v helpful - I had noticed it defaults to 'on' and assumed there may be a reason
Not had air con before (or any of the other toys lol) so did get me wondering!
 
I run mine only when I need the air freshening or cooling, windscreen defrosting, etc. They should be run periodically, but certainly no point at all in running them continuously (unless it's your personal choice to do so).

They as you suspect do affect fuel consumption as they use a lot of power to drive the compressor and increase emissions.

Don't take my word - read this:

The power necessary to operate a vehicle air-conditioning compressor is significant – it can be greater than the engine
power required to move a mid-sized vehicle at a constant speed of 56 km/h (35 mph). A 400-W load on a conventional
engine can decrease the fuel economy by about 0.4 km/L (1 mpg). The United States could save over $6 billion annually if
all the light-duty vehicles in the country achieved a modest 0.4-km/L (1-mpg) increase in fuel economy.

For 12,000 miles each vehicle, on average, uses about 62 gallons of petrol annually for operating the air-conditioning system, assuming 20mpg and average speed of 48mph

Source National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Edit - the default is either to how you last used it or iirc can be programmed
 
Whenever i push the auto on mine the A/c comes on, but then i turn it right off!

All my previous cars with auto climate did this - never had any problems in the past leaving my a/c off... but then the a/c on is good at demisting the windows when it is wet outside.
 
Air con to defrost the windscreen?
I HATE to sound stupid here....but surely u need heat to defrost/demist ur screen
Doesnt air con just cool the air?
God i hope ive not said somethin stupid....
How does cooler air help defrost?
Am i retarded...
What happens when u put the temp settion up to 28 and turn air con on?? :lol:
 
air con helps remove moisture from the air, so this helps clear the screen quicker than just heat which moves it elsewhere when it cools again.
 
My air con is uncomfortable sometimes. I'm constantly messing with it sometimes to get the right temp in the cabin.

It can easily get to hot and give me a headache!

Which is the aircon button? there is also one with a snowlfake on..whats that for?
 
Jeesh, it's hot turn it on, it's not dont have it on.

Your windows steam up, press demister as the difference aircon makes is negligible.

The world turns, the seasons change, life is too short to worry about doing things 1% better...
 
Well 'Jeesh' if your aircon packs in you can just open you windows or put your roof down I guess. Me ? Would prefer to know the best way to preserve things in their operating state; esp as I drive a sardine tin lol
 
Continuous use of the air conditioning helps prevent the build-up of mould and microbes inside the micro-filter. It also stops seals from becoming brittle, which can cause the refrigerant to leak.
 
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