This is NOT a complaint, just curious. When I have the controls set in the auto position, it seems like the A/C always comes on right away even when the temp outside is in the 30's. It is not cooling the car by doing this, but why can't it just use outside air if it needs a supply of cold air instead of turning on the A/C compressor? I have the temp set on 74 or 75 degrees.

 

I think the a/c comes on to remove moisture from the air and keep the windows from fogging-up.
I've noticed this in all set the temp/climate controlled cars.

 

Even if your vehicle does not have an automatic setting, you should still be running the A/C periodically throughout the winter to exercise certain parts.

What walc said is also true.

~Brandon

 

Yes, most people mistakenly think of A/C as simply an air cooler when it is better to think of it as an air de-humidifier.

 

don't have the ac on all the time waste gas?

 

yes to a certain extent.. but its nothing to trip about. very minimal effect and personally i just set the thing on auto and just set the temp to about 68 degrees. Set it and Forget it!! hehe

 

You can turn it off in any position except Defrost. I keep my defroster in the feet/winshield position and turn off the A/C. Robbs too much HP and gas........................

 

Most cars are built to run the AC during defrost for two valid reasons

One is that the AC dehumifies tha air which makes defrosting work better.

The other is that the AC system needs to run once and a while to keep the seals "wet". If you never ran the AC all winter you would run the risk of the seal drying out and getting a leak.

The compressor will not run for long when it is cold out since the system is designed to stop when the coils get too cold (to prevent frost-over).

AndyB

 

I understand that for defrost on the windshield, the water seperator in the A/C system does a great job of clearing the front window. What I am talking about is having only the floor vents on in the winter. Cold air holds much less moisture than warmer air. So I still don't think it needs to come on when the air is cold and dry.

 

There is no need to have the AC on in the winter. The compressor gets on and uses more fuel. Unless you want the windows defrosted. Its good to run the AC once a month to get the seals working. What I do is I keep the fan always on just above the auto. So you dont have to always turn the AC button off.

 

You can also find additional discussion HERE.

WayneTN

 

Thanks for the link Wayne.