Minimizing A/C use

[SentraSE-R]

Originally Posted by dieselbeetle

That's gotta be it. So in other words, the A/C IS on even when it's off!!!

If this isn't exactly so, can you help me to understand what climate control means?

I'm glad we're back to reality. Thought I was in the Unicorn corral for a while. I've seen 150 degrees inside my car on my Ultragauge in 75 degree ambient temps at 8000' elevation in Utah, and in 75 degree ambient temps at sea level in CA.

[Arragonis]

There are times when I read these threads I am happy to be in Scotland.

And then the trench-foot reminds me why sometimes it isn't so good.

[SwamiSalami]

Originally Posted by SentraSE-R

So you seriously think your rental Malibu's AC produced enough cold air in 2 minutes to keep the cabin cold for the next 30? In Orlando, in the middle of July? The laws of thermodynamics don't apply any longer?

You're not going to man up to the fact that the Malibu had to have automatic climate control, and you didn't notice it?

There's not really a reason to be nasty. I'd never driven a car with climate control before.

[SentraSE-R]

Apologies if I rubbed you the wrong way. Internet text doesn't display visual signals. I'll buy you a virtual beer. Cheers!

[roosterk0031]

I wouldn't call my 03 Malibu's system a automatic climate control, but AC runs when On Recirc & temp switch to cold, tried again this morning left home Recirc On, AC off, AC was running, stopped and shut off car. When started the car always turns the Recirc off, but AC was now on. AC always runs in defrost position as well.

I'll try it later to see if temperature controls AC operation when recirc is ON, maybe recirc is less efficient than non recirc in the winter. I only have put 200,000 miles on this car and I didn't know Recirc caused the AC to run till yesterday.

[slowmover]

Minimizing A/C use

Park in shade, windshield facing away from sun, use interior windshield cover when parked. Install heater core shutoff.

Otherwise, let HVAC -- on MAX Recirc -- cool car to knuckle freezing. Then adjust temp upwards and fan down. Not before.

The A/C "penalty" is negligible compared to advantages.

And

Dress appropriately.

[KITT222]

With my Vibe, the AC doesn't really hurt my MPG, but I still don't like the jets of air spraying on me. The past few days have been the hottest in Minnesota for quite some time, with heat indexes of over 110 degrees F. Not one of those days have my HVAC controls moved from OFF. With my window vent visors, I can keep my windows slightly open for the breeze while at work. The windshield is blocked by my sun visor, and my sunroof has the cover closed in the sun. Once I start driving, all my windows are down to let the heat out, and once I'm up to speed, they're only half-down. I've been perfectly cool the whole time!

[slowmover]

With my Vibe, the AC doesn't really hurt my MPG, but I still don't like the jets of air spraying on me.

Don't ever aim them at yourself. Aim the "center" highest so that they point towards the rear of the interior. And the "outer" vents also high, but along the glass towards the rear also.

[bwilson4web]

Perhaps it is time to look at a lithium-bromide, absorption, cooler that uses the exhaust waste heat to drive the boiler?

My understanding is lithium-bromide is safe with copper and these systems typically operate at a reduced pressure so the water refrigerant can boil at lower temperatures. There is a challenge of mounting the waste-heat, radiator but I suspect that can be solved by mounting in the bumper cover area with plenty of ventilation. Sure, it would get crushed in an accident but so too do regular AC units.

When the cold weather comes, drain the lithium-bromide water and wait for warm weather to put it back in and reduce the pressure.

I've got a full-plate of my own mods but this would be a clever solution if someone doesn't mind doing the plumbing.

Bob Wilson

[Neddy Seagoon]

When driving my car I just use the Defrost setting it cools the car just nicely for me with out freezing me, unless I have my Menopausal better half with me.
Neddy