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rbrowning · 07-24-2010, 08:37 PM

Why do car makers not heat and cool our cars like we do our homes? In my home during the summer, I don't regulate the temperature in a room by running the A/C all of the time and when it gets too cool I turn on the furnace, I just turn off the A/C. Why do we regulate the temperature in our cars by running the A/C all of the time at maximum power then moderate the temperature with hot water from the engine. Why not automatically cycle the A/C on and off to maintain the temperature like your furnace does at home in the winter?

This is the technique that I use to help reduce fuel consumption, but making it automatic would allow the manufacturer to raise their CAFE ratings.

I'm sure that it wouldn't cost too much since you already have temperature sensors all over your car already. And software doesn't add weight.

07-24-2010, 08:37 PM	#1 (permalink)
rbrowning EcoModding Apprentice Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Michigan Posts: 111 Thanks: 10 Thanked 20 Times in 13 Posts	Reducing the energy loss due to A/C Why do car makers not heat and cool our cars like we do our homes? In my home during the summer, I don't regulate the temperature in a room by running the A/C all of the time and when it gets too cool I turn on the furnace, I just turn off the A/C. Why do we regulate the temperature in our cars by running the A/C all of the time at maximum power then moderate the temperature with hot water from the engine. Why not automatically cycle the A/C on and off to maintain the temperature like your furnace does at home in the winter? This is the technique that I use to help reduce fuel consumption, but making it automatic would allow the manufacturer to raise their CAFE ratings. I'm sure that it wouldn't cost too much since you already have temperature sensors all over your car already. And software doesn't add weight.