How to use your A/C more efficiently

[Grim]

Couple things I didn't see covered (or missed if they were) use a thermostat to cycle the Compressor. Several people saying to hit the A/C switch when so equipped. Just wire a thermostat in line with the A/C button.

One thing I have proved in all the vehicles I have driven with frequency is when you live where it is hot the A/C is a better choice then open windows on the interstate. For work I drive a Chevy Express. I get a full MPG better average at hwy speeds using the A/C then I do with the windows down. I often make 200-300 mile round trips in a day and I can average 17.1 mpg with summer blend fuel on that vehicle. I have seen simular gains with the Ford Transit connect I am doing a review on for the company I work for. Speeds under 40mph its a wash windows verses A/C unless you are in gridlock. Then of course widows open wins if you can stand the heat.

[automd]

Is this proven by someone already?

"Your air conditining is operated by an engine driven compressor, then two "radiators"; a high pressure, hot one that is warmer than the outside air, and a low pressure, cold one that is cooler than outside air."

[teoman]

Major thread resurrection!!

I have been trying to not use the ac that much but over here temperatures are now unbearably hot for me, and it is humid.

Would spraying water over AC radiator have a significant positive effect?

[elhigh]

Holy thread bump, Teoman!

Yes, spraying water onto the rad or AC condenser will have a significant effect on its effectiveness. It doesn't take much, either.

Source: I'm a professional handyman with AC certification. I have rigged up mist sprayers to help jolly along struggling units until I could fix them properly.

[teoman]

Thanks, after reading about AC removal, I was considering it. Then, the first hot day and... all those ideas went down the drain. I cannot live without AC, so might as well make it as efficient as possible.

I searched the site, and this thread appeared to be the most relevant so i bumped it

Can you give any specifics to your setup? Amount? Spray pattern?

Would putting a cloth on (so the spray does not run off) be of any benefit?

[oldtamiyaphile]

I'd be concerned about accelerated corrosion on the condenser. Maybe use alcohol instead?

[teoman]

Originally Posted by oldtamiyaphile

I'd be concerned about accelerated corrosion on the condenser. Maybe use alcohol instead?

Don't those components basically live outside? Some cars drive in the rain for most of the year.

I could use distilled water, spraying alcohol could get expensive fairly quickly, might be more beneficial putting the alcohol in the tank.

[elhigh]

Corrosion isn't a problem. Don't worry about it. My coil cleaning chemicals are damned harsh, permanently etching my safety glasses, and I've been cleaning the same coils for over a dozen years. The coil can take it.

Don't do the cloth thing, that will impede airflow and make matters worse. Airflow is everything here, the dry coil is more effective than one with the wet cloth on (probably - going on a hunch with no numbers to crunch).

The finer the mist, the better. The more area of the coil you can cover, the better. Give first priority to the hottest end of the condenser.

Seriously consider cleaning the coil very thoroughly, and checking your refrigerant levels. Like I said, airflow is everything in AC and it doesn't take much blockage to make the AC seem beyond hope. I use a foaming alkaline​ solution but it's hellaciously harsh; you can get nearly the same result with soapy water and a strong spray to blow out the gunk.

Your whole problem could completely go away with $5 and ten minutes at the local self serve car wash.

[teoman]

I got a generic windshield sprayer system.

I will install it at some point and see how it goes.

I should probably invest in one of those IR thermometers aswell.

[elhigh]

Let me say again: try cleaning the coils first.

It's easier than trying to construct a misting system, will deliver immediate results if the coils are at all dirty, and doesn't require that you keep filling up a water reservoir. This way you use the water ONCE for the cleaning, and it keeps providing better cooling.