Go Back   EcoModder Forum > EcoModding > EcoModding Central
Register Now
 Register Now
 

Reply  Post New Thread
 
Submit Tools LinkBack Thread Tools
Old 06-22-2015, 05:09 PM   #1 (permalink)
Master EcoModder
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Richmond, VA
Posts: 447

Valerie - '03 Honda Civic DX
Team Honda
90 day: 55.79 mpg (US)
Thanks: 277
Thanked 231 Times in 105 Posts
Question Will cycling the a/c put more wear on the system?

I'm thinking about installing a switch where (when on) the a/c would be deactivated whenever pressing down on the gas pedal. Thus only using the A/C when decelerating.
This switch when off will allow the A/C system to run normally.

The question I have is, would this cause any excess wear and tear on the A/C system to be cycling so much. (I P&G almost all the time)

__________________

  Reply With Quote
Alt Today
Popular topics

Other popular topics in this forum...

   
Old 06-22-2015, 05:11 PM   #2 (permalink)
EcoModding Apprentice
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Greater Milwaukee area, Wisconsin
Posts: 157

To Be Determined (Too-be) - '15 Chevrolet Malibu LS Eco
90 day: 35.41 mpg (US)
Thanks: 46
Thanked 30 Times in 23 Posts
I think car AC systems already cycle on and off all on their own.
  Reply With Quote
Old 06-22-2015, 05:13 PM   #3 (permalink)
Master EcoModder
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Richmond, VA
Posts: 447

Valerie - '03 Honda Civic DX
Team Honda
90 day: 55.79 mpg (US)
Thanks: 277
Thanked 231 Times in 105 Posts
Quote:
Originally Posted by The Other Andy View Post
I think car AC systems already cycle on and off all on their own.
Yeah, but I'm speaking of having it cycle on and off probably every 5-10 seconds. Which, I assume is MUCH more frequently.
__________________

  Reply With Quote
Old 06-22-2015, 05:14 PM   #4 (permalink)
Master Novice
 
elhigh's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: SE USA - East Tennessee
Posts: 2,314

Josie - '87 Toyota Pickup
90 day: 40.02 mpg (US)

Felicia - '09 Toyota Prius Base
90 day: 49.01 mpg (US)
Thanks: 427
Thanked 616 Times in 450 Posts
The better AC systems cycle the compressor on and off to maintain set temp - cheaper systems run both the heater (with hot water from the engine cooling system) to temper the AC's cooling effects. Horribly wasteful but there it is.

AC clutches are pretty reliable anymore, so I wouldn't worry about it. I turn my AC off whenever I approach an uphill during my travels, and my car is 12 years old. No problems yet.

Every 5-10 seconds sounds pretty frenetic if you ask me. I think that would affect the drivability of the vehicle, certainly I can feel it whenever my AC comes on.
__________________




Lead or follow. Either is fine.
  Reply With Quote
Old 06-22-2015, 05:58 PM   #5 (permalink)
Master EcoModder
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Tampa, FL
Posts: 1,745

Volt, gas only - '12 Chevrolet Volt Premium
90 day: 38.02 mpg (US)

Volt, electric only - '12 Chevrolet Volt Premium
90 day: 132.26 mpg (US)

Yukon Denali Hybrid - '12 GMC Yukon Denali Hybrid
90 day: 21.48 mpg (US)
Thanks: 206
Thanked 420 Times in 302 Posts
Hook up a light to the clutch circuit and time it. At moderate temps it will cycle quite a bit on its own. But no, i doubt you will be ABLE to hurt the a/c with a manual switch.

Worst i can figure is causing idling issues if you stab the button like a kid on an xbox.
__________________




  Reply With Quote
Old 06-24-2015, 02:57 AM   #6 (permalink)
09 Toyo Yaris HB (Huevos)
 
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Bay Area Calfornia
Posts: 78
Thanks: 2
Thanked 13 Times in 9 Posts
I would think an A/C clutch would fail from dried out and worn out race bearings long before cycling on/off would kill it. I thought the outer race was always spinning, nut I could be wrong
  Reply With Quote
Old 06-24-2015, 09:07 AM   #7 (permalink)
Master EcoModder
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 5,927
Thanks: 877
Thanked 2,024 Times in 1,304 Posts
It will probably cycle less for longer periods of time. I think wear would be mostly the same, might be less.

regards
mech

  Reply With Quote
Reply  Post New Thread


Thread Tools




Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.5.2
All content copyright EcoModder.com