Will cycling the a/c put more wear on the system?

[whatmaycome14]

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)

[The Other Andy]

I think car AC systems already cycle on and off all on their own.

[whatmaycome14]

Originally Posted by The Other Andy

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.

[elhigh]

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.

[ksa8907]

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.

[2009Toyotoad]

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

[user removed]

It will probably cycle less for longer periods of time. I think wear would be mostly the same, might be less.

regards
mech