Air conditioning in Winter

[StatusRed]

Originally Posted by phil1968

No it doesn't, using it all the time keeps the seals on the compressor lubricated meaning the refrigerant is less likely to leak out.

Originally Posted by tiredted

If its using refrigerent there is a leak and it needs attention , Which has resulted most likely from lack of use allowing the seals to deteriate

Gas then.. or whatever it uses..

[Snoodini]

I keep mine on all the time. Climate control systems work best when they have total unimpeded control over the various climate sub-systems. No need to think about having to turn it on or off.

[cheshired5]

Originally Posted by sannesley

Is that not sore on fuel?

No.
Just because ac is on, it doesn't mean it's on constantly.
The compressor pulley is driven constantly anyway and has a clutch plate which engages the compressor when needed.
I had two identical vehicles one after the other and did about 150k in both. One had ac, which I left on permanently and the other didn't.
It makes no difference to consumption in fact being a few stone overweight or carrying unnecessary stuff in the boot or on the roof will make more difference.
A compressor is a machine and machines like to work so if you don't work them, they fail prematurely and wipe out any perceived saving anyway.

[Bungo]

Originally Posted by Snoodini

I keep mine on all the time. Climate control systems work best when they have total unimpeded control over the various climate sub-systems. No need to think about having to turn it on or off.

Climate control works just as well with fresh air intake in winter, so no need to have AC on at all. I use it for demisting and/or 15 mins a month maintenance. How much fuel it uses is debatable but it also does add some load to the engine.
Why have it on all the time if it's not needed ?

[phil1968]

Originally Posted by StatusRed

Gas then.. or whatever it uses..

The refrigerant (or it is sometimes called gas), is constantly circulated around the system, it doesn't 'use' it. A little oil is circulated with it. Think of it as the same as the water that's constantly circulated to keep your engine cool when it's running. The gas will eventually leak out through the compressor seal (the seal that's around the compressor shaft, driven by the engine), but will leak more quickly if the seals aren't kept lubricated by the oil unless you run the A/C at least once a week. With normal use A/C on vehicles need re-gassing every 2 to 3 years.

[StatusRed]

Originally Posted by phil1968

The refrigerant (or it is sometimes called gas), is constantly circulated around the system, it doesn't 'use' it. A little oil is circulated with it. Think of it as the same as the water that's constantly circulated to keep your engine cool when it's running. The gas will eventually leak out through the compressor seal (the seal that's around the compressor shaft, driven by the engine), but will leak more quickly if the seals aren't kept lubricated by the oil unless you run the A/C at least once a week. With normal use A/C on vehicles need re-gassing every 2 to 3 years.

Sounds like that's fine then because at the moment I need to demist my Windows at least once a week and in the Summer I'll be using the aircon a lot more sounds ideal.. and I'm saving on fuel consumption but not needlessly having it on woohoo!

[Johnny Kebab]

I leave mine on auto the whole time and have no difference in fuel consumption whether it's on or off.

JK

[CyberMaarten]

An AC always has huge pressure in it: 15 bar. Also when it's off.

So even when there's a small leakage (often the case), it makes no difference in coolance liquid/gas whether it is on or off.

[RPB]

Mines off permanently.




Because there's a hole in the condensor

[tiredted]

Originally Posted by Bungo

Climate control works just as well with fresh air intake in winter, so no need to have AC on at all. I use it for demisting and/or 15 mins a month maintenance. How much fuel it uses is debatable but it also does add some load to the engine.
Why have it on all the time if it's not needed ?

Why ? because the pros of having it on constantly outweigh the cons of using only now and again , compressor life is extended and seal life is extended , win win