Here in the San Francisco Bay Area, the weather is generally pretty temperate, and these days, it is perfectly comfortable having the A/C unit completely off, or just fan only. However, my sales guy had mentioned, as I was taking delivery of the car, that I should run the a/c somewhat often (or on occasion... I can't remember his exact words), or something will eventually happen... which I can't remember. I guess I was too excited about the car and wanted him to stop talking and let me go...

So what's the general rule on running the A/C? I'd prefer not to use it unless it's really hot because of the gas mileage and uncomfortable cold air. Plus, I now have perforated seats, so the seat coolers should be effective too...

Any thoughts? Thanks.

-Kevin

 

Not sure about how often to run your air but you should turn it on once in a while. Check the manual for this as well. I use mine all the time. Here in lorida it is always hot, humid or both.

 

You'd be amazed at how high tech and energy efficient this a/c compressor is. I got schooled on this awhile back here on CL. I only lost 0.2 mpg on my trip from Fremont to Sacramento (I do this a LOT) with the a/c on compared to having it off.
The bad thing about leaving it off all the time is the compressor does have oil in it and it needs to circulate from time to time to ensure it doesn't seize. If you ever have to use your front defroster, your a/c will turn on to help dehumidify the air, so you may be running it without realising it.

 

I just leave my HVAC system on auto and set my desired temperature. From what i've read, even when the AC icon is lit up, the compressors duty cycle isn't necessarily 100% depending on the ambient temps and desired temperature. Sometimes if I'm going up a steep hill I may go in there and manually turn it off.

 

I live in S.F. also and I don't have it running all the time. I do have fresh air from the fan on all the time. As far as something going wrong if you don't use it for a long time, Trust me you will use it a few times a year. We do have days when the inside is too hot even if outside is not. Don't worry about it and enjoy the car.

 

Click here to learn about how high tech our a/c compressor is. (Thanks Bichon!)