What are the effects of turning on the cold air without AC?

[ThomasRose]

The effects of turning on the cold air without AC: Without AC, the air will blow directly from the air vents without being cooled, and over time it will become increasingly hot. To get cold air in the car, the AC switch must be turned on, which activates the compressor to deliver cooled air. Below is an introduction to the working principles of the car's air conditioning system: 1. Cold air working principle: Cold air is formed by compressing the refrigerant to liquefy it and then vaporize it, absorbing a significant amount of heat from the air. When the cold air is turned on, the compressor pulley drives the compressor to work, increasing the engine load and consuming a certain amount of fuel. 2. Warm air working principle: Warm air comes from the heat generated by the engine during operation. After the engine's cooling system dissipates heat from the engine, a fan sends this heat into the car to form warm air.

[MargaretDella]

Turning on the cold air without activating the AC results in air that isn't cool at all; in fact, it might even blow warm. With over ten years of driving experience, I've found that operating the car this way in summer doesn't lower the cabin temperature, leaving you sweating profusely. While it does save a bit of fuel since the compressor isn't running, the discomfort from the heat affects driving concentration. The air conditioning system doesn't just cool; it also dehumidifies. Without the AC, the windows can fog up, obscuring your view. It's best to turn on the AC for cooling, especially on long trips, as it makes the journey much more comfortable. Using only the fan without the AC for extended periods doesn't significantly wear out the fan components, but the air can become stale over time. Regular maintenance of the air conditioning system is crucial to avoid issues when seasons change.

[LeJune]

From a maintenance perspective, turning on the cold air without activating the AC only runs the fan, leaving the compressor idle, with no cooling or dehumidifying effect. I've handled many faulty vehicles where owners complained about the air not being cold, only to find the controls weren't set correctly or the AC wasn't engaged. In such cases, the air doesn't cool down, and with high outside temperatures, warm air is blown in. It's true that not running the compressor saves fuel, but keeping the fan running continuously may shorten its lifespan. It's recommended to activate the AC system for full functionality, especially on humid days for dehumidification and mold prevention. Regularly clean the air conditioning ducts to maintain efficiency.

[Briana]

Turning on the cold air without AC saves the most fuel, as the compressor is turned off, reducing engine load and lowering fuel consumption. I'm used to driving in a fuel-efficient way, and this method works well during mild spring and autumn weather, providing a refreshing natural breeze. However, it's ineffective in hot weather—blowing in hot air doesn't cool you down. The AC doesn't just cool; it also dehumidifies. Without AC, humidity lingers, making the cabin stuffier. Balancing energy efficiency: Using just the fan when it's not too hot is fine, but turn on the AC in high temperatures. Proper car maintenance overall leads to greater economy.

[QuinnAnn]

The comfort experience is much worse. When turning on the cold air without AC, the wind lacks coolness, and in summer, it feels like a heater. I tried it during a family trip, and the kids were complaining about the heat. Without AC, the humidity is high, making it easy to feel carsick. It's best to turn on all functions, as the air conditioning cools and dehumidifies, making the air fresh and dry. If not turned on, the windows fog up, affecting visibility and safe driving. Develop a good habit of turning on the AC system immediately after starting to optimize comfort. Seat cooling pads can also help.