What does the ECON button next to the car air conditioner mean?
2 Answers
The ECON mode in a car's air conditioning system is essentially an energy-saving mode, which only takes effect when the air conditioner's cooling function is activated. Since the air conditioning compressor is driven by the engine and can consume up to 20% of the engine's power, enabling the ECON mode reduces the air conditioner's power consumption while maintaining its cooling performance, thereby improving fuel efficiency. Activating the air conditioner's economy mode is straightforward. After turning on the air conditioner, simply press the "ECON" button to enable it. When the button's light is on, the cooling system is turned off, and only natural or warm air is circulated. Here’s an introduction to the car air conditioner's ECON mode: Typically, the A/C button on a car's air conditioner indicates whether the air conditioning is on or off, while the ECON mode only functions when the cooling system is active, representing the air conditioner's economy mode. In this mode, the compressor still operates, but compared to the normal mode, the control point for the compressor is higher. The compressor does not remain continuously engaged; instead, its start and stop are controlled by the evaporator temperature. In normal mode, the compressor starts and stops between 2~4°C. In ECON mode, this range shifts to 8~10°C. Lower temperatures require the compressor to work longer and harder. By activating the ECON mode, the engine's power output is conserved, leading to fuel savings. Functions of the car air conditioner: Utilizes the continuous phase change cycle of refrigerant to achieve cooling effects. Removes dust, odors, smoke, and toxic gases from the car's interior, freshening the air and increasing relative humidity. Uses engine coolant, waste heat, or heat generated by a burner as a heating source. The heater warms the air, which is then blown into the cabin by the blower to raise the outlet air temperature for heating purposes. Draws in fresh outside air for ventilation and air exchange, also helping to prevent windshield fogging. Precautions for using the car air conditioner: Avoid setting the air conditioner temperature too low. A significant temperature difference between the inside and outside of the car can easily cause the driver to catch a cold, and excessively low temperatures may increase the risk of arthritis for passengers. Adjust the air vent direction. Based on the principle that cold air sinks and warm air rises, set the vents upward when cooling and downward when heating. Do not turn on the air conditioner immediately after the car has been exposed to the sun. After prolonged sun exposure, the interior temperature becomes very high. First, open the windows to ventilate and allow the hot air to escape before turning on the air conditioner.
After driving for so many years, I've found that the Econ button is essentially the air conditioning's energy-saving mode. When pressed, it adjusts the AC's operation to save fuel, such as limiting the compressor's full-power operation. This reduces the engine's load and lowers fuel consumption, though the cooling effect becomes slightly weaker, which might not be sufficient on extremely hot summer days. I usually turn it on when I'm not in a hurry or driving at low speeds in the city to save some fuel costs. Over time, I've noticed that using Econ wisely also helps reduce carbon emissions. However, it's best to turn it off during extremely hot weather or when quick cooling is needed, as the slower temperature drop might compromise comfort.
