What does the ECON button on a car mean?

[DerekLee]

The ECON mode in a car's air conditioning system is actually an energy-saving mode for the air conditioner. The ECON function only takes effect when the air conditioner's cooling mode is activated. Since the air conditioning compressor is driven by the engine and can consume up to 20% of the engine's power, activating the ECON mode reduces the air conditioner's power consumption while maintaining its cooling effect, thereby saving fuel. Activating the air conditioner's economy mode is very simple. The driver only needs to turn on the air conditioner and 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 provided. Here’s an introduction to the car air conditioner's ECON mode: Typically, the car air conditioner has an A/C symbol to indicate whether the air conditioner is on or off, while the ECON function only works when the cooling mode is activated, representing the air conditioner's economy mode. In this mode, the compressor still operates, but compared to the normal mode, the compressor's control point is raised. The compressor does not remain continuously engaged; instead, its start-stop cycle is controlled by the evaporator temperature. In normal mode, the compressor's start-stop point is between 2~4°C. In ECON mode, the start-stop point is raised to 8~10°C. The lower the temperature, the longer and harder the compressor works. By enabling the ECON mode, the engine's power output is conserved, leading to fuel savings. Functions of the car air conditioner: Uses a refrigerant's continuous phase-change cycle to achieve cooling; Removes dust, odors, smoke, and toxic gases from the car's interior, improving air quality and humidifying the cabin air to increase relative humidity; Uses the engine's coolant, waste heat, or a burner's combustion heat as a heating source. The heater warms the air, which is then blown into the cabin by a fan, raising 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: Do not set the air conditioner temperature too low. A large temperature difference between the inside and outside of the car can easily cause the driver to catch a cold, and excessively low temperatures may also increase the risk of arthritis for passengers. Adjust the air vent direction. Based on the principle that cold air sinks and warm air rises, when using cooling, direct the vents upward, and when using heating, direct them downward. 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.