What is the ECON function of the Accord?

[CharlesMarie]

The ECON in car air conditioning is actually an energy-saving mode of the air conditioning system. ECON only takes effect when the air conditioning cooling is turned on. The air conditioning compressor is driven by the engine and can consume up to 20% of the engine's power. After activating the ECON mode, the vehicle will reduce the air conditioning power while ensuring cooling performance, thereby achieving fuel-saving effects. The method to turn on the air conditioning economy mode is very simple. The owner only needs to press the "ECON" button after turning on the air conditioning. When the button light is on, the air conditioning cooling system is turned off, and only natural air or warm air is provided. The introduction of the car air conditioning ECON mode is as follows: Usually, the car air conditioning has an A/C indicator to represent the air conditioning being turned on or off, while ECON only works when the air conditioning cooling is turned on, representing the economy mode of the air conditioning. In this state, the compressor will also work. Compared with the normal mode, the control point of the compressor is increased, and the compressor does not remain engaged continuously during operation. The start and stop points of the compressor are controlled by the evaporation temperature. In normal mode, the compressor's start-stop point is 24°C. In ECON mode, the compressor's start-stop point is 810°C. The lower the temperature, the longer the compressor's working time and workload. Activating the ECON mode will save engine power output and fuel consumption. The functions of car air conditioning: Achieve cooling effects through the continuous phase change cycle of the refrigerant; Remove dust, odors, smoke, and toxic gases from the car's interior air, making the air fresh, and humidify the car's interior air to increase its relative humidity; Use the engine coolant, waste heat, or heat generated by a burner as a heat source for heating, which is then blown into the car's interior or exterior air by a blower to raise the outlet air temperature for heating purposes; Draw in fresh external air for ventilation and air exchange, which also helps prevent windshield fogging. Precautions for using air conditioning in the car: Do not set the air conditioning 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 pose a risk of arthritis for passengers. Control the direction of the air outlet. Based on the principle that cold air sinks and hot air rises, when controlling the air conditioning outlet, you can follow the rule of pointing the outlet upward when cooling and downward when heating. Do not turn on the air conditioning immediately after the car has been exposed to the sun. After the car has been exposed to the sun, the interior temperature will be very high. First, open the windows for ventilation, and then turn on the air conditioning after the hot air has been expelled.

[MacLogan]

The ECON mode in the Accord is primarily a feature designed to enhance fuel economy. When activated, the vehicle adjusts driving parameters, such as slightly smoothing out acceleration response to avoid abrupt starts and reducing the intensity of throttle input. The air conditioning output is also lowered to conserve energy while maintaining a comfortable cabin temperature. The transmission logic changes, shifting gears earlier to keep the engine running at lower RPMs, thereby minimizing unnecessary fuel consumption. Personally, I often use ECON in congested urban traffic—it helps me control the waste from frequent stops and starts, saving a significant amount on fuel costs over time, roughly around 10% based on my experience. Of course, this mode slightly reduces power output, so I turn it off and switch back to normal mode when driving on highways or needing quick overtakes. Overall, it’s a very practical setting, especially suited for daily commuters prioritizing fuel efficiency and smooth driving. Additionally, the Accord’s ECON integrates optimized engine management without compromising basic safety. I recommend owners try it out to experience the benefits it offers.

[VanGage]

From my driving experience, the Accord's ECON function is like a money-saving assistant, optimizing the engine and systems to reduce fuel consumption. Specifically, with ECON activated, the engine avoids aggressive throttle inputs, delivering smoother operation, while the AC airflow is reduced but remains adequate. Gear shifts also become more intelligent, upshifting earlier to prevent wasteful high revs. I've found this particularly effective in daily driving—like during slow-moving rush hour traffic—where it helps avoid sudden acceleration that guzzles fuel, effortlessly cutting fuel expenses. Long-term use has noticeably reduced my gas bills, especially during periods of fluctuating fuel prices, making these savings quite valuable. Although there's a slight dip in power, turning off ECON mode instantly restores full performance, ensuring it doesn't compromise urgent needs. Overall, it's a straightforward and user-friendly tool that Accord owners should get accustomed to using at appropriate times. Bonus: It also lowers emissions, contributing a bit to environmental friendliness.

[SanMaggie]

ECON mode is an energy-saving setting in the Accord that helps improve fuel efficiency. When activated, it slows down throttle response, provides smoother acceleration, reduces air conditioning intensity to conserve energy, and makes the transmission shift at lower RPMs to avoid high fuel consumption. Personally, I find this feature very convenient, especially during traffic jams or long-distance steady-speed driving, as it effectively reduces fuel consumption and emissions. It's most practical in daily scenarios like city driving—while power output is slightly reduced, safety remains unaffected. Overall, it's a thoughtful design.

[BriannaMarie]

In my understanding, the Accord's ECON mode is designed to optimize fuel economy. When activated, the car becomes more docile—for example, acceleration is less aggressive, and the air conditioning airflow is slightly reduced while still maintaining cooling. The shift logic is also adjusted to upshift earlier, keeping the engine running at lower fuel consumption. I often use this mode in slow urban driving conditions to reduce wasted energy from sudden braking and starts, which indeed helps save on fuel costs. Over the long term, the reduction in fuel expenses is noticeable, but I can switch out of the mode whenever more power is needed. This feature is ideal for cost-conscious drivers.