What is the ECON function of the Accord?
2 Answers
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 2~4°C. In ECON mode, the compressor's start-stop point is 8~10°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.
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.
