smarquis

I know its not winter yet but it is starting to get cooler here in Atlantic Canada. Do people run their A/C during the winter (or when its below 0). Does the A/C even kick in below 0?

On some of my other cars the techs would recommend running the A/C at lease once a week during the cooler months to keep the seals lub'd.

BASISON

The AC kicks in when you select the defrost mode. I usually always run on full auto anyway regardless of the season.

mkarg

If you always run in the auto mode your A/C will always be on. This will reduce your mpg.

HiTEC

In the winter in Chicago I ran mine in "A/C Off" mode all season long. I didn't have any problems with fogging or anything, but if I did I would run the A/C in those situation when it was humid. It's generally not very humid in freezing weather.

cgriffin33

It's a good idea to run the a/c in the winter, but it probably can be more sparingly than once a week. Also running the a/c with heat will clear foggy windows quicker because the a/c is pumping out drier air. Part of what the a/c system does is take moisture out of the air.

HiTEC

I agree with you about removing moisture from the air... no doubt. It's never been a problem for me, I park my car inside 100% of the time, but when the temp is below freezing it never seems to be very humid (unless it's snowing out). For the most part my car is in A/C OFF mode all winter, but it really depends on your climate.

Another reason to run the air periodically it to keep your compressor lubed.

neuronbob

I just run it in "Auto" at all times so I don't have to think about it. It's easier that way, and my windows are relatively unfogged during the winter as a result.

smarquis

Thanks for the tips everyone.

I think I am going to favor better gas mileage so I am going to keep the A/C off through the winter (unless defrosting....in which the A/C is always on).

So I plan to turn the A/C off and adjust the temperature / fan to keep the cabin comfortable. I will run the A/C occasionally to keep the seals lubed.

pettydw

There is a low temperature limit for the A/C to cycle on,which Canadians will experience.