Is running A/C all the time bad in any way?
08-08-2017, 09:17 PM
#1
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Is running A/C all the time bad in any way?
I never turn the A/C off, its always set to AUTO, and I was wondering if any problem would come up from never turning it off?
08-09-2017, 07:58 AM
#2
Not a problem. Most people with automatic thermostats just set them and forget them. There are protective sensors and fuses should there be a problem. No need to worry about this part of the car.
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08-09-2017, 09:21 AM
#4
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When set to AUTO, the HVAC system engages the A/C as necessary; it is also smart enough to shut it off when the OAT gets down to a certain point (I don't know what Honda's threshold is, but some manufacturers use 27°F as the point where the compressor will no longer be engaged).
08-09-2017, 09:22 AM
#5
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If you ask my finacee's dad, his answer will be, "ALWAYS TURN OFF THE A/C A FEW MINUTES BEFORE TURNING OFF THE CAR"
Where's the logic to that? who knows.. 
Where's the logic to that? who knows..
08-09-2017, 09:24 AM
#6
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I'm kind of weird but I manually turn off my AC when I don't need it. It bugs me to have it cycling on and off when I'm stopped and it places an extra burden on the engine and cooling system. Granted, if it's not warm outside, the compressor isn't going to stay on long. But it still bugs me.
If I'm on the freeway or something like that I might not mess around with it since it's not noticeable when cruising and the cooling system isn't working nearly as hard at highway speeds due to more air flow. But around town I shut it off.
In the winter, I'll turn it on if I need the defroster. When you hit the defrost button it comes on automatically anyway to help reduce humidity. Or I'll turn it on at least once a month to prevent it stagnating too long which I've heard can cause problems. But otherwise, I leave it off if I don't need it.
If I'm on the freeway or something like that I might not mess around with it since it's not noticeable when cruising and the cooling system isn't working nearly as hard at highway speeds due to more air flow. But around town I shut it off.
In the winter, I'll turn it on if I need the defroster. When you hit the defrost button it comes on automatically anyway to help reduce humidity. Or I'll turn it on at least once a month to prevent it stagnating too long which I've heard can cause problems. But otherwise, I leave it off if I don't need it.
08-09-2017, 09:27 AM
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- By shutting the car down with the A/C still engaged the coils are typically COLD; if you live in a humid environment water will condense on the coils, and with no airflow mildew can grow and make for that kind of nasty A/C smell many folks complain of.
- By turning the A/C off while there is still airflow through the evap coils, you allow them to come up to the ambient temperature; this in turn keeps them dry.
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08-09-2017, 09:31 AM
#8
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I'm kind of weird but I manually turn off my AC when I don't need it. It bugs me to have it cycling on and off when I'm stopped and it places an extra burden on the engine and cooling system. Granted, if it's not warm outside, the compressor isn't going to stay on long. But it still bugs me.
If I'm on the freeway or something like that I might not mess around with it since it's not noticeable when cruising and the cooling system isn't working nearly as hard at highway speeds due to more air flow. But around town I shut it off.
In the winter, I'll turn it on if I need the defroster. When you hit the defrost button it comes on automatically anyway to help reduce humidity. Or I'll turn it on at least once a month to prevent it stagnating too long which I've heard can cause problems. But otherwise, I leave it off if I don't need it.
If I'm on the freeway or something like that I might not mess around with it since it's not noticeable when cruising and the cooling system isn't working nearly as hard at highway speeds due to more air flow. But around town I shut it off.
In the winter, I'll turn it on if I need the defroster. When you hit the defrost button it comes on automatically anyway to help reduce humidity. Or I'll turn it on at least once a month to prevent it stagnating too long which I've heard can cause problems. But otherwise, I leave it off if I don't need it.
08-09-2017, 09:31 AM
#9
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My parents also never turn their computer off because 15 years ago it was best to leave it on to prevent temperature cycling to the circuitry. Oh, and they make sure to run the water for a minute or two because back in the day, copper piping might corrode and leave deposits in the water. Nevermind that their house is all pex piping. I can't convince them otherwise.
08-09-2017, 09:32 AM
#10
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There is logic to that.
- By shutting the car down with the A/C still engaged the coils are typically COLD; if you live in a humid environment water will condense on the coils, and with no airflow mildew can grow and make for that kind of nasty A/C smell many folks complain of.
- By turning the A/C off while there is still airflow through the evap coils, you allow them to come up to the ambient temperature; this in turn keeps them dry.
Southern California is far from humid though
08-09-2017, 09:43 AM
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There is logic to that.
- By shutting the car down with the A/C still engaged the coils are typically COLD; if you live in a humid environment water will condense on the coils, and with no airflow mildew can grow and make for that kind of nasty A/C smell many folks complain of.
- By turning the A/C off while there is still airflow through the evap coils, you allow them to come up to the ambient temperature; this in turn keeps them dry.
08-09-2017, 10:36 AM
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There is logic to that.
- By shutting the car down with the A/C still engaged the coils are typically COLD; if you live in a humid environment water will condense on the coils, and with no airflow mildew can grow and make for that kind of nasty A/C smell many folks complain of.
- By turning the A/C off while there is still airflow through the evap coils, you allow them to come up to the ambient temperature; this in turn keeps them dry.
I do the same and have been for years, so looks like their might be the beginning of a barber shop quartet. Just can't get the Mrs. to do the same.
