Fact or Fiction: Turning off AC before stopping car extends compressor life?
08-05-2003, 05:50 PM
#4
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I don't know about the compressor BUT ...
I have been told that shutting off the compressor but keeping the HVAC fan running for 5 minutes or so to bring everything to room temp WILL dry up the ductwork in the interior and keep from mildew build-up and the stench that goes along with this in hot/humid climates.
Also, I don't run my AC in my Roadster in really hot days with the top down for the same reason.
Also, I don't run my AC in my Roadster in really hot days with the top down for the same reason.
08-05-2003, 06:02 PM
#5
No, it will not do a thing for the compressor.
If anything it might save the (compressor)clutch a bit but probably not much. The only reason I turn mine off before I shut off the ignition is so that it will not be on when I start the car. On older cars it would put a bit more strain on the starter when you started the car because it would spin the compressor too. Now cars are equipped with switches that delay the compressor from kicking on the same time as the engine. It really doesn't matter but I have gotten into this habbit and you know what they say about old habbits. -Doug
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08-05-2003, 07:20 PM
#9
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To keep the ducts dry.....
I agree it's good to turn the temp up to warm the ducts, but it's best to also leave the compressor ON to continue conditioning the air. You don't want warm moist air to hit the cold dry ducts condensing inside the ducts and later causing mildew. If you leave the compressor on, you can heat up the ducts with drier air. You need to heat them up to about 75 or 80 degrees, depending on how humid it is outside. ...just my $.02
08-06-2003, 01:00 AM
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Run 'econ' before shutting down...
Here in tropical Hawai`i, it's good to let the fan run with the compressor off ("econ" mode) to let the evaporator fins dry off a little. (Say long enough to put up the top on a TTR.) Otherwise the stinky mold and mildew smells will take over! (How do I know? Ran an inadvertent 'control' experiment with my sig. other's Golf. Pee-yew! Now we run the fan for a few seconds on 'econ' before shutting down, religiously.