I have noticed in the really hot weather, the regular AC just doesn't get the car very cool unless I have a long trip, however if I keep it on the recycle setting, it gets much colder faster.

I was wondering is running the AC on recycle all the time when it is super hot will harm the AC, or if I should be running it on regular? Or does it not matter? I just don't want to wear the AC down as I know they are very costly to repair/replace.

I have a 03 Freedom edition.

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2003 Jeep Liberty Freedom Edition
Automatic
3.7L V6
Toyo Open Country ATs 235/65/17

1992 Geo Metro Convertible...undergoing full restoration (http://www.teamswift.net/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=43375)

1981 Honda CM400E motorcycle

The recirculate setting just keeps cooling the cabin air,the regular a/c setting draws fresh air from the outside and cools that.That's why when in the recirulate stting it cools faster since it is drawing the air only from inside the cabin and not fresh air from outside.

Exactly...so running it on Recycle is probably EASIER on your AC system. Mine stays there when its hot out.

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It may be that your only purpose in life is to serve as a warning to others.

06 CRD Sport
Built 5/11/06
Jeep Green
Rocklizard diff cover
V6 Airbox

There is also a vent at the back of the liberty that lets some air out of the cabin. I believe that this closes when you are in the Recycle mode so that all of the air being cooled isn't as hot.

Going down the highway allows enough air to move across the condensor to aid in the cooling and this is why the "Normal" mode A/C might work better on your longer trips. It also keeps some fresh air moving into the cabin so that it doesn't get as stuffy.

For me on short trips

Windows cracked, A/C set to Floor/Vent for the first 5 minutes
Then I switch to windows rolled up, sunroof shade pulled shut, A/C set to "Recycle"

If the trip is longer than 1 hour, I use the regular mode more.

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02 Liberty Limited
Silver Outside & Taupe Inside
Heated Seats, Sunroof & Infinity speakers
USA Spec I-Pod adaptor, Mopar Sub, Garmin GPS
Tow Package, Select-Trac
Rock Rails, Tow Hooks