brettacuff wrote:
5. Roll down windows rather than using air conditioning -- comfort wasted
... For even better mileage, you can improve your AC's efficiency by using the re-circulation setting on the car's HVAC system instead of forcing the AC to cool the hot air from outside. Heeding this tip will increase your mileage, as well as your comfort.
I read in the owners manual just the other day that it highly recommends against using the recirculation setting for more than 10 minutes at a time.
quoted directly from the manual below:
For Manual AC Control"
Recirculation ControlUse this button to block the flow of outside air
from coming into the passenger compartment.
A light will illuminate when the system is in
recirculation mode. Only use the recirculation
mode as a temporary means to block out any outside
odors, smoke, or dust, and to cool the interior rapidly
upon initial start up in very hot or humid weather.
NOTE:• Continuous use of the recirculation mode may make
the inside air stuffy and window fogging may occur.
Extended use of this mode is not recommended.
• The use of the recirculation mode in cold or damp
weather will cause windows to fog on the inside,
because of moisture build-up inside the vehicle. Select
the Outside Air position for maximum defogging.
• The A/C will engage automatically to prevent fogging
when the recirculation button is pressed and the mode
control is set to panel or panel / floor."
Operating TipsNOTE: Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather conditions.
Summer OperationThe engine cooling system in air-conditioned vehicles
must be protected with a high-quality antifreeze coolant
to provide proper corrosion protection and to protect
against engine overheating. A 50% solution of ethylene
glycol antifreeze coolant in water is recommended. Refer
to “Maintenance Procedures” in Section 7 of this manual
for proper coolant selection.
Winter OperationUse of the air Recirculation mode during winter months
is not recommended because it may cause window
fogging.
Vacation StorageAnytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air
conditioning system at idle for about five minutes in the
fresh air and high blower settings. This will ensure
adequate system lubrication to minimize the possibility
of compressor damage when the system is started again."
Theres a ton of into in there for people with the AUTO AC