Leaving AC on all the time ok?

[JL_o|||||||o]

Is it OK to leave the air conditioning
on all the time?
I have mine set at 78 and never swith it OFF;
during all seasons

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[hoch]

I don’t see any issues with it, other than using up unnecessary power. But not sure why you would? It does help clear out condensation, and of course cooling, but other than that, why?

 

[Jeffy56]

Mine has the AUTO mode which could actually run the AC compressor more frequently, if needed, depending on temperature set point, either side. Running the AC compressor more often will lead to repairs required sooner as those parts do not have an unlimited life span. Running in AUTO mode does not mean the compressor is always engaged. Changing the filter 1 - 2 times a year will help.

 

[NWJeepr]

The AC compressor has a limited lifespan like all accessories. I keep the AC system off when not absolutely needed. “Mechanical sympathy”.

With Jeep’s HVAC system that’s harder than you think. It has humidity sensors which will activate the AC pump in any mode, and regardless of the AC’s button’s status indicator on the dash.

Most of the year I keep the system in heat mode, floor vents only. The AC system will engage only in high humidity (typically very rainy days).

I turn the system completely off when I have the windows down or tops out, unless additional heat is needed.

I almost never use auto mode, or dual climate mode, imo those things are silly features and auto makes liberal use of the AC compressor, often when not needed.

 

[billrob71]

Besides the extra wear , running the Compressor all the time is putting extra drag on the engine it will burn more fuel with the compressor running all the time.

 

[DarthAWM]

Is it OK to leave the air conditioning
on all the time?
I have mine set at 78 and never swith it OFF;
during all seasons

78??
Are you a reptile?

 

[DarthAWM]

After reading the other comments I feel like we are discussing AC use in 1978.

 

[yokramer]

This isnt the 80s anymore yea its fine.

 

[BobW]

My OM (p487) says:

"Any time 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 setting. This will ensure adequate system lubrication to minimize the possibility of compressor damage when the system is started again."

Seems odd. I've had no problems, though I often go a couple weeks without driving jeep or using A/C...

 

[jc1003]

That's too hot.

 

[zouch]

78 seems high to me, but it guess it's relative; you're in FL, and i have relatives in AZ that leave their thermostats set @ 80. i guess it's all a matter of acclimatization.

i leave mine set on Auto, in the mid-upper 60s, and let it run AC whenever it wants. it's a modern vehicle; that's what it's for.

not running your AC means that the refrigerant and its lubricants don't get circulated, and the seals in the system dry out as a result and you wind up with leaks; then it won't work at all.
that's why it says in your owners manual to not let it sit without being used for too long; it's literally a Use it or Lose it situation.

Is it OK to leave the air conditioning
on all the time?
I have mine set at 78 and never swith it OFF;
during all seasons

 

[DarthAWM]

78 seems high to me, but it guess it's relative; you're in FL, and i have relatives in AZ that leave their thermostats set @ 80. i guess it's all a matter of acclimatization.

i leave mine set on Auto, in the mid-upper 60s, and let it run AC whenever it wants. it's a modern vehicle; that's what it's for.

not running your AC means that the refrigerant and its lubricants don't get circulated, and the seals in the system dry out as a result and you wind up with leaks; then it won't work at all.
that's why it says in your owners manual to not let it sit without being used for too long; it's literally a Use it or Lose it situation.

Exactly the major components are off the shelf for luxury SUVs and mini vans, they're meant to be used and optimized to minimize effects on fuel economy

 

[roaniecowpony]

Besides the extra wear , running the Compressor all the time is putting extra drag on the engine it will burn more fuel with the compressor running all the time.

My recollection, right or wrong, is that It's been tested in many vehicles and the conclusion is that AC with the windows up is more economical than windows down at highway speed. I'm sure there is a crossover speed at which the opposite is true.

On the wear and tear on the AC system, my personal experience of running AC year round in a black car in southern CA, is that it didn't have a negative effect on the component life that was noted over 500k miles with one vehicle. Another vehicle required a compressor around the 140k mile mark. My current JL has very few miles on the components, because I replaced the entire engine and AC and other accessories about 5000 miles ago with all new. But, more or less, I run the AC in the "Auto" mode all the time.

My experience with leaving a modern vehicle in the "Auto" mode where the temperature is set and the HVAC system determines the need for the AC or Heater has not resulted in what I'd call premature worn moving components of the AC system.

 

[Notgeowild]

Is it OK to leave the air conditioning
on all the time?
I have mine set at 78 and never swith it OFF;
during all seasons

78?!?!

Mine almost never goes up from LO. LOL 65 the most.

 

[MTBhops]

I don't see any issue using the auto setting all the time, unless you're driving with the windows down. My past two vehicles (RAM 1500 and Grand Cherokee) have had the same climate control setup with dual zone and an auto temp setting. I owned the Ram more recently and ran it in auto at 73 most of the time during the 6 years I owned it, just replacing cabin air filters as scheduled. Everything has a lifespan, but if you like using climate control it's not a waste of money if you have a maintenance or replacement issue more than 5 years into ownership. It's funny though, I drive more with windows down or cracked in the Wrangler, which produces way more wind noise than any other vehicle I've owned.

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