Suddenly we have some hot days and thoughts turn to using the air conditioning so,if I may,a few hints and tips about its use.
Use of your aircon will not seriously affect your fuel consumption,I find about 2mpg less to be normal and this is easily recovered by judicious use of the right foot.The advantages of aircon use outweigh the higher fuel consumption.
Use your aircon all year round,it keeps it in better condition and you have its advantages all year round as well.
In the winter you have no problems with condensation and yes you can still have heat in the car at the same time.The heater output temperature is higher than the aircon cold temperature.
In the summer the advantages are obviously a cool,more comfortable interior but you also have the benefit of a quiet car because the windows are shut.
Open windows are noisy and noise is tiring,also with open windows and the aircon on all you are doing is trying to cool the outside air.
Open windows also affect the fuel consumption more than the aircon because the open windows upset the airflow over the car and cause more drag.
The only downside to aircon is that ideally it should be serviced every two years and it is not normally part of the servicing schedule,it is an extra.
By servicing I don't just mean topping the gas up.The system should be evacuated to determine how much gas is left as an indication of any leaks in the system.The correct amount of gas should be put back in along with aircon system lubricant to keep the compressor and seals in good condition and the machine used checks the efficiency of the system.
In hot weather direct the cold air upwards,not towards your feet,cold air falls not rises.When the car has been parked in the sun set the fan to max,select recirculated air for the first mile or so and the interior will cool down quite quickly then go back to outside air.
Stay cool!
Vic.