This is the first car I've had with Air Con and I'm not really sure if there is supposed to be things I should be doing with it. I presume I should be turning it on every now and then to make sure it's first of all working and it doesn't clog up (?) in some way?

Also, people who use it - do you notice a huge loss in fuel? I've never understood why this uses fuel...

I guess what I'm asking for is peoples real experience of using it with things I should or shouldnt be doing with it as I don't fancy breaking it... Sunroofs are much easier!

/end of making a fool of myself

I just leave the control set to auto and only ever change the temp up or down a few degrees, 20,21 and 22 'c never needs anymore as for fuel consumption, doesn't seem to make a difference on the Yeti diesel but economy does change on the Fabia petrol

This is the first car I've had with Air Con and I'm not really sure if there is supposed to be things I should be doing with it. I presume I should be turning it on every now and then to make sure it's first of all working and it doesn't clog up (?) in some way?

Also, people who use it - do you notice a huge loss in fuel? I've never understood why this uses fuel...

I guess what I'm asking for is peoples real experience of using it with things I should or shouldnt be doing with it as I don't fancy breaking it... Sunroofs are much easier!

/end of making a fool of myself

HI, Not sure what system you will have on the Fabia. The way James is talking on the above post it looks like you will have climate control. Either way you are best to run it say once a month throughout the year to keep the seals on the compressor moist to stop them leaking. In the winter this is achieved by running the heater and then switching the aircon on to act as dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air. Hope this helps.

Regards

Pete

ps Nearly forgot - I have run agricultural kit on dynomometers when the air con kicks in the average is 2 to 3 horse power loss and again as James states above I don't think you would notice this on a diesel. Consensus of opinion in the air con trade is you use more fuel if you have your front windows open than if you use your aircon. All I will say is enjoy it.

I just have an on and off button James, I presume it's then controlled by whatever temp I have set on the dial. I think my dad's Audi A6 has that auto function but I've never used it.

I guess I'll just have to see over the coming months what fuel economy will be like via an app I have on my phone.

HI, Not sure what system you will have on the Fabia. The way James is talking on the above post it looks like you will have climate control. Either way you are best to run it say once a month throughout the year to keep the seals on the compressor moist to stop them leaking. In the winter this is achieved by running the heater and then switching the aircon on to act as dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air. Hope this helps.

Regards

Pete

ps Nearly forgot - I have run agricultural kit on dynomometers when the air con kicks in the average is 2 to 3 horse power loss and again as James states above I don't think you would notice this on a diesel. Consensus of opinion in the air con trade is you use more fuel if you have your front windows open than if you use your aircon. All I will say is enjoy it.

Ah, that is handy to know (air con vs windows down)... Thank you for replying.

As stated in the post posts above. Using the air con will drain some power and fuel economy.

I tend to have the windows down when going around the town, but use the air con on the motorway and faster roads to not have any wind noise.

I've had the air con on today whilst popping around town etc. notice quite an annoying squeal (belt sound) in the very low rev range when it's on, is air con belt driven?

Yes it is, could be a worn or loose belt

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

Yes it is, could be a worn or loose belt

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

Thanks, I'll have to get that looked at

Also could be a sign of the compressor starting to seize, but most probably the belt

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

Also with air con, you need to use it quite regular or you'll have to re gas it often as if unused the gases settle in the bottom of the compressor and it'll need regased, or at least that what I've been told. On my laguna the climate control has the air con on constantly.

I leave my air con on all year round - this gives me cool air in the summer but importantly in the winter it takes the moisture out of the air, and prevents the car misting up.

On both my Octavia's (Mk1 03 plate and Mk2 07 plate), the compressor failed around the 80k miles mark, didn't on my Audi and the Superb is only 45k miles in so let's wait and see.

As mdon says you should really use all year round or at least regularly, I was told to do this as the seals (somewhere?) can perish.

Again, thanks for the tips guys - hopefully this will be saving me (and anyone else thats new to Air Con) money

I've just had mine serviced and re-gassed just in time for summer, shame it's over. It was nice while it lasted.

Didn't know about the de-humidifying effect, sounds useful. Shame it can't be used all the time since the air con won't turn on if it's below 5c out, at least the Polo does that. :wonder:

I seem to remember a topic somewhere on (i think ) Fabia aircon that mentioned that there's no requirement to have it on regularly to keep it in trim .

My book doesn't mention it either. I was told it's pretty standard practice to run it for at least a ten minutes every month to circulate the lubricant around the compressor.

Edited 8 May, 201313 yr by Ben90

I should probably start using mine then, if the above info is true, and I'm sure you guys are right. I've had my car a year and a half and i very rarely use it. On the occasions I have it's not for more than a minute or two, and it sounds a bit asthmatic!

I seem to remember a topic somewhere on (i think ) Fabia aircon that mentioned that there's no requirement to have it on regularly to keep it in trim .

Correct. The Fabia doesnt have a magnetic clutch on the compressor so it is always driven thus always circulating.

I think as a rule of thumb, anything below 30mph your better with the windows down in terms of fuel consumption. Above 30mph and the Air Con will be better.

I only ever run mine on very hot days, i don't actually like Air Conditioning that much. Especially the odd smell you get once you turn it off..

I seem to remember a topic somewhere on (i think ) Fabia aircon that mentioned that there's no requirement to have it on regularly to keep it in trim .

I NOTE THAT TECH1E likes that -possibly it was he who I'm quoting ?