Anybody who has this do you leave it on econ during the winter? Is there much point having the aircon on during winter? Will it still auto regulate the temp on econ provided temp is lower outside than the desired temp inside the car?

Also in the summer what inside temp is the most comfortable to set at, 18 degrees?

I now leave the aircon on all the time (econ off) as in winter with more damp air around it keeps the interior nice and dry and mist free. Plus you should use your aircon at least once a week to keep the system working and the seals lubricated.

If you have climate control than I would say it heats and cools the air inside whatever is going on outside.

I'd run the aircon for half an hour once a month just to keep it fresh and the bearings lubricated. The air con also demists the car when its wet outside. I have set my last 3 cars at 19.5cent and havn't had to touch it other than to put the econ button off when its warmer outside the car than 19.5 or to de mist it. Other than that the system regulates the temp automatically and is very good.

I totally agree with @runboy

I totally agree with @runboy

Awww, thanks! You know it makes sense

I keep mine on all the time, with the temperature set usually between 18-20C, even in winter.

The only problem I have had was on a long motorway trip last summer when even with the fan full on, and the temp on 'Lo' is was still very hot in the car as it was in full sun during the journey.

I've never turned mine off.

mines normally at 16.5 or 17 degrees

I always leave the climate set to auto as it doesn't seem to affect performance or consumption and makes the car a more comfortable place to be

Chris

Never turn mine off either, mine is set to auto, and temp on 19c. I never have any issues with steaming interior in damp weather, even when cold and the car with 4 up inside.

There is no immediate issue leaving the system in ECON. As long as there is sufficient airflow through the car (recirc off) there won't be any problems with misting up unless you get in the car while it's raining. Cool winter air is usually pretty dry anyway.

The refrigerant is always circulating whether the ECON is on or off so the shaft seals are always lubricated. I leave it in ECON all the time unless the outside air is warmer than the climate control setpoint.

If the Aircon is actually turned on, if you floor the throttle is the compressor disabled to allow full power to be produced?

I used to have an old Escort 1.8si and you could hear the aircon pump disconnect when you floored it.

The compressor doesn't have a clutch so isn't on/off as such. It can vary it's performance so there is no reason why it can't back off when the loud pedal is buried into the floor.

You can monitor the compressor performance through VAG-COM to determine whether this is the case.

The 'Rent-A-Vectra' I had did this too.

If the Aircon is actually turned on, if you floor the throttle is the compressor disabled to allow full power to be produced?

I used to have an old Escort 1.8si and you could hear the aircon pump disconnect when you floored it.

that's intelligent for a Ford - quite impressed, or on the other hand the air con compressor probably can't handle the revs.

that's intelligent for a Ford - quite impressed, or on the other hand the air con compressor probably handle the revs.

probably just a fault

probably just a fault

oh yes, I was giving it some justice!

oh yes, I was giving it some justice!

I'm suprised it even had air con - I though air con in an escort was opening the window?

I'm suprised it even had air con - I though air con in an escort was opening the window?

or the rot holes in the floorpan, and sills that rot from within.

or the rot holes in the floorpan, and sills that rot from within.

:rofl:

I am currently running with my climate set to auto all the time, as it is the only way to keep my windows from misting up (often all round & very badly)...even after numerous visits to the dealers to try & rectify the problem...

It doesn't seem to have had a big affect on the mpg, although I have also switched to V-power for the last few tankfuls which may be compensating somewhat??

Can't say I have noticed much difference with the V power in terms of power tho'?

I am currently running with my climate set to auto all the time, as it is the only way to keep my windows from misting up (often all round & very badly)...even after numerous visits to the dealers to try & rectify the problem...

It doesn't seem to have had a big affect on the mpg, although I have also switched to V-power for the last few tankfuls which may be compensating somewhat??

Can't say I have noticed much difference with the V power in terms of power tho'?

Re your misting have you got any damp in the car anywhere from perhaps the rear washwipe leaking into the boot?

Re V-power there is definitely a noticeable difference as far as mine is concerned. Throttle response is sharper and the engine seems to rev more freely.

The compressor doesn't have a clutch so isn't on/off as such. It can vary it's performance so there is no reason why it can't back off when the loud pedal is buried into the floor.

You can monitor the compressor performance through VAG-COM to determine whether this is the case.

The 'Rent-A-Vectra' I had did this too.

You can also monitor it by the climate - from New Octavia tips and tricks :

Duel zone Climatronic settings

Like the previous version there are a ton of settings and information hidden in the climatronic computer.

To get this, press the ECON and the top right air direction button (next to recirc) simultaneously. To get back to temperature control press AUTO and ECON simultaneously

The passenger side temp control dial sets the section (1-30)

The fan speed dial sets the subsection and is shown in the passenger side LCD screen to the right of the main number.

The one that everyone wants is true speed, whis can be found in section 19.

Subsection 0 shows Kmh, subsection 1 shows Mph.

Subsection 3 shows the revs to the nearest 100 (tickover is about 870rpm and shows up as 08 on the display)

And from my memory:

2 = Engine temp

4 = rpm. of the compressor to the climate - and it read 0 if Econ is on!