Possible tip for improving AC life

Hey all, my father-in-law knows a hell of a lot more about cars than me and gave me this tip for adding longevity to your AC system. I'm hoping people can chime in and tell me if I'm talking out of my ass.

He said always leave your AC power button turned on. Even in the winter when you have the temp set to hot. The rationale being that the AC only kicks in and draws power if it is required. If it is not required (like all winter) it will cycle periodically to confirm it's not needed. This cycling action will be just enough to prevent moisture from building up in the bearing over the winter. The bearing will apparently last forever as long as it doesn't get a build-up of condensation. This is why AC units last longer in Texas than they do in Minnesota. (I don't know if that's actually true or not, but it seems like it must be)

 

Defrost, and floor+defrost, automatically turn on the AC even though the button doesn't light up, so no need in the winter.

As for the rest, regardless of its inaccuracy, we have Delphi compressors. They like to spontaneously grenade either the clutch or the compressor itself no matter what kind of preventative action you take, just like mine did last year. Wish Nippondenso made one for it.

 

Good to know. Thanks man.

 

If I don't need the defroster for a month or so I always run the A/C for a few minutes just to circulate the oil in the system to keep the seals conditioned.