does anyone use "High" setting on AC?

This has been such a common question that I have received at my shop during the summer. The physics of is is that the AC system is most efficient at lower speeds. However most people do not get that cool "feeling" unless the air is blowing by rapidly.

The most efficient way when getting into a very hot vehicle is this:

1. Turn fan on high, and fresh air in (Not recirc or "max") and roll the windows down at least half way for 1 minute minimum. (This allows the system to purge all of the hot air out fastest)
2. Turn fan speed down one notch, if vehicle is a 4 door, roll upfront windows all the way, back windows up to a 1 inch gap. If 2 door roll up front windows to 1 inch gap. Do this for 3-5 minutes, or until you feel acceptably comfortable.
3. Roll all windows up, change AC settings to "max" or Recirc. After 10 minutes turn fan speed down one more notch (Normally speed 2)

Sure not everyone likes to do it this way, but if you are looking at how to cool the entire cabin (Including rear passengers) this is the most efficient way to do it. For some people fan speed 2 may be too low for them. Personally in my Tacoma, fan speed 2 will dang near freeze you out of my truck. I have used this exact same method in all of my vehicles, from trucks to SUVs and mid-sized vans for years, and yes, I have lived in Humid Florida, Houston, and Dallas. Your AC system is most efficient when the humidity is low of course, so those who live in the dry, hot climates should see their systems operating the best.


Just thought I would throw in my $.02 worth.

 

When I read that I hear the guy in New Girl.

 

Hell yeah.


When I frequently take trips to my home town in south AL, and it's not too much different where I live now.

In the summer months it frequently gets to be 100F+ with 100% humidity. Hell some days max AC can't keep up, and you still get too hot. I envy you fry heat guys, at least your sweat evaporates.

 

Since the highest efficiency is on a speed lower than hi, next time you have to take a trip down here, use that setting, and keep it on recirc. I bet you will cool off better.

 

Thanks Bama I'll give that a shot!

Just looked at Marion on the map and it looks to be about the size (a little smaller) than the town I grew up in, Andalusia.

Living in Atlanta has been hard for me, since I'm used to my back yard being hundreds of acres, and not a couple hundred square feet. I love taking trips home. Some people don't know what it's like to be in a small town, where things move slowly. It's peaceful.

 

Hell YES living in AZ. lol

 

You are not far off when you talk about how small Marion is. Not only is the population small, but it is a VERY conservative town. I am not kidding. Not only do many businesses actually still close at noon on Wednesday, but the POST OFFICE closes at noon on Wednesday. Why you may ask? Because church services are held on Wednesday evening, and they are still of the belief that you should close up at noon so that you and your family can get ready for church that evening.

 

Most of the summer.

 

I used high all day in California

 

What bothers me the most is "off" isn't off. Very annoying to still get cold or hot air blowing in your face when you want it off..

 

Driving home from work 100mi with ac on low in 100+ degree weather. Any higher and I get too cold. Always been happy with Toyota AC. My wife's Kia however, always cranked up - never cold enough