Riddle me this...

A/C is a dehumidifier and a very good one it works no matter how cold it is. Just about any thing out there now runs the A/C on defrost.

 

Adding to this..it matters more now than the old days before serpentine belts. Back then if your compressor locked up, you just remove the belt and you've disabled it. Not so easy now..it can be done but you have to find the right size belt and weave it while skipping the compressor. I did it on my old Chevy Celebrity so it is possible.

 

Most vehicles have the vents set to let air in even when you have them turned off.
This is to prevent back-flow of exhaust gases into the cabin. Its pretty stupid, but they have been doing this for years. The trouble is, if your heating goes out in freezing weather, cold air continues to come into the cabin, freezing your ass.

 

Guess I never had the issue.

 

I think every vehicle I've owned since the late 90s has done this.

 

Theres a mod on here somewhere to disable the AC on when in defrost. I did it a couple years ago with no problems. You just need to remember to turn on the AC a few times a year to keep it working ok. Not running the AC compressor all the time saves wear and helps improve fuel mileage by minimizing that parasetic load on the engine.

 

I think that stopped working with the 2012s though. They changed something in the wiring.

 

What happens if the alt. craps out or the power steering pump? Seem like your in the same place.

 

You like your glass fogging over?

 

This is true. However, it's not as common for those parts to have the pulley lock up and not turn versus the AC compressor.

That and if one of those does go, you're pretty much committed to replacing it right away. On the other hand, it is possible to use the vehicle without AC and not have driveability issues.