Any issues with always running the AC on LOW?

[twa318]

Like many of us I have the dreaded failing AC servo that will click nonstop if I try to change the temperature.

I've been able to "fix" the problem in the past by cycling the temp from LO to HIGH a number of times, however now it's to the point where LO is the only setting where the servo doesn't make any noise.

So my question is, am I hurting the system in any way by running the AC at LO all the time?

 

[AuSeeker]

The low, med, and high are just fan/blower speeds, has nothing to do with the temperature and how the AC compressor works, but to answer your question it will not hurt to run the AC just on low fan speed.

 

[derekdevasia]

The low, med, and high are just fan/blower speeds, has nothing to do with the temperature and how the AC compressor works, but to answer your question it will not hurt to run the AC just on low fan speed.

I think he means the temperature. Which you can move from low, to high, with actual degree values in between.

 

[simple]

Mine is always on ‘lo’.

 

[twa318]

I think he means the temperature. Which you can move from low, to high, with actual degree values in between.

Yes, speaking about temperature setting at full LO

I've done a few google searches and I cant seem to find anything to indicate doing so will cause any issues, but being in the southeast the AC is on nonstop from March to October and I wanted to be sure I was following best practices for the health of the system.

I found an article by consumer reports that suggests its beneficial to leave the AC on lowest possible settings at all times:

Setting to the lowest temp and adjusting the fan makes the car air conditioning more efficient, will dry out the air less, and can actually save some fuel. Why's that? In a typical A/C system, the air is cooled to 38 degrees. If you set the temp higher, you are actually forcing the system to re-heat your air, which takes more effort, burning more fuel.

 

[radlynx]

it does not matter whether you use low / med / high. when it's in cold (low) setting, it only passes thru the a/c evaporator. see this link. https://www.autozone.com/landing/page.jsp?name=how-auto-ac-works#

The A/C evaporator is what makes the air cold when air passes thru it. it's always constant. When you adjust the temperature to a higher temp, the air will pass thru the heater core thus providing you warmer air.

First the air passes thru the a/c evaporator when you switch it to the lowest temperature setting, bypassing the heater core. when you adjust the temperature to a higher setting, a small door will open to allow warm air to pass thru thus mixing the cold air and warm air giving you the right temperature.

Yes, speaking about temperature setting at full LO

I've done a few google searches and I cant seem to find anything to indicate doing so will cause any issues, but being in the southeast the AC is on nonstop from March to October and I wanted to be sure I was following best practices for the health of the system.

I found an article by consumer reports that suggests its beneficial to leave the AC on lowest possible settings at all times:

 

[AuSeeker]

I think he means the temperature. Which you can move from low, to high, with actual degree values in between.

Yes, speaking about temperature setting at full LO

I've done a few google searches and I cant seem to find anything to indicate doing so will cause any issues, but being in the southeast the AC is on nonstop from March to October and I wanted to be sure I was following best practices for the health of the system.

I found an article by consumer reports that suggests its beneficial to leave the AC on lowest possible settings at all times:

OK, in that case then I still don't think it will do any harm, when you need cooling all the conponents of the AC are working as long as the cabin temperature is higher than the settings and here in S.C. this time of year you would have to set the temperature VERY high to keep the AC from working, IT"S been very HOT, I have my AC set at 73 degrees and the AC blows cold all day long and into the night in this heat, the only time is doesn't blow cold in very early in the morning before the sun gets up good and I just turn the AC off and crack the windows for some air flow until then!!!

 

[2003-4x4runner]

I've run my AC on the Low Temp all the time since I bought it in 2005. No issues as of today.