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[estaszew]

I assumed the a/c was activated when the c/c was set below the ambient temperature (for the air to be cooled).  To my surprise, I found that the secondary fans in front of the radiator could be toggled with the c/c's a/c on/off option.  What exactly does the a/c do when you have the heater running?  I'm guessing I could get better gas mileage by always turning it off...?

[CaptainZok]

I assumed the a/c was activated when the c/c was set below the ambient temperature (for the air to be cooled).  To my surprise, I found that the secondary fans in front of the radiator could be toggled with the c/c's a/c on/off option.  What exactly does the a/c do when you have the heater running?  I'm guessing I could get better gas mileage by always turning it off...?

Chills the air before the heater warms it up again I think.
The benefit being it dehumidifys it so won't steam up your windows.
Yes at tickover mine uses about 0.4 gal/h with aircon running but 0.3 if i hit the eco button to turn it off.
Don't forget that you need to run the aircon periodically to keep the system lubricated and guard against leaks.

[estaszew]

Thanks for the reply!  Not much difference in consumption...I'll just leave it on then

[CaptainZok]

Thanks for the reply!  Not much difference in consumption...I'll just leave it on then

Mine's usually left on auto so runs all the time and the climate control sorts the temp from there.

[Marks DTM Calib]

Yes, the benfits are de-humidifed air which keeps mositure levels in the car down and stops steamy windows (clears thm faster as well when first started).....might not be a big problem for you depending where in the states you are.