Temperature Controls

Here is something interesting to try...(depending on weather conditions)

Lately, the weather on the east coast is still on the chilly side, with today being around mid 30's or so. Yet, my car sits on an outside parking lot during work hours. It'll definitely soak in the sun, and the cabin will get a bit warmer. Now, instead of opening the windows, or even turning on the A/C to cool down the cabin somewhat, I just quickly turn on the A/C to 'set' my inside temperature to 'Low' and then quickly turn it off again. Make sure that you have the 'fresh air' mode on and in the mode where fresh air will come from the front vents.

Now, while you are driving quickly place your hand in front of the vent. Feel that? That's the cool air coming into the cabin set to the temperature that I had placed earlier. Now, since it's in the 30's, the cabin will cool down very quickly. To stop this, either close the vents by putting on the 're-circulated air' mode, or you can turn on the A/C again and raise the temps back up.

Here's another interesting thing. I notice that when I put the inside temp at lets say 70 degrees or higher, and then quickly turn off the fan/blower, I can start to feel warm air coming in from the vent. Now, this isn't going to warm up my cabin as efficiently as if I were to turn on the blower to bring warm air in the cabin, but it's sure better than nothing.

So basically, even though the fan might not be operating, setting the blower temperature and then shutting down the fan, the car will still try to keep in indoor cabin temp to what you have selected. It's a little odd at first, but try experimenting with this and see how it works for you. I've noticed some folks here on Prius Chat ask why they feel 'hot air' coming into their car all the time, or vice versa. And interesting system to say the least.

 

LO means that it is basically in manual mode and the a/c will blow only cold air. I just leave it on 72 and let it do the rest. I mean, that's what I paid for, and automatic system. Its funny when people try to use it like a manual a/c system. For example, if its super hot in your car, putting the temp control to LO won't make it cool faster than say leaving it on 72.

 

Someone else gets it! :cheer2:

 

Most controls for variable capacity a/c sytems reduce cooling as they approach setpoint. This avoids overshoot and may save some energy but results in it taking longer to actually reach set point. Are you sure that the Prius doesn't do this?

 

I don't know if it does or doesn't but it sure works pretty well at keeping my cabin the temperature I choose without my intervention. Sure I might adjust it up or down depending on the humidity/temp outdoors but I've never put it on LO or HI.