Using AC in the winter/spring?

It think you are kind of a doofus, but that has nothing to do with your posting habits. :lol: Just kidding, but I like to say "doofus".

As to your question, if you keep your A/C compressor enabled on the climate screen, then the Prius A/C system will run it whenever necessary. That will provide plenty of exercise for it, so you don't need to do anything special.

Tom

 

This use to be a recommendation for all Auto Air Conditioners because if the compressor (belt driven by the engine) wasn't used very much then it could develop a leak in the seal(s) and the refridgerant would leak out.

I don't think that applies to modern AC systems because they usually will use the compressor in most or all heat and air conditioning modes, so it isn't that likely to leak from lack of use.

Anyway, I don't think it really applies to the Prius AC either because it is an electrically driven compressor (it doesn't have a belt driven by the engine) and the compressor is controlled by the AC ECU.

Long story short, its probably not a concern.

 

Just a quick note on the A/C... Most new cars always run the "A/C". Wether for heating or cooling. Its more for moisture control.

I've been told it has something to do with the air tightness of the cars. If you turn off the A/C with the windows up you'll notice the windows start to fog up. The A/C dries the air and prevents this.

My VW did it, my wifes Sienna (great mini van), and my Prius does it.

 

Hi cyberprius. That advice applies to every car but the Prius, that is, every car that has an air conditioning compressor run by the ICE. The shaft that goes from the outside into the compressor need to be turned every now and then to keep the seals tight and lubricated. As dogfriend points out, the air conditioning compressor in the Prius is electrically powered and it's a sealed unit, like a household room air conditioner. The electric motor is inside, with the compressor, so there are no seals with shafts to leak or need lubrication. You never need to specifically turn on the compressor to keep it working properly.

 

Well, the PAG oil in air conditioners is too thick in ambient temps especially below freezing. There are sensors on the high and low side of the compressor, and usually a temp sensor. Below freezing, the compressor is cut out anyway

Unless you park in heated parking, then the compressor can run. You drive out into -35 C weather and the compressor may keep running until the pressure switch or temp switch trips it

With my Prius, I just got into the habit of bringing up the HVAC page and touching A/C to turn it off. My FJ once you put it into Defrost, the A/C is enabled and the A/C button has no effect

It was also fairly easy to disable the compressor in the FJ. Just open the main fuse box under the hood, and remove the A/C relay. Problem solved

The seals and components in modern automotive A/C is light years better than the older ones. I wouldn't worry about the old wives tale of running the A/C anymore

Home units are a different matter. They only get used for 2-3 months of the year up here. With proper maintenance - especially covering the outdoor condensor/compressor every fall - they easily last +10 years. I program my home system to lockout at temps of +55 F or colder