Auto vs Manual Climate Control

[HalfPint]

My Abarth has the manual climate controls, and it has 5 settings for air outlet - floor, floor & dash vent, dash vent, floor & defrost, defrost.

I noticed in a close up picture of the automatic system that it only has 4 outlet settings - it appears to be missing the floor & dash vent. Is that the case or am I missing something?

NEVERMIND - I realized you just press both buttons.

[smark]

Yup!

[lammie200]

With the auto depending on what mode you are in, you may get overrides for the air outlets and whether you can go recirc or not. I think that it senses humidity as well as temperature.

[HalfPint]

I'm actually happy with the manual system, as I want control over when the AC is on for mileage purposes. I never use auto mode in our other cars that have it. I just wish it had seat heaters!


I will say the fan is damned loud at higher speeds.

[smark]

I'm actually happy with the manual system, as I want control over when the AC is on for mileage purposes. I never use auto mode in our other cars that have it. I just wish it had seat heaters!


I will say the fan is damned loud at higher speeds.

Get aftermarket heated seats.

You can have full control with the climate control system too. Set it on what ever speed and temperature you want. Wider range of fan speeds, and precise temperatures controls. That system, has no bearing, on fuel Economy. Doesn’t make one bit of difference.

[HalfPint]

Get aftermarket heated seats.

You can have full control with the climate control system too. Set it on what ever speed and temperature you want. Wider range of fan speeds, and precise temperatures controls. That system, has no bearing, on fuel Economy. Doesn’t make one bit of difference.

Yes, I realize you can turn off auto mode, However, when in auto mode most of these systems will run the AC and or heat as decided by the control unit. Some of them will run the AC all the time, adding heat to control the temp. When outside temps are low enough the compressor will not activate anyway, but at milder temps it does. That's the connection to economy - the AC will reduce it. I rarely ever use AC as I'm usually trying to maximize mileage.

[smark]

Yes, I realize you can turn off auto mode, However, when in auto mode most of these systems will run the AC and or heat as decided by the control unit. Some of them will run the AC all the time, adding heat to control the temp. When outside temps are low enough the compressor will not activate anyway, but at milder temps it does. That's the connection to economy - the AC will reduce it. I rarely ever use AC as I'm usually trying to maximize mileage.

Both systems runs the AC, when the defrost mode on. Dehumidifier heat. I don’t have to use the AC either. Roll down the windows, open the sunroof. It does gets 110 degrees here in the summer. -10 in the winter time. You can run the system auto climate control system. auto, or manual. Auto nice, put it on 72 degrees and let the system keep you comfortable. It’s nice to have heated seat too. The AC compressor Oscillates on and off, in the summer time. Your really not to see much difference in fuel economy. I haven’t in 8 1/2 years.

[HalfPint]

Both systems runs the AC, when the defrost mode on. Dehumidifier heat. I don’t have to use the AC either. Roll down the windows, open the sunroof. It does gets 110 degrees here in the summer. -10 in the winter time. You can run the system auto climate control system. auto, or manual. Auto nice, put it on 72 degrees and let the system keep you comfortable. It’s nice to have heated seat too. The AC compressor Oscillates on and off, in the summer time. Your really not to see much difference in fuel economy. I haven’t in 8 1/2 years.

Yes, almost all newer cars use the AC on defrost modes to reduce humidity, which is why I don't leave it on those modes unless it's very cold. Haven't had the Fiat long enough to know how much difference it will make, but I will find out!

[map]

I prefer to use just a blower in moderate weather, but the auto system always kicks in heat or AC (to match your temp setting). The nice thing about new AC units is that they use less energy than having the windows down, at freeway speeds.

I do love to use the auto settings in cold weather. It keeps the blower at its lowest setting until the car warms a bit, then if it's cold it turns on the defrost automatically. When cold, selecting any vent except defrost takes it out of auto and turns on the AC.