Don't know if this is the correct sub forum, but did not find an appropriate one for this query, so here goes:
My indy AC chap adviced me as follows with particular reference to Benz and in general to all vehicles that have a heater/AC unit, as compared to vehicles that were not equipped with a heater unit (as in the old days) :
In cities like Mumbai (hot/humid) when using the AC, always set the temp. to absolute cold ie. minimum temp. Do not set it midway, like 20degC or so, which is more comfortable for the occupants.
His reason: There is no thermostat to cut on/off the AC compressor to regulate temp. The temp is controlled by flaps that allow the hot / cold air to pass through as required. The heater coils and the evaporator coils are practically touching each other. When you set the temp midway, you are in actual fact allowing the heated engine water/coolant to flow through the heater coil, which results in the heater coil, which is very close to the evap coil, creating "hot spots" on the evap coil and that results in the evap coil leaking. He says that in the old days a thermostat used to cut on/off the compressor, but that is not the case anymore and the compressor cuts off only on high head pressure/icing/leaked AC gas.
I find this very hard to accept as it entirely defeats the purpose of airconditioning. Th eprpose being to get the cabin to a comfortable environment.
He states the only way to stop that is to either turn the temp to full cold or disconnect and plug the heater water pipes going to the heater coil. (The heater you do not need in cities which never go below 16degC)
Now to maintain the cabin temp. from getting too cold he says switch the AC compressor manually as desired!!!
So my query is: Does setting the temp. at a comfortable degree (which is what it is supposed to be there for!!!) result in premature failure of the evap coil?
Views please.
My indy AC chap adviced me as follows with particular reference to Benz and in general to all vehicles that have a heater/AC unit, as compared to vehicles that were not equipped with a heater unit (as in the old days) :
In cities like Mumbai (hot/humid) when using the AC, always set the temp. to absolute cold ie. minimum temp. Do not set it midway, like 20degC or so, which is more comfortable for the occupants.
His reason: There is no thermostat to cut on/off the AC compressor to regulate temp. The temp is controlled by flaps that allow the hot / cold air to pass through as required. The heater coils and the evaporator coils are practically touching each other. When you set the temp midway, you are in actual fact allowing the heated engine water/coolant to flow through the heater coil, which results in the heater coil, which is very close to the evap coil, creating "hot spots" on the evap coil and that results in the evap coil leaking. He says that in the old days a thermostat used to cut on/off the compressor, but that is not the case anymore and the compressor cuts off only on high head pressure/icing/leaked AC gas.
I find this very hard to accept as it entirely defeats the purpose of airconditioning. Th eprpose being to get the cabin to a comfortable environment.
He states the only way to stop that is to either turn the temp to full cold or disconnect and plug the heater water pipes going to the heater coil. (The heater you do not need in cities which never go below 16degC)
Now to maintain the cabin temp. from getting too cold he says switch the AC compressor manually as desired!!!
So my query is: Does setting the temp. at a comfortable degree (which is what it is supposed to be there for!!!) result in premature failure of the evap coil?
Views please.
