I would like to see cars with auto climate systems have a user setting that would set a maximum fan speed. That way drivers could decide what fan speed and rate of cooling they want, then not have to change settings each time.
You probably know, but the AC is electric ... so yes, the ICE works harder, but it's working harder to keep the traction pack up. No much though. Best thing about backing off AC is the mpg's stay up higher. But it's a trade off. If YOU feel too hot, chances are the traction pack is getting warm. The Prius' ventilation serves both you AND your traction pack ... so don't get too stingy with the AC ... that's all I'm saying. .
How does the engine work "harder", the AC is electric, its not connected to the engine, opening the windows and expelling the hot air is more realistic and does the job faster.
The AC is electric but anything electric gets its power from the traction battery. As the SOC drops on the traction battery, the ICE must run to recharge the traction battery. The ICE will have to run a little bit more with the AC running in order to keep the traction battery charged.
If you have a solar moonroof, the air is already less hot. However to further vent some air, I tilt the moonroof and open the rear windows about 1" each. Not so much draft you blow your hair around, but it quickly evacuates the remaining hot air. Combine w/ a HeatShield in the windshield, we do ok. Remote A/C is icing on the cake. As for my setting, if on in the spring I set to 75F, in the summer 78F to keep fuel comsumption down. When it's 110F outside, 78 still feels just fine (and the A/C is running as fast as it will go regardless of setting - turning off Eco boosts that a bit too)
What's with all this "cracking" the windows? Open all four windows all the way, just for a few seconds as you start driving. Then its all done. Some of my other cars, you can hit the unlock button on the key fob and if you keep it pressed, it opens all the windows, why do you think those manufacturers put this feature in? To evacuate the hot air! Don't be a sissy by cracking the window. And as someone mentioned, since the Prius has full auto close on all windows, its makes it so much easier.
I would like to see a chop top prius open roadster...someone good with p-shop should sketch one up...bet it would look like a lambo...
