1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Three days with the v. - Questions on HVAC

Discussion in 'Prius v Main Forum' started by G Man v5, Jan 31, 2015.

  1. G Man v5

    G Man v5 Member

    Joined:
    Jan 15, 2015
    158
    41
    0
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Hello......just picked up the 2012 v5. Very happy. Thus far, avg 44.3 so things are looking good.

    My questions pertain to the HVAC.......and using most efficiently while parked. I'm going to be sleeping in the car. Probably about 7 hours. I understand the car needs to be in READY mode.

    1) for the heater to work, does the AC need to be on? (I believe this is yes).

    2) What mode should I be in? EV only...EV and ECO, or just ECO? (again, the car will be stationary)

    3) Recirc on?

    4) Anything else to be concerned with?


    Thanks again.
     
    #1 G Man v5, Jan 31, 2015
  2. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2008
    8,503
    5,065
    7
    Location:
    Texas Hill Country
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    If you use the heat the engine will run most of the time. It gets the heat from the engine coolant. The AC button does not need to be pressed, it's not a heat pump. It's more conventional in heat mode, basically a hot water radiator.
     
    #2 rjparker, Jan 31, 2015
  3. JACoH

    JACoH Enjoying the mileage

    Joined:
    Oct 11, 2009
    193
    40
    0
    Location:
    Oregon
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Two
    Yes, keep the car in ECO mode, the AC does not need to be on unless you are hot, Recirculation mode probably not a good idea, because the windows will eventually fog up and you will get no fresh air. Ready mode also will allow the battery to recharge as necessary while you have the heat on.
     
    #3 JACoH, Jan 31, 2015
  4. G Man v5

    G Man v5 Member

    Joined:
    Jan 15, 2015
    158
    41
    0
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Ok, I thought I read that the AC needed to be on get the heater going. So simply setting the temp, hit auto, XX degrees, and the car will maintain that temp? Sounds easy enough!

    Any idea when you put the temp control in auto, the AC light will automatically come on, it defaults to feet only and 1 blower on the fan?
     
    #4 G Man v5, Jan 31, 2015
  5. G Man v5

    G Man v5 Member

    Joined:
    Jan 15, 2015
    158
    41
    0
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    I found the Auto AC is an option in the setup menu....It indeed is able to be changed.
     
    #5 G Man v5, Mar 22, 2015
  6. rdgrimes

    rdgrimes Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 7, 2013
    1,740
    446
    4
    Location:
    New Mexico, USA
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius Prime
    Model:
    N/A
    There really isn't any reason to mess with it. It uses virtually no resources in winter weather.
     
    #6 rdgrimes, Mar 22, 2015
  7. Stevevee

    Stevevee Active Member

    Joined:
    Aug 21, 2013
    821
    224
    0
    Location:
    Vermont
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    I rarely use the Auto setting, because I like to control the direction. I use the upper vents to keep my hands warm. (I really need to move)
     
    #7 Stevevee, Mar 22, 2015
  8. rdgrimes

    rdgrimes Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 7, 2013
    1,740
    446
    4
    Location:
    New Mexico, USA
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius Prime
    Model:
    N/A
    I've found a number of differences in the Auto mode when you use ECO mode vs normal. In ECO mode there's no bi-level mode in Auto, don't ask me why. There's a couple other things, the split-level with defog to the windshield is different too. Of courese we know that in hot weather it lowers the fan speed and A/C compressor speed, and recirc is used a little differently.
     
    #8 rdgrimes, Mar 22, 2015
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)