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Why outside air on auto AC?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by george6233, Aug 6, 2007.

  1. george6233

    george6233 New Member

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    When I use AC in hot high dew point weather in NE summer, manually starting with middle air flow and interior air flush before windows closing I set air intake to inside air. Why does auto AC use outside warm and humid air in circulatiion? Won't the latter use more AC and reduce gas mileage?

    George6233
     
    #1 george6233, Aug 6, 2007
  2. jdenenberg

    jdenenberg EE Professor

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(george6233 @ Aug 6 2007, 06:53 AM) [snapback]491153[/snapback]</div>
    Short answer --- yes. I often hit the override to set the AC on recirculate under those conditions. The system also sometimes errs in the opposite direction, using recirculate when the interior is over heated.

    JeffD
     
    #2 jdenenberg, Aug 6, 2007
  3. Texas911

    Texas911 Member

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    Yes, everyone should open their windows upon entering a hot car. This will allow all that hot air to be evacuated from your car. I'm amazed that even here in Houston, many people will just start off with all their windows closed!
     
    #3 Texas911, Aug 6, 2007
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