Climate control is a system that automatically maintains the desired temperature within a car’s cabin by continuously adjusting the air conditioning and heater settings. If your car has climate control technology, it can significantly contribute towards the comfort value of a drive, but do you need it over manual air-con?
On this page we’ll explore how climate control works, how it differs to manual air-con and whether you really need it.
How does climate control work?
Climate control systems constantly measure cabin air temperature, with a number of temperature sensors. From this, they can monitor how much cold or hot air is required to maintain the desired temperature of the driver, then adjust automatically if need be.
Other parameters which the system may adjust are fan speed and recirculation settings (whether fresh air from outside or recirculated air is pumped into the cabin).
A lot of cars now have dual-or-tri-zone (sometimes called multi-zone) climate control where the car is able to maintain two or three separate temperature zones. For example, the driver could have their climate control zone set to 23 degrees, the passenger’s at 18 degrees and those in the back of the car at 25 degrees.
What’s the difference between manual air-con and climate control?
Manual air-con is capable of blowing hot and cold air into the cabin at a temperature and ferocity desired by the occupants.
However, unlike climate control, it cannot maintain a set cabin temperature automatically. Instead, the vehicle’s occupants must manually adjust air temperature and fan settings to keep the cabin at a specific temperature. Air conditioning will keep you comfortable, at least for extended periods of time, but climate control takes convenience one step further by doing the work for you.
Do I need it?
It’s a very useful piece of technology and you may find that once you’ve used it, you won’t want to go back to conventional manual air-con. The latter will suffice, but if you appreciate the value of comfort, climate control can help you navigate frosty mornings and humid afternoons with ease.
How often should I service my car’s climate control system?
It’s a good idea to get your climate control system checked as part of your regular vehicle maintenance, ideally every year or two. Make sure to top up the refrigerant, replace the cabin air filter, and give the system a full once-over to keep everything running smoothly.
What is a cabin air filter, and why is it important for climate control?
A cabin air filter keeps the air inside your car fresh by filtering out dust, pollen, and other nasties from the heating and air conditioning system. If the filter gets clogged or dirty, it can hinder your climate control’s performance, so keeping it clean is key to a comfortable ride. Plus, the cabin air filter helps keep unpleasant odours out of your vehicle. If you want your car to smell fresh, be sure to invest in a good air con cleaner.
FAQs
Does climate control affect fuel efficiency?
Yes, prolonged use of the climate control system can impact fuel efficiency, particularly in older vehicles. However, modern systems are designed to be more energy-efficient, so the effect on fuel consumption is typically minimal.
Can I retrofit climate control on an old car?
It is possible to install a climate control system in lieu of conventional air conditioning on an old car, but be advised that it would require a new automatic control unit that could be difficult to fit harmoniously depending on the layout of your vehicle. The unit would require additional wiring and power from the battery, so consult a mechanic or manufacturer specialist before attempting a conversion.
