Manual or automatic? Which air conditioner is better?

A decade ago, manual car air conditioning made a splash among car enthusiasts and was a symbol of luxury. Today it is difficult to imagine a new car without the so-called climatronics - an automated version of the air cooling system for the car interior. How exactly do the two air conditioning systems work, how do they differ and which one is better?

What will you learn from this post?

• What is the difference between manual and automatic air conditioning?
• What type of air conditioner should you choose?
• Is it profitable to switch from manual to automatic air conditioning?

Shortly speaking

Manual air conditioning is a cooling system that has been installed in cars for several decades, but its operation does not always bring the expected results. The electronic, fully automatic version of the air supply provides maximum comfort and intuitive operation, but requires significant costs not only at the purchase stage, but also during subsequent operation. In addition, it significantly reduces engine power.

Types of air conditioning

An air conditioner is an additional element of a car's equipment that is responsible for cooling (or heating) the air inside the car. The system consists of compressor, condenser, dryer, expansion valve, evaporator and fan. There are currently two types of air conditioning – manual and automatic... In the first, the driver must manually set the temperature, power and air flow direction. In the second, the parameters are set using advanced electronics. We have prepared a short description of each of them.

Manual air conditioner

The traditional version of the hand-operated car air conditioner entered the American market in the 30s. Over time, it began to move to other continents and became a very popular piece of automotive equipment. On its control panel there is only a button to launch it (with A / C mark or snowflake symbol) and three knobs that are responsible for setting the temperature, strength and direction of the air flow. Manual operation of the air conditioner is not difficult, although it is often necessary to maneuver the handle several times to achieve the conditions desired by the driver, which can be distracting while driving. This is because the cooling air flow is always set to the same temperature, even when the weather changes outside.

Automatic air conditioner

An electronic air conditioner (also known as climatronic) works in a completely different way. Here, the driver selects on the display only the desired number of degrees in the passenger compartment, and not the temperature of the air flow. When switched on, the cooling system automatically adjusts the appropriate parameters to keep the conditions inside the vehicle constant. To do this, apply a series of sensors that, among other things, analyze the temperature in the air intake, sunlight and the temperature of the air supplied around the legs... As a result, when the weather gets warmer, cooler air begins to flow from the supply air. In more advanced versions of the automatic air conditioner, you can also find an external sensor that checks the concentration of harmful substances in the exhaust gases. When their value is high, the system automatically switches to closed air circulation, providing maximum breathing comfort for the driver and passengers inside the car.

In addition, in some (unfortunately more expensive) options for equipping the car, the electronic air conditioner is divided into so-called zones. This gives you the opportunity to fix several independent deflectors for individual parts of the car... In the case of a single-phase system, the temperature in the entire cabin is the same, with a two-phase system, different conditions can be determined for the front and rear of the car, and with a four-phase system even for each passenger separately.

Manual control or climatronic?

Automatic air conditioners are gradually replacing manual air conditioners from the market, and this is not surprising. The biggest benefit of an electronic cooling system is undoubtedly convenience. Through the use of modern technology and a network of advanced sensors the driver can fully concentrate on the roadhaving a constant temperature in the cabin that you have determined in advance. In addition, minimizing temperature and cold fluctuations to near zero prevents colds that can easily occur in air-conditioned rooms.

The automatic cooling system also has drawbacks and, unfortunately, mostly financial ones. To begin with, a person who wants to buy a car with air conditioning will notice a significant difference in price compared to models with a manual cooling option already at the stage of searching. The repairs associated with installing automatic air conditioning in the vehicle are also much more expensive. It consists of many advanced electronic solutionsAnd they, as you know, eventually refuse to obey and require a visit from a specialist. In addition, the climatronic makes it possible to notice a much higher fuel consumption and a surprisingly large decrease in engine power when driving with the air supply switched on.

Not all drivers realize that the type of air conditioner they choose has such a significant impact on the future cost of running a vehicle. However, it is worth remembering that further driving comfort largely depends on this.

Inspection of the air conditioner is the key to success!

Regardless of the type of cooling system in the car, it is important to remember about it. regular review and close observation during work. In one of our articles, we describe 5 symptoms indicating that the air conditioner is not working properly. Thanks to the tips it contains, you can quickly respond to any irregularities and avoid even higher repair costs.

On the website avtotachki.com you can find spare parts for the air conditioner and preparations for its disinfection.

Also check:

How to prepare the air conditioner for the summer season?

Three methods of fumigation of the air conditioner - do it yourself!

How to use the conditioner in the hottest weather to avoid catching a cold?

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