The deactivation on newer domestic and automotive AC's, at 40
degrees, is a federal regulation intended to save energy. Same
as the limit on water capacity for toilets and the latest washing
machines sold in the US. Your government at work.


mike hunt



"Gary L. Burnore" wrote:
>
> On Mon, 20 Dec 2004 15:43:59 -0500, Abeness <news@nada.x> wrote:
>
> >C. E. White wrote:
> >> Unfortunately most A/C systems don't run once the
> >> temperature drops below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
> >
> >I don't believe this holds true for automotive systems. On my old
> >Pontiac the A/C was directly tied to the defroster setting--switch the
> >system to defrost, and the A/C was activated.
>
> It depends on the make/model. My cressida shuts the A/C off if you
> turn the inside temp past 75%.
>
> >Good way to keep the compressor oils circulating to keep the seals lubricated, in addition to
> >removing condensation. Worked at any temp, as I recall, and I move
> >around NY/New England.
>
> It does help with condensation. There's no doubt about that.
>
> >I'll confirm this on my new 94 Civic in a few days, as it has now gotten
> >cold enough around here to check. Disabling it below 40 degrees would be
> >idiocy--it's the only way to remove condensation effectively.
>
> I'm pretty sure that even in his case, it's the temp you set the
> control to and not the outside temp.
>
> >It is true, however, that many room A/Cs don't function when the outside temp
> >is "too low"--which occasionally annoys me.
>
> There's a way to fix that, put a plastic bag over the outside of the
> A/C after poking several holes in it. (The bag, duh).