ECON mode effect on AC

[zackcali]

I know the civics have pretty problematic AC systems and I just had mine replaced. I am wondering if ECON mode increases wear and tear on the system or if the part quality from honda is just lower than expected.

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[Shankmeyster]

ECON mode is basically useless and should never be used. You can look for threads on here about it. It doesn't make enough of a difference in mileage to make up for the power loss and lower AC output and some people have seen lower MPG with it on.

 

[vtecr]

ECON mode is basically useless and should never be used. You can look for threads on here about it. It doesn't make enough of a difference in mileage to make up for the power loss and lower AC output and some people have seen lower MPG with it on.

It makes a pretty significant difference in my experience.
Mixed driving comes in at around 8.5L/100km (33.2 UK MPG) vs around 6.5L/100km (43.4 UK MPG).

We've just had some of our hottest temps on record here and I found the AC to be perfectly usable in eco mode too.

 

[bluzfanmr1]

I quit using it to test the difference. My mileage went up a bit and it makes for a smoother, better overall driving experience. I live in the mountains and the transmission seems to not have to compensate as much as when driving with ECON mode on. The additional power is fun too.

 

[briq4]

The Econ mode changes the AC by raising the target temperature of the evaporator which should reduce the load on the Compressor, since it can run at reduced capacity. It also lowers the fan speed to move less volume to also save energy, I would think on the highway it would make a slight difference.

 

[vitooooo]

I am wondering if ECON mode increases wear and tear on the system

No

 

[Velonici]

The drive really makes a difference on if ECON helps or not. I have lots of up and down on my commute and having it not be so aggressive with the throttle makes a big difference. Setting cruise at 75-80 gets me about 32-35mpg, same trip under very similar conditions with ECON on gets me 38-41mpg.

 

[Yane-san]

Don’t know about wear, but I found that if it is a really hot day and I’ve been parked in the sun, turning off Econ mode until the inside cools down is useful. Once the inside is cooled off, econ mode can keep things comfortable. No point in being sweaty and miserable to save a small amount of gas.

 

[Hats_N_Hoodies]

Without using econ mode I average 7.4L per 100km with roughly 70% city and 30% highway.
Using econ mode I average 7.3L per 100km.

It literally makes no difference in my opinion and much less fun to drive in.

Maybe run econ mode once the car has cooled down if you are noticing a difference.

 

[Scarofwar]

Ive found econ mode to only really help with stop and go or suburban type areas with lots of traffic lights. I have a bit of a heavy foot so it helps me. Econ mode makes the throttle less sensitive till about 80 to 90% input and it tells the ecu to have less boost along with slowing spool time as well.
This is what ive found after getting my ktuner and just looking at the specs as i drove around b4 tuning.

 

[GermanCivic]

The Econ mode changes the AC by raising the target temperature of the evaporator which should reduce the load on the Compressor, since it can run at reduced capacity. It also lowers the fan speed to move less volume to also save energy, I would think on the highway it would make a slight difference.

The only answer which regards OPs question

So it sounds like ECON mode would actually do the opposite of increased wear

 

[dj2819]

Econ mode was beneficial for me during my commute to work where I would either be on the highway with traffic or stop and go traffic.

However normal driving with no traffic and local I don’t like it due to the loss of power especially when I need to overtake on the highway.

Econ mode also reduces the strength of the ac

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