Air conditioning and climate control - is it really that much of a difference? Climate control: how is it different from air conditioning? What is the difference.

Ensuring a comfortable stay of the driver and passengers in the car is prerequisite its functioning. The possibility of creating an optimal microclimate is implemented in all modern cars which are equipped with air conditioning or climate control system. In this article we will try to figure out what climate control is in a car, what are the features of its work and fundamental differences from the stock air conditioner.

Climate control is a system whose work is aimed at automatically maintaining a predetermined temperature regime in the passenger compartment as a whole or in a certain part of it. The climate control system can function both automatically and depending on user settings, if necessary, for example, to warm up an icy windshield or to create priority comfort in a particular area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe cabin.

Latest automotive development are characterized by the presence of climate control, capable of regulating the temperature of the cabin air, taking into account the degree of penetration of sunlight, as well as with a focus on the safety of the climate system for human health.

Structurally, the car climate control system combines the following elements: air conditioning, heating equipment, air filters, various sensors. All these elements of the climate system interact with each other due to the control electronics, which activates the necessary device after reading information from the sensors.

Air movement created by climate control

The climate control system is able to regulate the volume of air supplied to a certain part of the cabin, focusing on the readings of each individual sensor. If the actual air temperature exceeds the set temperature, the air conditioner will start to produce cold air. The device will be active until the value of the actual temperature becomes equal to the value set by the user.

In case of a negative difference between the actual and set temperatures, the electronics will give a signal to turn on heating system to prepare warm air.

It is necessary to take into account the lack of a clear distinction between the operation of the air conditioner and the heating device. These elements work together to prepare the air, which is subsequently mixed to the desired overall temperature.

Read also: What is it and how does it manage the operation of climate control and other car systems.

There is an automatic and manual mode s functioning of climate control. In the first case, the user sets the desired temperature, and the system takes care of the quality and volume of the air mass supplied to the passenger compartment. In manual mode, the user has access to partial or complete adjustment of the nodes responsible for creating the microclimate. The latter can be useful in conditions of unexpected temperature. environment when the driver needs to quickly warm up (in winter time) or cool (in summer period) cabin air.

It is important to know:

1. The source of creating cold and warm air for the climate system is car engine. Only its on state will make it possible to set the required air temperature in the cabin.
2. Efficient operation of climate control is possible only when closed windows car. Otherwise, street air flows will enter the cabin, which will lead to work climatic equipment under heavy loads and increased consumption fuel.
3. Climate control and air conditioning rarely pose a health hazard to people in the car with the windows closed, since climate system delivers air at a gradually decreasing temperature.
4. A working climate control system is the cause of increased fuel consumption. This is especially noticeable in the warm season, when air conditioning is required.
5. saloon air filter must have little physical wear and tear and be kept clean, otherwise it will affect the efficiency of the climate system.

What is single-zone, dual-zone and multi-zone climate control

The simplest type of climate control is the single-zone version. It provides for the dispersion of air of a certain temperature around the entire perimeter of the cabin. IN this case the driver and passengers have to find a compromise in establishing the temperature regime.

Dual zone climate control allows the passenger in the front seat to set the desired air temperature, which will be different from the temperature set in the driver's area. Note that there is a limit to the difference between the temperature in the driver and passenger area (for example, if the driver set the temperature to 23 degrees Celsius, and the front passenger to 27 degrees, then the subsequent increase in temperature by the passenger by 1 degree will automatically increase the temperature in the driver's area by a similar value). Dual zone climate control is the most common type of multi-zone climate control.

A distinctive feature of the three-zone climate control is the ability to create a separate temperature in the areas of the driver and front passenger, as well as in the rear row of seats.

The four-zone climate control installed in the car allows you to adjust the air temperature in each quarter of the car's interior.

Video about climate control

What is the difference between climate control and air conditioning in a car

Despite the fact that air conditioning and climate control are designed to maintain a comfortable environment in the passenger compartment, there is a difference between them. fundamental difference. Initially, the air conditioner is designed to produce cooled air and is an integral part of the climate control system. The latter, in turn, is a comprehensive solution designed to automatically control the temperature in the cabin.

To some extent, the climate control system is similar to an inverter-controlled air conditioner used in everyday life. It represents the maximum safety for human health (due to the supply of air with a temperature close to the temperature of the air in the cabin) and turns on and off automatically, while turning the air conditioner on and off occurs at the user's command.

The system for maintaining the desired temperature in the passenger compartment is so familiar to most car owners that few people think about how it all began. The first attempt to cool heat-weary passengers was the simplest cabin ventilation. Remember the corner vents on old cars that turn at an angle, like air intakes? With the windows open wide, a stream of air burst into the interior of a moving car and gave coolness to the car owner and his companions, along with dust, noise and the possibility of catching a cold from a draft. In addition, such a system did not work when it was most needed - in parking lots and in traffic jams under the scorching sun.

Therefore, already in the now distant 30s of the XX century. in America - the country of victorious comfort - the most expensive and "fancy" cars of the limousine class are beginning to be optionally equipped with an air cooling system in the cabin - the size of a half-trunk, without adjustments, and taking up to half the power of the engine running at low speeds. In Europe, until the 80s, cars with air conditioning were not even particularly thought about.

Today, only budget car lines are not equipped with air conditioners in a zero configuration. For all other cases, the air cooling system in the cabin is the norm. In addition to the standard air conditioning, many automakers equip their offspring with climate control. The differences between climate control and air conditioning in a car and what are the features of each of the systems should be known to every car owner, because this will help to operate these units correctly and for a long time without breakdowns.

How air conditioner works

Since its inception, the physical basis for the performance of cooling machines has not changed significantly. This is the basis - the ability of substances to absorb or give off accumulated heat during the transition from one state of aggregation to another (that is, during evaporation and condensation). The air conditioner is not the only device in the car that works on this principle. The engine cooling system through the radiator is another example where it was previously used as a coolant plain water, now - antifreeze or antifreeze.

In modern times, air conditioning is a mandatory function and is equipped even in cars with a minimum configuration.

In air conditioning units, the coolant is called the refrigerant. This is currently various brands freons - special hydrocarbons with the desired boiling and condensation points. In addition to the refrigerant, special grades of oil circulate in the refrigeration circuit. It provides long-term and smooth operation rubbing and moving mechanisms. These parts are located mainly in the compressor. Oil and refrigerant are in a state of mixture, so when a leak occurs, not only does the pressure drop and the ratio useful action, but also reduces the safety of the mechanisms.

Compressor

The most important detail, which ensures the performance of the cooling device. It combines two functions. Firstly, it is a pump that ensures the pumping of freon, which is in a liquid or gaseous state, through all pipelines. Secondly, pressure is created inside the compressor, which thickens the freon vapor coming from the evaporator. Under the influence of pressure, the gas passes into a liquid with a simultaneous change in temperature characteristics.

The compressor is driven by power take-off from crankshaft through drive belt. During the operation of the air conditioner, an average of 5 to 15 liters is spent. with., so if the engine under load does not have enough power, turning on the cold air blowing will only aggravate the situation. Between the pulley and the compressor rotor, there is an additional electromagnetic clutch- it disconnects the compressor motor when it needs to be turned off.

The compressor performs an important task - it separates the circuits of high and low pressure liquids and gases. The first is called the discharge system, the second is the suction system.

Capacitor

You may come across the name "condenser", but this does not change the essence of the matter. In appearance it resembles car radiator and is located there. In the radiator, freon, condensed in the compressor and becoming hot due to this, must be cooled. Therefore, manufacturers are trying to move the capacitor as close as possible to the front edge, behind the radiator grille. Here, the oncoming air flow during movement helps cooling. The condenser also has its own fan, or even a pair of fans - to quickly achieve the effect. True, there is also back side medals. Being in front, the condenser is gradually clogged with road dust and dirt, debris, insects. Over time, this can worsen heat transfer, so the motorist needs to periodically check its condition and clean it. mechanically. This will help extend the life of the system and increase the dropped efficiency.

The air conditioning condenser is located in front of the radiator under the hood.

Drying filter

This element does not provide the physics of the cooling process, but contributes to its quality and continuity. The fact is that freon accumulates moisture in itself, which has other parameters of evaporation and condensation, which means it interferes with the performance of the main function of the air conditioner. In addition, moisture has a more aggressive effect on metal parts, promotes corrosion. Drying the refrigerant brings it back to its original state. Well, filtration allows you to remove from the coolant mechanical inclusions that got there during operation - dust, dirt, small debris.

Its second name is thermostatic valve. The freon received from the filter-drier is supplied in metered portions from the expansion valve to the evaporator. When passing through the valve, the refrigerant passes from a liquid state to a gaseous state, but not completely. At this stage, freon is a suspension of gas and fine liquid. similar condition you can watch when you spray something from an aerosol can. Sometimes a special peephole is placed on the expansion valve for visual control of the amount of coolant in the system.

The main function of the expansion valve is to relieve internal stress in front of the evaporator, which will lead to its cooling.

Evaporator

This is the same radiator, only working in reverse. If the radiator atmospheric air cools the hot liquid inside, then in the evaporator the incoming cold freon in the gas-liquid state cools the surrounding space. To do this, a fan works in tandem with the evaporator, which drives the cabin air through the evaporator and cools it. Fan drum type, as in stationary room split systems. The evaporator is usually not very large.

Piping and sensor system

The wiring of the air conditioner is represented by tubes made of copper or copper alloys. They form a freon route from the condenser to the evaporator through the compressor. From the compressor and condenser they are thin and hot, and the return circuit from the evaporator back to the compressor is larger and cold. Also, the air conditioner includes a system for collecting moisture, which condenses on the surface of the evaporator. The collected water drains directly under the bottom of the car. This is the reason for the appearance of puddles under the car, in which the air conditioner was working in the parking lot. Also, the cooling device has several sensors that correlate the operating mode of the air conditioner elements with the set temperature parameters.

Sequence of work

Pressing the button on the instrument panel starts the compressor. Since the pulley is driven by the rotation of the crankshaft, starting is only possible when the engine is running. The electric clutch connects the pulley to the compressor mechanism, and it begins to drive the refrigerant through the system, while simultaneously compressing it. Hot freon enters the condenser, where it is not only cooled, but also completely turns into a liquid state, condenses. Blowing outside air with a fan and the force of the oncoming flow speed up this process. The refrigerant passes through a filter drier, where it is cleaned and gets rid of moisture. When passing through the expansion valve, the pressure in the system drops sharply, the liquid passes into an aerosol state. As a result of such a transition, freon begins to boil, that is, it passes into a gaseous state and becomes cold. Being fed into the evaporator, it lowers its temperature. Air blown through the evaporator by a fan is supplied to the passenger compartment through special ventilation openings. Giving cold in the evaporator, freon in a gaseous state goes through the return circuit to the compressor, where the cycle is closed. Upon reaching the desired temperature in the cabin, the sensor sends a signal to turn off the fluid coupling, and the air conditioner “rests” for a while.

Principle of operation car air conditioner similar to the operation of a home air conditioner or refrigerator

Video: the principle of operation of the air conditioner

What is climate control in a car

Climate control is an option that was originally equipped with executive and business class cars. With time technical capabilities allowed to significantly reduce the cost and optimize the climate control system. Now it is installed in most middle-class cars and optionally in cheap cars small class.

Climate control allows you to maintain the desired temperature in the cabin at a given level

Climate control is integrated system maintaining the desired temperature in the car interior, which includes several elements, each of which serves this purpose.

Only air conditioning can cool the air in the car in hot weather. A system with a compressor, evaporator, condenser and freon as a coolant provides comfortable conditions in the heat.

heater

The heater appeared in cars on an ongoing basis much earlier than the air conditioner. This is due to the fact that in any car, the elements necessary for the operation of the stove are initially present in the design. These include the engine cooling radiator, because the engine always heats up during operation, regardless of the season and climate. It is enough just to take the coolant from the radiator to a separate evaporator, closer to the passenger compartment, and connect a fan that will direct the air flow to the hot evaporator. Heated air enters the cabin to compensate for the low outboard temperature. For a long time heaters directed air from under dashboard to the bottom of the cabin. Modern models are connected to a duct system.

Air duct system

The air supplied to the cabin from the evaporators of the air conditioner and heater will have low efficiency in case of illiterate distribution throughout the cabin. Before the appearance of air ducts, it was customary to direct warm air in a single stream down to the feet of passengers. Cold air the first air conditioners were fed up from under the rear window, went around the ceiling and fell on the passengers. These processes are based on physics and physiology. Cold air goes down, warm air goes up - this is ensured. When a person freezes, first of all, he wants to warm his legs, and if he is hot, then cool him down. better head and upper body.

The principle of operation of climate control in a car: the air from the outside is blown by a fan into the evaporator, in which it is cooled, then it is fed into the stove for heating and enters the passenger compartment

Air ducts solved the problem of redistribution of air masses. It became much easier to maintain the desired temperature, because air is supplied simultaneously to several points in the cabin. Moreover, the driver and passengers themselves can choose where to direct the air jet.

Also very useful is the function of blowing the windows, especially the windscreen. From humidity, it can fog up, and in frost it can even freeze, which makes it difficult to see and can lead to emergency. Blowing the glass keeps it clean in frost, snow and rain, provided the wipers work, of course.

In addition, in the climate control system, not only the movement of air masses inside the cabin is carried out, but also the inflow of outside air, its filtration and reduction to the desired temperature state.

Sensor system

The performance of climate control is impossible without special sensors. They can register not only temperature, but also humidity, and even the degree of air pollution. The more perfect and more expensive system climate control, the more sensors installed in the car. In different parts of the cabin, the temperature is different, so if the sensor is installed under the ceiling, it will give an incomplete picture. A system with a three-point arrangement is considered good: at the top in the ceiling, at the bottom at the feet and on the dashboard. Sometimes sensors of external temperature, solar insolation level and many others are added to this.

All components of climate control would be useless cargo if it were not for the center - the electronic "brain" that receives the command to maintain the temperature. It collects information from sensors and turns on the systems that are needed: in the heat - air conditioning, in the cold - a heater, in the rain - blowing windshield warm air. In addition to temperature and airflow, some machines have motorized dampers that open to a predetermined amount. By entering comfortable parameters, you can forget about temperature control - the computer will take care of it.

The electronic control unit (ECU) takes into account the readings of the sensors and regulates the temperature in the cabin

Types of climate control

Depending on the "tricks" of the climate control, it has different possibilities to maintain conditions in the passenger compartment. There are the following types:

1. Single zone. The simplest view, the temperature is taken on average in the cabin, the air from the dampers is the same everywhere. Such climate control has a minimum number of sensors.
2. Dual zone. More perfect system. Lets do various conditions for the driver and front passenger. It is convenient if they have different preferences for comfort. Rear Passengers are blown by some average air, which is mixed.
3. Multizone. Expensive climate control besides maximum number sensors has air ducts with automatic shutters not only on the front panel and under it, but also in the gap between the front seats, as well as in the armrests rear seats or under rear window. Business class cars are equipped with such systems.

Dual zone systems allow temperature control for the driver and passenger seated on the front seat, apart

Main differences

The main difference is in the range of actions for which the system is responsible. The air conditioner is a device for cooling air only. The heater is a separate unit with its own adjustments, and the driver himself decides when and to what extent to use this or that device. Climate control is an integrated maintenance system comfortable temperature, where the heater and air conditioner are turned on at the command of the electronic control unit.

Climate control has several sensors that will determine the mode of its operation. This does not mean that there are no sensors in the air conditioner. It's just that there will always be fewer of them and they will regulate the on-off modes of the compressor.

Pros and cons of different systems

Climate control is much more convenient than a conventional air conditioner in that the driver and passengers do not need to adjust the operation of the equipment every time as soon as conditions change. It is enough to enter the desired values ​​into the control unit and enjoy the comfort.

Only climate control can create different conditions for the driver and passengers. If comfort is above all, then the approach to its organization should be individual. A conventional air conditioner does not provide such an opportunity.

Climate control also benefits in terms of fuel economy, as it turns off the heating and cooling functions in time.

Climate control is fundamentally more complicated, and therefore more expensive than its relative air conditioner. In the event of a failure of the electronic unit, the repair rises in a solid amount. For advanced features you have to pay, and a lot.

Climate control may not always adequately produce the desired temperature. In addition, if the sensors are not located very well, the automation for this value can overheat or overcool the car.

Is it possible to put climate control instead of air conditioning

Theoretically, the air conditioning of any car can be replaced with climate control. After all, almost all the necessary components - a cooling unit, a heating unit, air ducts - are already there. In practice, there are many nuances.

For example, climate control requires automatic control dampers, which will require the installation of cables with motors or servos. It will be necessary to install several additional sensors. One of the most expensive parts there will be a “head” installation - an electronic control unit.

In order to convert the air conditioner to climate control to air conditioning, you must completely disassemble the front panel

Hence the conclusion: the conversion of the cooling system into a full-fledged climate control is associated with high costs. You can entrust such an operation only to a proven service, where there is experience in such procedures. If comfort is above all for you, then technically there is nothing impossible in this.

Cooling down in the heat and warming up in the cold is an important opportunity that makes the car not just a means of transportation, but a comfortable crew. When you are on the road, systems such as heating, air conditioning, climate control make the trip a pleasure. Of course, comfort is worth any money, because in the car we spend part of our lives.

The automotive industry is developing at a rapid pace - new enterprises are being created, companies are re-equipping old plants, new concepts are appearing. There are several reasons for this “behavior” of the industry, but progress and technologies introduced into modern machines play a special role.

Fundamental concepts

To begin with, we will analyze the devices in a little more detail in order to have an idea about the subjects being studied.

An air conditioner is a device that cools the air inside a car. The crankshaft belt drive is used as a power source. Hence the trivial conclusion - the loss of engine power affects the performance of the system, the level of fuel consumption increases (later we will analyze why this happens).

Air conditioning control panel

But the shortcomings are compensated by an acceptable temperature balance.

Climate control is a closed system that combines heating components, air conditioning, measuring instruments, sensors and a separate computer ( the electronic unit management). Automatically (after pressing the "Auto" button), data is received from sensors located in the cabin and outside it, and the mini-computer processes the incoming signals.

More advanced samples also analyze the degree of illumination inner space and even humidity!

Control Panel

The Chrysler Imperial was the first car to have air conditioning. The epic event took place in 1953.

The principle of operation of the air conditioner

Changing the temperature in the car is possible thanks to the refrigerant - freon. Over time, its number decreases, which forces the driver to contact the specialized service station.

Consider the functioning of a closed system in a step-by-step form:

1. Pressing the button activates (joins) the device with a pulley, which moves with the help of a crankshaft belt drive.
2. In the compressor, freon becomes gaseous, it is compressed, which increases the temperature of the "refrigerator".
3. The path lies through the radiator, where a separate fan (first gear is used) cools the warm gas-air mixture.
4. The aggregate state changes to liquid in the condenser, then the receiver-drier filters the composition.
5. Freon enters the evaporator, where it releases steam due to the difference temperature indicators, the built-in fan directs air streams to salon.
6. The refrigerant is used cyclically.

The scheme of the air conditioner

The efficiency of the air conditioner directly depends on the movement of the car; in a traffic jam, the second gear is automatically switched on for the built-in fans. This contributes to greater consumption of gasoline or diesel.

How climate control works

The electronic control unit works with the stove and air conditioner, regulates the fan speed, direction air currents.

The accuracy and versatility of the "box" is achieved due to the n-th number measuring instruments and sensors. They are located around the perimeter of the car, inside the cabin. Why such innovations?

The system analyzes the temperature inside and outside the machine. Electronic devices send information to the "command center", where the received data is processed.

Built-in algorithms compare the given parameters with the available ones, the ECU issues commands to various devices.

Location of air ducts

Climate control reduces fuel consumption, as the operation of components is optimized for the minimum allowable values.

Advantages and disadvantages of air conditioning

For ease of perception, let's break down the strong and weak sides component on several lists.

Drivers love:

• ability to cool the air high temperature behind the windshield;
• increase the level of attention and reaction due to comfortable conditions in the cabin;
• car air conditioner fight bad smell(tobacco, alcohol);
• dehumidification of air under adverse weather conditions (prevents fogging of windows).

Flaws:

• reduction in the power of the driving unit;
• increased temperature under the hood ( free space gets smaller)
• frequent maintenance constituent parts devices, their rapid wear;
• increased fuel consumption.

The disadvantages are offset by the obvious cheapness of installing an analogue of the cooling system.

Advantages and disadvantages of climate control

Electronic equipment and technical innovations not without strengths and weaknesses.

Motorists are happy:

• comfortable driving conditions for "iron horses";
• accurate determination of the outside temperature;
• automatic operation of the system, which does not distract from the analysis of the roadway;
• inability to catch a cold due to incorrect temperature conditions.

Few prepared:

• to the high cost of components and the system as a whole;
• to costly repairs, incapacity of the system due to the breakdown of one device.

The initial stage of repair work

There are more advanced systems on the market that allow you to adjust the microclimate for the driver-front passenger connection (two-zone) and rear seats(three- or four-zone).

Differences between climate control and air conditioning

Consider the main differences between the two systems:

• Control. An automated system is opposed to manually setting the mode of operation. The driver is distracted from studying the road, which is fraught with the appearance of an emergency.

Climate Control Panel

• Comfort level. The task of the computer is to adjust the zoning of air cooling, taking into account the justification for using air ducts. In technical terms, the opponent is clearly losing.
• The complexity of the system. A multi-level system is devoid of the disadvantages inherent in individual components. Climate control combines components into a single organism, an increase in their number improves the quality of the ECU.
• Price policy. An automated system is not cheap, but it pays off a hundredfold in terms of comfort and fuel economy. Drivers who make a choice based on price will prefer a cheaper component.

It is better to buy a used car with air conditioning - the savings are obvious. In the case of a sale, the situation is reversed.

Climate control is characterized increased level comfort for the sake of affordability and affordability. Air conditioning is more attractive to consumers middle category prosperity.

What is climate control and air conditioning? How do they differ, their pros and cons when installed in a car and an apartment.

A person strives to create comfortable conditions for himself everywhere. Whether it is an apartment or a car, clean air and its moderate temperature are needed everywhere.

Therefore, air conditioner manufacturers continue to expand their product line to meet consumer needs. On the other hand, these units have an alternative - a climate control system. Having created it, a person delegated the decision-making on creating and maintaining comfortable conditions to automation and a computer. The latter relies on the readings of sensors both inside the room / salon, and outside them.

Let's talk in more detail about the nuances of air conditioning and climate control, their advantages and disadvantages, the possibility of replacing the first with the second.

What is climate control in a car, apartment?

air circulation scheme in an apartment with climate control

Climate control is intelligent system, consisting of a number of different appliances to maintain the comfort of the space.

In the car, it ensures human comfort and the absence of fogging of glasses while driving.

The climate control option for an apartment is more complicated in terms of instrumentation. But in both cases, the systems work smoothly all year round without adjustment for weather outside the cabin/walls and outside air temperature.

What is the difference between climate control and air conditioning in a car, apartment: comparison, pros and cons

drawn man thought about the difference between air conditioning and climate control

In a car, the difference between climate control and air conditioning lies in a number of parameters:

• The comfort of being in the cabin.
  It is higher with climate control, since the air conditioner only cools the air and dries it to prevent fogging of the windows.
• Ease of use.
  In the first option, a person selects a mode that is supported automatically; in the second, he adjusts desired parameters manually.
• Personal approach.
  Currently, there are climate control systems to create personal comfort for each passenger in the car. Air conditioners do not have this capability.

The difference between the considered devices in the apartment is similar. You can easily create the right microclimate for every room in your apartment. The climate control system does this.

However, there is a nuance - turn on the air conditioner for heating when sub-zero temperature outside the window is impossible, with the exception of its dear representatives.

A significant disadvantage of the climate control system is its high cost and the cost of repair in the event of a breakdown. If it is included in the car, it automatically becomes much more expensive than its “brothers” with air conditioning. The same is true for apartments.

Climate control in the apartment all year round creates more comfortable conditions for a person than air conditioning:

• has “brains”, intelligent control, due to which there is a change of modes during operation,
• consists of a set of devices - ionizers, humidifiers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, a floor heating system, supply and exhaust ventilation, sensors for monitoring climate changes in the housing space and outside it,
• capable of maintaining a minimum allowable temperature when there are no people in the room.

Advantages of climate control over air conditioning in a car, apartment

air distribution diagram in the passenger compartment of a car with climate control

For a car, the benefits are:

• driver safety and comfort while driving
• has a built-in heating function
• independently regulates the level of humidity in the cabin
• creates personal conditions of comfort for the driver and passengers
• saves fuel, as the automation regulates the intensity of heat supply and air cooling

Apartment with organized system climate control has the following advantages:

• does not require manual change of parameters if this mode was not initially selected by the hosts
• personalization of settings for each room
• saving money when paying utility bills
• ease of operation - remote control, panel screen, mobile phone

What is better in a car, apartment: air conditioning or climate control?

apartment room with air conditioning on the wall

The answer depends on a number of points - the climatic zone of residence, the financial capabilities of the owner, the requirements for the microclimate.

In terms of comfort of sensations and use, climate control is definitely better.
If the main parameter you are guided by is the price, then opt for a good air conditioner.

How to distinguish air conditioning from climate control in the car?

photo of car climate control panel

Motorist forums contain separate topics with answers to this question. Drivers note the following visual differences air conditioning from climate control:

• The "A / C" button on the dashboard indicates that air conditioning is installed in the cabin.
• Regulators-krutilki temperature heat-cold, fan speed, air flow distribution in the cabin has air conditioning.
• Climate control has a panel with buttons and a control panel.
• Many models of air conditioners do not have buttons automatic mode. For climate control systems, they are always provided.

Features of climate control in a car in winter: description

scheme of air movement in the climate control system for supply to the car interior in winter

• Expose required parameters temperature and hot air supply. If this is not done, but simply turn on the climate control, the system will start heating Windshield, then the legs and face of the driver and passenger.
• The heat from the hot engine warms the air drawn in from outside through the radiator.
• Select the "auto" mode and leave smart system self-regulate the process.
• After reaching the desired temperature in the cabin, the climate control system changes its work - it maintains the result.

Is it possible to put climate control instead of air conditioning in a car or apartment?

wiring diagram of devices in the car climate control system

If your car has air conditioning, it can be replaced with climate control. You will need additional parts, wiring and a panel for the system, as well as time and patience for this undertaking. At the same time, you can carry out a replacement both in the repair service, and on your own in the garage.

The situation is absolutely opposite with the change of the air conditioner to the climate control system in the apartment. Firstly, there are modern inverter types of air conditioners that can do almost everything the same as their “smart advanced” competitors.

Secondly, the cost of such an event is quite high. Beyond buying constituent elements systems, you will need to organize their correct installation and connection. You can't do without specialists in replacing the air conditioner with climate control in the apartment.

Therefore, weigh all the pros and cons before buying a car or apartment with installed system climate control or its installation in them instead of air conditioning.

Video: climate control or car air conditioning

We want it to have as many options as possible that are responsible for driving comfort. Doing without air conditioning is quite difficult, both in summer and winter.

There is also such a system as . The difference between climate control and air conditioning is obvious:

• the air conditioner is constantly working to cool the air;
• climate control provides optimal temperature regime in the cabin.

Consider this issue in more detail to understand how climate control is better than air conditioning.

How does a car air conditioner work?

To supply and cool air in the machine, an air conditioner is used, which, as a rule, consists of the following main parts:

• radiator evaporator;
• compressor;
• receiver dryer;
• condenser radiator.

Responsible for the removal of dust and other solid particles from the air entering from the outside cabin filter. A fan is also used to pump air.

The main task of the air conditioner is to cool the air in the car and remove moisture from the air.

The air conditioner works only when the engine is running, the compressor pumps into the system main pipelines a refrigerant that changes from a gaseous state to a liquid state and vice versa. When the refrigerant changes its state of aggregation, heat is released in stages, and then it is absorbed. At the same time, the air entering through the cabin filter from the street is cooled and enters the cabin.

The driver cannot regulate the air temperature, he can only turn the air conditioner on or off. Although in more modern models there are temperature sensors that transmit information about the air temperature in the cabin and the air conditioner can turn on independently.

The driver can use both manual control mode and autonomous. But the main task of the air conditioner is to cool the air in the cabin.

Climate control

The presence of a climate control system in a car significantly increases its starting cost, and this is not surprising, because climate control has a much broader functionality than air conditioning and a car stove combined.

As you know, the human body feels comfortable when changes in temperature do not exceed a range of 5 degrees.

We all know that when the temperature drops from thirty degrees to 20 in summer, it seems to us that frosts have come. And when the temperature rises from minus five to plus five in winter, we already strive to take off our hats as soon as possible in anticipation of spring.

Sudden temperature changes in the car interior are negatively reflected in the condition of the driver and passengers.

The climate control system allows you to maintain the temperature within the required limits, that is, using this system, you can both cool the air and heat it.

Climate control combines air conditioning and car stove, as well as a mass of sensors for measuring various parameters. Controlled by computer and complex programs. The driver can set any modes, as well as turn the system on and off.

Climate control can be multi-zone - two-, three-, four-zone. Each passenger can control the air temperature using the remote control or buttons on the doors near his seat.

That is, we see that the difference between climate control and air conditioning is the presence of more functions and features to maintain optimal comfort conditions in the cabin.

Electronic "brains" of climate control can also control actuators that open or close air dampers. For example, in winter period the system will first of all direct warm air streams to the glass in order to defrost and dry it faster. How more expensive car, the more advanced system it uses.

It must also be remembered that any system needs constant maintenance. Most of the problems for motorists are delivered by the cabin filter, which needs to be changed periodically, otherwise all the dust and dirt from the street will end up in the cabin and in your lungs.

If you do not use the air conditioner, then you still need to turn it on for at least ten minutes to fill the cabin with fresh air, and also so that the oil passes through the system. If it is hot outside, then the air conditioner does not need to be turned on immediately - drive for 5-10 minutes open window so that the interior is filled with fresh air and cooled naturally.

It is also not advisable to direct the flow of cold air to the windows on a hot day, as this can lead to the formation of microcracks on the glass.

Over time, colonies of microorganisms may appear on the evaporator radiator, which cause allergic reactions in humans. Do not forget to monitor the level of refrigerant, usually refilling with freon is carried out once every two years.

Both air conditioning and climate control require careful treatment. As a result, you will always feel comfortable driving a car, you will not be worried about condensation on the windows, excess moisture, dust in the air.