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Quicker heating in winter

7K views 4 replies 4 participants last post by  Pug50 
#1 ·
Hello,

I noticed that wheni turn on the AC the car is heating quicker.
In Bulgaria now in the morning is -5 and after 2-3 min it starts blowing hot air from the vent. When the AC is turned off it takes much more longer.
Is there any system for quicker heating when the AC is turned on?
I read something about Quickheat but only for diesel engines, mine is 1.4T 2018.

Thanks!
 
#2 ·
There appears to be 2 cooling thermostats on the 1.4t astra k. None of them appear to be MAP controlled either. This system allows the engine to heat up more quickly and allows the occupants warmth earlier. It will also aid emissions control.

From what I have worked out the engine cooling water appears to circulate around the engine block only from cold . The coolant quickly heats up opening the first thermostat (allows coolant flow to the in car heater/turbo bearing and oil cooler aswell as engine). Then when engine is up to running temp the 2nd thermostat opens to allow cooling through the radiator.

The a.c. compressor will put a bit more load on the engine and heat the water circulating around the block faster from cold. This will cause the 1st thermostat to open slightly earlier than with no ac on imo.

1st picture is 1st thermostat, built in to housing.
2nd picture is 2nd thermostat, located by water pump.
 

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#3 ·
I've always thought that the AC couldn't activate at all below about 0-3°C?

If it is auto climate then it is possible that when the AC is off, it directs more air to the windscreen and blows stronger and earlier in auto mode to try to avoid the windows steaming up without the dehumidifying effect of AC. By blowing earlier and stronger, it would delay engine warmup. But that's a complete guess.

Regardless, it's pretty impressive how quickly it warms up.
 
#4 ·
Pug50 said:
I've always thought that the AC couldn't activate at all below about 0-3°C?

If it is auto climate then it is possible that when the AC is off, it directs more air to the windscreen and blows stronger and earlier in auto mode to try to avoid the windows steaming up without the dehumidifying effect of AC. By blowing earlier and stronger, it would delay engine warmup. But that's a complete guess.

Regardless, it's pretty impressive how quickly it warms up.
The climate control will not run the compressor if the temperature is low. Also i see no reason to run it at all if the car is set to 20C and the outside air is 0C
 
#5 ·
astraowner said:
Also i see no reason to run it at all if the car is set to 20C and the outside air is 0C
The main reason would be to dehumidify the air so that the windows stay clear without throwing gobs of air at the windscreen.

Also, AC in the winter means that the car can be heated hotter without feeling stuffy.

But indeed - most manufacturers say the AC won't operate at all in the cold, usually saying either 3°C or 0°C as a minimum.
 
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