A/C System Operation: Comfort

Being comfortable while driving leads to better concentration and safe driving. Air conditioning makes drivers and passengers more comfortable when temperatures or humidity are high. While opening the windows or sunroof or increasing the air flow can make vehicle occupants more comfortable, it also exposes them to more noise, droughts, exhaust, pollen and dust.

A well-designed heating and air conditioning system can increase comfort by controlling the temperature, humidity and air flow inside the vehicle. This is done both when the vehicle is moving and when it is stationary.

Air conditioning also offers these advantages:

• It cleans the air that enters the vehicle interior. The damp fins on the evaporator collect dust and pollen, which is then removed by condensation.
• Temperatures in a mid-size vehicle (for example: after a short drive, outside temperature 30 °C (86 °F) in the shade and the vehicle exposed to sunlight).

	With A/C System	Without A/C System
Head area	23 °C (73.4 °F)	42 °C (107.6 °F)
Upper body area	24 °C (75.2 °F)	40 °C (104 °F)
Foot area	30 °C (86 °F)	35 °C (95 °F)