Air Conditioner Performance

[Dunerunner]

timhood

Outside air temp (OAT) matters only to the compressor/condensor, the high pressure side of the system. The cooling portion starts at the thermostatic expansion valve where high pressure liquid refrigerant is atomized into droplets and low pressure (cold) vapor in the cooling coil (evaporator). The thermostatic expansion valve (TEV) maintains the cooling coil outlet temperature at a specific point (talking refrigerant temp here). The heat absorbed by the refrigerant as it "boils off" is directly related to the drop in temperature of the air being moved across the cooling coil. Fan speed is also a factor. Generally, with adequate liquid refrigerant supplied to the TEV, you should realize ~a 20 degree difference in temperature from the air entering the cooling coil and the air at the vent closest the cooling coil. Hope this helps!!

[nickpiketx]

I am a big guy with lots of body fat and it takes a lot to keep me cool, but I could not stay in my Smart if the AC was turned down to lowest setting.

[ex300SRT8]

So far it does a respectable job, plus I have a black/black car so it heats up pretty good. I did order the custom sunscreen for the windshield though and I'm hoping that is going to help some.

I didn't buy this car expecting it to be flawless in all areas of comfort, but overall it has done an above average job with climate control overall. I'll give the heater and heated seats a 5 out of 5, and the A/C a 3 out of 5 (compared to other full sized cars and SUVs I've owned). Nice job smart, your product continues to impress the heck out of me!

[2micro4u]

Im sorry to hear that ... My A/c Has been working excellent with no problems.

[Piccola]

Anyone notice a high-pitched squeal while the air conditioning was on? I heard it the 2nd time I used it and I think now it has to go to the dealership to get checked! But, it does cool the inside of the lil smart down fine.

[ex300SRT8]

Originally Posted by 2micro4u

Im sorry to hear that ... My A/c Has been working excellent with no problems.

For me at least, for an A/C to get a 5 out of 5 (an excellent rating) would mean that within a few moments of entering the car that has been baking in the 90 degree sun for the entire day it would be very cool and comfortable. My SUV and 3 series BMW were able to achieve that in 100 degree temps.

I am trying to be objective and as I mentioned, I never expected my smart to achieve such a level. I think that overall the smart car, considering cost, mpg, performance and comfort is EXCEPTIONAL!

[kkish]

Left my car at wok uncoverd i the Phoneix sun at 99 with a sun screen in the windows and all was well car ws comfotabel in about 2 miles same as most cars here in Phoneix OR as comforable as it gets... Still waiting for a HOT day for final determination 110+

[msjohnson1974]

While travelling at a reasonable speed (highway) no issues, it seems to get weak in stop and go traffic though... the solution is to put it on recirculate, on the lowest temp setting, and highest fan. Of course that is really noisy.

[N'AWLINS]

90 degrees in Orlando yesterday....have a cabrio....the A/C pumped out ice cold air. I actually had to turn down the temp after the cabin cooled...in about 15mins.
No complaints here!!

[ex300SRT8]

O.K. I've revised my opinion a bit. As temps climbed into the mid to high 90's this week I made a couple of changes. First off, I purchased a smart windshield visor from a vendor here and did that ever work - nice! Then, something I didn't do in previous cars because of the noise factor: use the recirculate and higher fan settings. It does work much better, granted noisy, but that I can live with. This car continues to impress me with something different on a regular basis. I'll admit, I'm finally cool with the A/C .