Driving in summer and winter used to be quite an ordeal, as not all cars came equipped with a climate control system, and the only solution was to open the windows to let in a breeze or close them and drive wearing a jacket and well wrapped up.
However, over the years, vehicles modernised their technology, leading to the introduction of a heating system for winter and air conditioning for summer. So, what is better — climate control or air conditioning in a car?
It is true that both share a common goal, but there are certain differences between them that you should consider, especially if you need to change your car's system, for which we recommend second-hand climate control to save money. Let's take a look at the differences and the advantages and disadvantages of each!
What is the difference between air conditioning and a climate control system?
We can already tell you that they are not the same thing. It is true that both have the same objective: to cool the interior of the car, depending on the compressor, but there is a clear difference: temperature control and air management.
Air conditioning
Air conditioning, generally known as A/C in the motoring world, could be said to be the basic system, whose function is to cool the air using the compressor.
But this is 100% manual — in other words, the driver must manage the temperature control using the dial or the knob on the dashboard, to activate the device, and with a second dial mix the cold and warm air to achieve the temperature that feels most comfortable.
This means that the temperature must be adjusted at all times according to the outside conditions — it will not do so automatically.
Climate control
Unlike the air conditioning system, the climate control system, also known as climatronic, is automatic, allowing the driver to set the desired temperature and have the system work automatically to maintain it.
To do so, it uses a network of temperature sensors, both external and internal, to constantly monitor the environment, adjusting four parameters until the desired temperature is reached:
- Compressor power.
- Air flow and direction.
- Fan speed.
- Mix of hot and cold air.
In cars with more modern systems, climate control can be dual-zone or tri-zone, meaning that the temperature is adjusted according to the seat in the vehicle, adapting to the needs of the driver and passengers.
Climate control VS Air conditioning: Pros and cons of each system!
To help you decide which system to choose, first of all let us tell you about the advantages and disadvantages of each:
Ease of use
On this point, the climate control system is clearly more practical and comfortable to use, as it is automatic. Once the temperature is selected, the system works to adjust the interior to it, whereas with air conditioning you have to keep changing it manually.
Fuel consumption
Here we can say that air conditioning has the advantage, as it can be used intermittently and consumes less fuel since fewer systems are involved in regulating the temperature.
With the climate control system, however, the system is always active, monitoring the exterior and interior of the vehicle, even if you have not activated the heating or air conditioning.
Price
Air conditioning is much more affordable, as it is a simpler system. A climate control system, on the other hand, represents a greater investment, as it uses an advanced ECU and several motorised dampers.
However, if you want to save money when replacing it, you can always go to a salvage yard and buy these parts second-hand to save on the repair or replacement.
System maintenance
When it comes to carrying out maintenance or having to deal with a repair, which is cheaper?
Clearly air conditioning, as it uses fewer electrical components, whereas the climate control system has many more stages, and several parts may need to be replaced.
Temperature stability inside the vehicle
Here the climate control system has the advantage, as the system adjusts to maintain the desired value inside the vehicle, whereas with manual air conditioning it has to be adjusted manually.
Quality of expelled air
Once again, the car's climate control wins, as it features more advanced air filters and air quality sensors that activate recirculation, while the air conditioning system is more basic.
What is better: air conditioning or climate control?
With all the information we have shared with you, you can now get a good idea of which of the two systems suits you best.
But allow us to give you one last piece of advice:
- Choose manual air conditioning if you are on a tight budget, use the car infrequently, or prefer to have full control over temperature regulation and petrol consumption.
- Choose a climate control system if you are looking for comfort and peace of mind at the wheel, without having to worry about adjusting the temperature. We also recommend it if you are a frequent driver, especially if you have to cover long distances on a daily basis.