Климат-контроль или кондиционер? Что лучше и в чём отличия

Modern cars are increasingly equipped with climate control, which replaces the conventional air conditioner

Climate control is a modern climate system that is responsible for maintaining optimal conditions inside the car. It controls humidity, temperature, sunlight intensity, carbon dioxide concentration, and other important parameters. Climate control also regulates air circulation, fan speed, and prevents window fogging. This allows you to create a comfortable atmosphere in the cabin, regardless of the weather conditions. What else distinguishes climate control from air conditioning?

What is Climate Control

Climate control is a unique system designed to create and maintain a comfortable temperature and humidity level in the car. It not only cools or heats the air, but also automatically maintains the set parameters, which makes trips even more enjoyable.

In addition, climate systems perform other important functions:

  • Airflow direction. The angle of the deflector allows you to redirect the main airflow to different areas of the cabin, for example, to the leg area or to the center.
  • Blowing speed. This setting is adjusted using a fan, which can be selected manually or adjusted automatically using a computer.
  • Recirculation. This mode allows you to use the air inside the cabin, which is especially convenient when driving in a traffic jam or tunnel, when the exhaust gases of the car in front do not enter the cabin. Circulation also speeds up the process of heating or cooling the cabin.
  • Filtration. The climate system provides air filtration from pollen, dust and other small particles, which ensures cleanliness and freshness in the cabin. Some models also have an air ionization option.
  • Aromatization. Premium car brands offer climate systems that not only regulate the temperature, but also fill the cabin with a pleasant aroma, creating an atmosphere of comfort.

How Climate Control Works

The climate control system combines the functions of a heater, fan and air conditioner. Their operation is coordinated by a computer or electronic control unit (ECU).

Thanks to information received from numerous sensors inside and outside the car, the climate control system creates an optimal operating algorithm. Data on the weather outside, the intensity of solar radiation, the level of air pollution and other parameters are taken into account.

The climate control system can be controlled either manually or automatically using the "AUTO" button. In automatic mode, the system independently adjusts all parameters based on information about the driver's preferences and external conditions. With manual control, some settings are still controlled by the computer.

In practice, the operation of the climate control system looks like this:

The driver sets the desired temperature. The electronics analyze data from temperature sensors and compare them with the specified conditions. If the temperature is higher or lower than desired, the system automatically adjusts the ratio of cold and warm air. To reach the set temperature faster, the system can increase the fan speed. If necessary, the air recirculation mode is activated. As the temperature approaches the set temperature, the system reduces the blowing speed.

Differences Between Climate Control and Air Conditioning

In an air conditioner, the driver chooses the desired air temperature. To maintain it, he will have to constantly adjust the settings, focusing on his feelings. Climate control allows you to keep the temperature constant without requiring constant participation from the driver.

In addition, these systems have other differences:

  • Air conditioning dries and cools the air, while climate control first divides it into two streams. One stream goes to the heater, and the other to the air conditioner. At the entrance to the cabin, they are mixed in different proportions depending on the set settings.
  • Climate control is controlled by electronics, which determines the optimal operation of dampers, fan and other systems. For example, in cold weather, when starting the car, the computer will direct a larger flow of warm air to the windshield.

Today, air conditioners are installed on almost all cars, even in basic configurations. Climate control is more often offered as an option or in expensive versions. As a result, the cost of a car with an automated system becomes higher.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Climate Control System

Advantages:

The system allows you to accurately adjust the microclimate in the cabin without requiring constant manual adjustment. This allows the driver to focus on the road.

The ability to separate air flows into zones and the multifunctionality of the system. The system effectively distributes air and consumes energy for heating and heating, which ultimately affects fuel consumption.

The presence of climate control can increase the value of the car when it is resold.

Disadvantages:

Although the climate control system is easy to use, the abundance of buttons and dials can be confusing at first.

In the event of a malfunction of a conventional air conditioner, it is most likely that the compressor or condenser will need to be repaired. If the main electronics or climate control sensors fail, this can lead to significant repair costs.

In most cases, air conditioning is included in the basic configuration of the car, while climate control has to be paid extra as an option or as part of a more expensive configuration.

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