Not sure it is recommended, but I turn my off quite a bit. I am just not in need of a/c (love my windows down) and when it is time for heat, the seat heaters work great until the thirties.

Now, what I have noticed is that when I turn my a/c back on (I have had to do that a few times this summer), it seemed like the cool air took awhile to get to me. Like a minute or so.

I am worried that by turning off the system, I may be harming my a/c compressor...is that a thing?

 

Rarely do I have my top up, so no need for AC or heat (unless wifey is riding). That is often enough that I don't worry about the fabled 'use it or lose it' AC conundrum.

 

No, you do not harm the compressor by shutting the system off.

 

Never.
Think of the a/c as a dehumidifier. In any weather it is essential for reducing the humidity in the cabin.

 

BUT, when the ambient humidity is under fifteen percent, what's to reduce? I need MORE humidity!!! Plus again, the top is always down.

 

FWIW, I too rarely drive with the top up. A/C is always on, but fan is on low. Just a nice trickle of cool air in the 80-95 degree heat.

 

That added heat to the engine from the AC when it's 110 outside sure doesn't help much. I DO have the seat coolers on when over 100, but since I'm usually moving, no air from the vents would do anything with the entire car wide open. No point to it. When wife gets too hot, the top goes up. Not for me though, I love the heat.

 

@Circumnavigator No seat coolers in your 2008. Neat technology, wish it was an option on all cars (all manufacturers), rather than just a fan under your butt on some cars.

 

Yep, I know.

 

South Texas checking in. The A/C has an Off button?

 

Ignore this….