Climate Control A/c In Winter

[jonny123456]

Whenever I switch the climate control (Auto) on, the A/C light comes on. Does that mean the A/C is actually on, and using more fuel, or just that it's ready to be switched on (if needed)?

I just hit a record low of 32MPG in my 1.8 Automatic 2011 Tourer :-(

I can't work out if I need the A/C on at all in the winter. Is the A/C ever used when heating the car, or is it just for cooling? Is the A/C ever used in winter (other than when demisting the windscreen)? Should I leave it on and forget about it, or make the effort to switch it off. So many questions!

For bonus points, any views on whether the heated seats will have a significant effect on fuel economy too?

[FROSTYBALLS]

If you don't have the air con on at all in winter, you risk the seals in the system drying out and loss of refridgerant.

As far as I'm aware, climate control uses both the air con and heating systems to maintain whatever temperature (or temperatures in the case of a dual zone system) you select. Depending on your system, the air con may not work when the temperature is below a set level.

[alan333]

I reckon the difference in fuel consumption is negligable, having tested it on quite a few cars over the years. Try a fortnight with air con then a fortnight without and see if it makes any difference to yours. Personally I leave mine on all time.

[jonny123456]

Thanks for the replies.

Unfortunately the journey is so variable (same journey, vastly differing traffic conditions) that two weeks on/off may not prove to be that reliable an indicator, though I'll give it a try!

@FROSTYBALLS are you suggesting occasionally putting the A/C on cold in winter (i.e. 16/18 degrees), or just leaving the A/C light on and letting the climate control just "do its thing" to protect the seals?

[FROSTYBALLS]

Just let the climate control do its business with the air con light on.