Q: My husband and I have an ongoing dispute. Don't worry: No matter what, your answer won't precipitate a divorce! My question, which is for all the marbles: Does a car cool off more quickly if one opens the windows while waiting for the A/C to kick in, even in the heat of the summer? I say that any breeze or air flow is better than no air flow. (However, I guess there is a little air flow from the vents before the A/C kicks in, but it doesn't seem to cool the car down as quickly as fresh air.) Or, as my husband avers, is it better for me to melt onto the leather seats for the five minutes before the A/C kicks in because opening the windows and letting in the hot outside air will just make the A/C less efficient? Again, the happiness of our marriage is not resting upon your answer but, well, I'm obviously right, right?
C.W., Norfolk, Virginia
A: Chill. You are not obviously right, however you are partially right. Running the air conditioning draws outside air into the cabin creating positive air pressure, so opening the windows a crack allows the hot air to be replaced by cooler air. But, better yet, setting the HVAC system to recirculate, or max A/C, continuously re-cools the air that has already been cooled. While you guys are hot, it may be time to kiss and make up.
