Why would you want the AC off? It's much better for you (and the car) to run AC all the time

 

And you can still regulate the temperature so it doesn’t have to blow out very cold air - the ac will help prevent the windows getting misty too. I’m sure it won’t have much effect on your mpg either!!

 

Why would I need to run the AC on the 363 days of the year it isn't needed? All I want is to be able to control it, not for the decision to be made by some algorithm in the car. If I need AC I am quite capable of pushing a button. Another AI solution to a problem that didn't exist.

 

In that respect you’re absolutely correct, in fact I’ve never come across where you can’t physically turn off the ac?

My car is a bit older than yours so the controls may be a bit different but these are the instructions for mine,

https://gb.e-guide.renault.com/sites/default/files/uas/eng/HJB/ud64409_3_1.jpg

Automatic Climate Control

The controls
(depending on the vehicle)
1 Adjusting the ventilation fan speed.
2 “Clear View” function.
3 Adjusting the air temperature.
4 Automatic mode.
5 Air conditioning control.
6 Distribution of air in the passenger compartment.
7 Air recirculation.
8 De-icing/demisting of the rear screen and, depending on the vehicle, the rear view mirrors.
Automatic mode
The automatic climate control system guarantees comfort in the passenger compartment and good visibility (except in the event of extreme conditions), while optimising consumption. The system controls the ventilation speed, air distribution, air recirculation, and starting and stopping the air conditioning and air temperature.
AUTO: allows the selected comfort level to be best attained, depending on the exterior conditions. Press button 4.
Adjusting the ventilation speed.
In automatic mode, the system uses the most suitable amount of air to reach and maintain the desired comfort level.
You can still adjust the ventilation speed by turning control 1 to increase or reduce the ventilation speed.
Adjusting the air temperature
Turn control 3 to obtain the desired temperature.
Turning the control to the right increases the temperature.

 

Sadly the control on the esprit Alpine looks nothing like that. Just a row of buttons.

 

AC doesn't just cool the car on hot days... it conditions the air, as implied by its name. It fills the cabin with air of particulr humidity and temperature, which is good for your well-being. The first time my parents drove a car with AC over a long distance they were astonished at how fresh they felt when they got out, compared to previous cars that had owned and driven similar distances. They were in their 60's too - helps to keep you more alert and awake

 

Or you can just open a window.

 

Opening a window affects your mpg as much as running the ac does and allows the pollutants to enter your car, plus when you’re stationary you won’t get any cooling effect. And of course the considerable noise you get with the window open - there are definitely more +’s than -‘s in using ac!!

 

Have you tried asking at your local Renault dealer?

 

That is an option, they are only 200m away from my house.

 

I’d say it’s more than an option - I can’t believe that you’ve not called in to them and asked?

 

I like to mess about and press all the buttons first.

 

 

My take on this...

If you're going to have the fan on, you might as well run the aircon too. Regular use of the aircon helps prevent the seals from failing, which saves a lot of money - and you can always set the aircon temperature to something similar to the outside temperature, if that's what you want. The small amount of extra energy used to run the aircon can save you £££s in repair bills.

I'm just about to have my motorhome aircon regassed, because the van doesn't get used enough and it must have developed a leak - £140 just for a re-gas - and no guarantee that it will work.

 

I think most of us agree that having the ac on is the best option, however I do find it strange that you can’t turn it off, if for whatever reason you want to?

 

Had my last car for 3 years. Only time the AC was on was if I was demisting the front window. Juts something I don't really need 99% of the time.

 

A lot of us grew up travelling in or driving in a car that never had ac, so it was windows down or nothing, but I can’t imagine now going back to the days of no ac, but I respect blazecars preference - it wouldn’t do for us all to be the same.

 

A/C air has a metallic taste/smell to me. That's usually the first indication that tells me it is on.

 

I have a similar problem. The air inside the car tends to get a bit stiff and on a day that is cooler outside but the temperature is fine inside the car I would like the air from the street to enter through the vents, like it used to happen in my old car, but I don't want to turn on the AC. I have the AC completely off and no air comes through the vents. Is this normal?

 

Try setting the fan speed to number 2 or greater and make sure the direction is to the face.

 

As soon as I activate the fan at any speed the A/C comes on.