Climate Control: How Does It Work
Climate control is a system set in a vehicle for controlling the temperature inside a car. The vehicle user controls the climate control using a thermostat to match the temperature levels of choice. In the olden days, climate control was perceived to be for the high-class individuals, and, most vehicles had air conditioning devices, which had been in operation since the late 1930s.
But with time, air condition systems have evolved. An American carmaker, Cadillac, created the climate control system that regulated the temperature inside the car to what the occupants desired.
Therefore, if you are shopping for a vehicle and find a climate control feature, do not brag that you are now a “premium car owner.”
But How Does Climate Control Work?
Let’s find out from this guide.
Like a thermostat, any car with climate control has its thermometer, which shows the level of the car’s temperature from the inside. For instance, if you set your climate control at 60 degrees Farenheight, then the thermostat will regulate the temperature by increasing or decreasing the fan speed to achieve the desired optimal temperature.
But it is also important to note that climate control systems operate differently depending on the manufacturer and the car model. Most vehicles use multiple temperature sensors to sense the interior temperature. The other sensors available include the humidity sensors, which control the air conditioning system to ensure that the windscreen does not form fog by providing a dry environment while inside the car.
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Now that we have a brief history of climate control, dual-zone climate control works to enhance the climate control enjoyed by the driver and the passenger. The vehicle has multiple sensors, which divide the interior space into different zones. The driver and the passenger in front have separate dials for the temperatures they wish to select.
But still, some vehicles have a tri-zone climate, too, where even other passengers have climate control buttons and can adjust the vehicle’s temperature to their levels.
This is the difference between a car with an AC system and a car with a climate control system. For instance, a car with an AC system will strain the engine, yet it cannot regulate the temperature evenly as set by the occupants. This is only possible when climate control is installed.
How Does the Car Heat Work?
Modern technology vehicles have cabin heat that works with three main components;
- mainly the thermostat,
- the heater core,
- the water pump.
When the engine heats, the heat is deposited in the cabin and comes off from the coolant to cool the engine. Generally, if you notice how the engine is cold in the morning, this is due to the thermostat that usually settles its temperature in chilly and cold mornings. Still, when you start the engine, the thermostat picks up immediately and regulates the heat to the desired temperature.
Until the thermostat heats up, it is when you start enjoying the heat in the cabin and can regulate the climate control when the heat is optimal. This, however, happens quickly whenever the car is stated through the process known as the coolant system.
How Effective are the Air Quality Systems in Climate Control?
Air quality systems are a new technological invention in air conditioning used in high-end manufactured vehicles. Some vehicles are installed air quality sensors outside the car, basically in the engine bay where the radiator grille rests. Its main work is to check the cleanliness of the air outside.
If it detects that the air is of poor quality, it returns the cabin air and draws some more fresh air from the outside to improve what is ingested in the car’s interior.
This automatic feature helps the car owner maintain fresh air throughout, so even when he forgets to recirculate the air manually, the system will regulate by itself.
An air quality system also helps majorly clean air filters by removing pollutants.
New Innovations Available in the Market
Climate controls continue to evolve, with the most recent air conditioning system being the Lexus Concierge system. This has many exciting functions, such as;
- Monitoring the actual body temperature of the occupants by use of the infrared sensors
- Regulating the heating or cooling of the steering wheel to provide optimal temperatures for the passengers, for instance, heating the seats when it is cold and cooling them when it is generally hot, to ensure the passengers enjoy the comfort of the vehicle.
Others have sensors that detect the passenger’s voice, for instance, saying, “I am feeling hot” the sensors will detect that and regulate the temperature to cool down. The list of climate control is endless and exciting and seems to evolve with time.