The normal recirc button acts just like you think it should, using only the cabins air through the conditioned system. The problem with that is under prolonged use, the unit may freeze up. The recirc with the "A" will let outside air in from time to time to avoid the unit freezing. Many manufacturers, mostly American, use a small constant amount of outside air to avoid the unit freezing, but it doesn't give you the full effect of the recirc.

The economy button defeats the air conditioning all together. If that is pushed, the car will still try and achieve the temperature you've set, but by using the outside air and heater only.

Hope that helps.

Cheers!

 

Thank you Chef! That was quite helpful

 

I took Stryker's advice on the blackout material. It makes a big difference. As far as A/C, what is critical is that the recirculation button, when pressed by itself, will make the car go slower. Depress while passing.

 

Blue Jays is doing just what I do, except no windows down while parked. I got the base version for several reasons and fabric seats was a big factor. I hate sticking to the leather seats, and having a wet butt. I would have liked to have the sport package and a sharp color, but my previous car was black with dark leather and sunroof, the one before that was white without leather therefore I was well aware of what I need in South Florida to be cool, at the expense of not being "cool".

 

The recirculation button with the "A" is the Automatic Air Recirculation, which is linked to the air quality sensor and will automatically switch on the air recirculation if it senses that the air is polluted (exhaust fumes, etc.). This is explained on page 135 of the 2007 Owners Manual.

 

Guess I should [sm=icon_rtfm.gif]because I thought the A was saying that it was a mixure of recirc and ambient air.

 

Yup. Altho I wonder how sensitive to air quality it really is. Living in LA I would think the thing must be on recirc all the time.
Also ditto on the Open Sky. I didn't get it in part because of heat (and brightness) and I have had no problems cooling the car down.