Keith, I'm quite sure there is a fuse for the A/C. If so, I'll confirm that (Bentley manual), and give it a try...

From my experiences, your recommedations make a lot of sense. I turn-on the recirculate button sometimes when my wife is with me as it helps limit the internal sound of my exhaust. No big deal for me... When I do so, I can tell, under the right conditions, it will begin to fog.

I'll report back what I find!

Went to go open my hood/bonnet moments ago and the release mechanism didn't work properly. The driver's side appears free, but the passenger side is being held-up. Drat. Running late for work...

 

you ain't got nothing on me!!! we have two seasons... Hot and Hotter!

 

Found a couple fuses that entail the A/C, but they are for the blower, which I don't want to eliminate for this "test." Ah, in the engine bay, fuse F07 (30A) is for the A/C compressor! I'll yank that and see what I get... Once I can open the bonnet again though...