If you want to save energy, as opposed to cooling the car to the set temp fast, do it manually, with fresh air intake until the car is at or just below the outside temp, with the blower on "3" or so, and high-low selected for the vents. When the car gets to the outside temp, close the Recirculate control and change the vent setting to just the dash vents, and when you are comfortable enough, lower the blower speed to 2 or even 1. Make sure the temp control isn't set too low. If you'd like some fresh air, try using partial/automatic Recirculate, by pressing that button and holding it 2 seconds while it's in Recirculate more. The indicator light on the button will flash twice and go out if you are successful. This mixes in 30% fresh air, if I remember correctly. Pulling in all fresh air uses more power, and using all recirculated air uses the least power once the air is cooled.