I have to say I am not the most car savvy, so might not be willing to try that :D

The AC method does sort of work, but when we stop at the lights, the engine will still go idle. But if we turn the AC off then back on, it gets the engine going again. But that's still bad for the engine.

Going for servicing next week, might as the tech if he can switch it off. Not sure if it voids any warranty or not.