Can You Use Air Conditioning to Remove Formaldehyde in a New Car?

[LeWillow]

You can use air conditioning to remove formaldehyde in a new car. The more the air conditioner cools, the longer the compressor runs, thus consuming more fuel. Impact of Air Conditioning Fan Speed on Fuel Consumption: Using air conditioning consumes more fuel mainly because the air conditioning compressor requires significant power to operate. However, changes in fan speed have little effect on power demand. Therefore, within a certain speed range or wind resistance, using air conditioning increases fuel consumption, while not using it saves fuel. The impact of air conditioning fan speed on fuel consumption is negligible, including when only using the heater in winter. Impact of Air Conditioning Temperature on Fuel Consumption: When it's too hot or too cold and you must use air conditioning, avoid setting it to the coldest or hottest extremes—moderate settings are best. Excessively low or high temperatures waste fuel.

[Paislee]

When I talk about the formaldehyde issue in new cars, I remember when I first bought my car, there was a pungent smell as soon as I got in, probably formaldehyde. Turning on the air conditioning's external circulation does help bring in some fresh air and dilute the odor, but relying solely on the AC isn't enough because it can't directly break down formaldehyde molecules; at best, the AC aids in ventilation. New car interiors, like seats and adhesives, slowly release formaldehyde, and keeping the AC on internal circulation for long periods actually blocks air flow, making it easier for formaldehyde to accumulate. To effectively remove formaldehyde, I suggest opening the windows more often for ventilation, especially when parked on nice days, and using activated charcoal packs for adsorption—it's cost-effective and safe. In the first few months when the new car smell is strong, don't just rely on the AC—I tried using only the AC and didn't see much improvement, plus it increased fuel consumption. It's more practical to ventilate frequently.

[MacMakayla]

From a scientific perspective, the ability of air conditioning to remove formaldehyde is quite limited: its primary functions are cooling, heating, and dehumidifying, not chemical purification. Using the external circulation mode can draw in outside air, helping to disperse some formaldehyde gas—similar to opening a window—but internal circulation traps the air, potentially allowing formaldehyde to accumulate. In new cars, formaldehyde originates from plastics and adhesives, which release it slowly over time; air conditioning can't address the root of the issue. To better reduce formaldehyde levels, try turning on the external circulation for a few minutes before driving in the morning to promote airflow. In truth, ventilation is the most straightforward solution, or consider using a professional air purifier with an activated carbon filter—those methods are far more effective.

[VonAbigail]

As a car owner sharing my experience, when I first got my new car, I noticed an unpleasant odor. I thought turning on the air conditioning with cold air would eliminate the smell, but it only masked it. Later, I learned better: before starting the air conditioning each time, I first open the windows for a few minutes to ventilate, then switch to the external air circulation to let fresh air in. Placing a few bamboo charcoal bags under the seats is very effective for absorbing odors. Air conditioning is not reliable for removing formaldehyde because in internal circulation mode, the air is reused, and dehumidification can dry out the car interior, potentially accelerating the release of harmful substances from materials. The key is not to be lazy—open the windows more often. After the car has been exposed to the summer sun, open the windows for half an hour first to let the smell dissipate before turning on the air conditioning. This approach is both convenient and beneficial for health.