Do You Need AC for Heating?
2 Answers
When driving in winter, you do not need to turn on the AC switch for heating. Here is some relevant information: 1. The AC button controls the air conditioning compressor. In summer, when using air conditioning, you must turn on the AC button to activate the cooling function. However, heating only utilizes the internal heat circulation of the car and does not require the air conditioning compressor to be activated. Therefore, to use the heating function, you only need to adjust the air conditioning controls without turning on the AC switch. 2. The heating system relies on the heat generated by the engine during operation: After the engine's cooling system dissipates heat from the engine, a fan directs this heat into the car to provide warmth. When the heating is not in use, the fan stops, and the heating vents close, allowing all the dissipated heat to escape into the atmosphere. Thus, car heating is a form of waste heat recycling and does not consume additional fuel.
Generally, you don't need to turn on the AC when using the heater, because the car's warm air is heated by the engine coolant. The AC is responsible for cooling and dehumidifying. In my over ten years of driving experience, I've found that in winter, you can simply adjust to the heating position for warmth without needing to turn on the AC switch, which is simpler and more convenient. However, if the weather is humid and the windshield fogs up severely, turning on the AC can quickly defog it, preventing poor visibility. It's recommended to observe the car's thermometer and humidity levels and adjust flexibly. For example, frequently turn on the AC to prevent fogging during snowy or rainy seasons, and directly use the heater for warmth on sunny days. The key is to adapt to actual driving conditions, ensuring both safety and reduced fuel waste. Once you get used to it, it becomes very effortless.
