Do You Need to Press the AC Button When Turning on the Heater?
2 Answers
You do not need to press the AC button when turning on the heater. The AC button is the air conditioning adjustment button. When you press the AC button in summer, the air conditioning compressor starts to operate and cool the air. However, when turning on the heater, the AC button does not need to be activated because the heater does not rely on the compressor to generate heat. Instead, the heater transfers the heat produced by the engine into the car's interior without using the compressor. Therefore, there is no need to press the AC button when using the heater. If the heater is kept on continuously in winter, the engine cannot stop running, which may lead to the production of harmful gases inside the car. When these gases enter the car through the heat circulation, they can be harmful to the human body. In such cases, the driver should open the windows to allow fresh air to circulate.
When I first started driving, I thought turning on the heater required pressing the AC button, only to find my fuel consumption skyrocketing. Later, I asked at a repair shop and learned it's really unnecessary. The heater mainly uses the heat generated by the engine to warm the air, while the AC button controls the air conditioning compressor, used for cooling or dehumidifying. If the weather is dry and you're using the heater, simply turn off the AC button—the engine's heat will provide warmth for free, saving you money and reducing engine load. However, during rain or when windows fog up in winter, keeping the AC button on can help dehumidify and prevent blurred vision. In short, when using the heater normally, avoid the AC button—developing this habit can save a lot on fuel costs and keep your car running smoother.
