Do You Need to Turn on A/C When Using Car Heater?

[VonJocelyn]

You do not need to turn on A/C when using the car heater. The A/C button controls the air conditioning compressor, which is essential for cooling in summer. However, the heater simply utilizes the internal heat circulation of the car and does not require the air conditioning compressor to be activated. Therefore, to use the heater, you only need to adjust the air conditioning settings without turning on the A/C switch. Functions of the A/C Button: Defogging: When the A/C button is turned on, the air conditioning evaporator starts working. The water vapor in the air condenses when it encounters cold, and is eventually expelled through the exhaust pipe, preventing fogging on the windows and ensuring clear visibility. Maintaining Fresh Air Inside the Car: If you rely solely on the engine's heat for warmth, the air inside the car does not circulate with the outside air. Turning on the A/C allows air to circulate, keeping the interior air fresh. How the Heater Works: The heater utilizes 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, creating warm air. When the heater is not in use, the fan stops, and the heat vents close, allowing the dissipated heat to be released into the atmosphere. Therefore, the car heater recycles waste heat and does not consume additional fuel.