Do You Need to Turn on AC When Using Car Heater?
2 Answers
You do not need to turn on AC when using car heater. More information about AC is as follows: 1. The car AC switch, simply put, is the air conditioning cooling switch. AC stands for "Air-conditioning", meaning air conditioning device. This button controls the compressor's on/off function, and car air conditioning relies on compressor operation for cooling. 2. The main function of car AC switch is to adjust and control the temperature, humidity, air cleanliness and airflow inside the car compartment to optimal conditions. 3. When the car AC light is on, it indicates the air conditioning compressor is activated, increasing engine load and fuel consumption.
As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, I never turn on the AC when using the heater. The heating system utilizes engine heat to warm the cabin air - essentially, the fan blows air through the hot coolant heat exchanger, producing warm air naturally and eco-friendly. The AC compressor is mainly for summer cooling. Engaging it consumes fuel, increasing fuel consumption by about 10% unnecessarily. Many novice drivers mistakenly believe AC speeds up heating, but since the heat sources are different, it provides no benefit. The only time to use AC is during severe windshield fogging - activate its dehumidification function combined with defrost mode for quick defogging, then turn it off immediately after clearing. For daily heating, simply rotate the temperature knob to high and adjust fan speed for sufficient warmth and fuel efficiency. I also remind everyone to check coolant levels and heater core annually to ensure proper heating system operation, ensuring safety and prolonging component lifespan. Remember, engine waste heat is a free resource - using it wisely is smart wealth management.