Do You Need to Turn on AC When Using the Car Air Conditioner in Winter?
4 Answers
You don't need to turn on the AC when using the car air conditioner in winter. The suitable temperature for car air conditioning in winter is around 20 degrees Celsius. The method to turn on the heater is: 1. After starting the car, wait for the water temperature to rise to the normal level, then turn on the heater switch; 2. Adjust the air circulation mode to the internal circulation setting; 3. Set the air conditioning to the appropriate level and adjust the air direction. The functions of the car air conditioner are: 1. To regulate the temperature, humidity, airflow direction, and speed inside the car, and improve the air quality through the filter; 2. To provide a comfortable riding environment for passengers and reduce travel fatigue; 3. To create good working conditions for the driver and ensure safe driving.
In winter when using the air conditioning, you usually don't need to turn on the AC because the AC mainly activates the compressor for cooling. Turning it on will additionally increase engine load, raise fuel consumption by over 10%, and accelerate part wear. After years of driving, I've found that winter warmth comes from the engine's residual heat, which naturally warms up quickly, making AC unnecessary. However, during damp and cold weather when window fogging affects visibility, turning on the AC with warm air can quickly dehumidify, clearing fog within two to three minutes to ensure safety. Normally, I keep the AC button off and just adjust the temperature, saving fuel and hassle. Regularly cleaning the filter can also prevent fogging. Don't let the compressor work unnecessarily; warm air alone is enough for comfort.
Modern cars are much smarter. In winter, simply press the AUTO button for the air conditioning, and it will automatically decide whether to activate the AC for auxiliary defogging based on the cabin's temperature and humidity, while maintaining your set warm temperature. For manual operation, to save energy, it's recommended not to turn on the AC and use only the pure heating mode, as the warm air from the engine is sufficient. Keeping the AC on will make the compressor run continuously, increasing fuel consumption and potentially accumulating dust, which reduces efficiency. New car systems also allow manual adjustment of the internal and external air circulation. After turning off the AC, setting a higher temperature can also provide good dehumidification effects. Don't waste fuel by overworking the compressor—easy operation is more efficient.
From an environmental perspective, using the AC in winter while driving increases additional fuel consumption and emissions, so it's best to avoid using it. The warm air comes from the engine's waste heat and doesn't require the AC. Turning on the AC will engage the compressor, consuming about 20% more energy. Only briefly turn on the AC for dehumidification when there's severe fogging, and turn it off immediately after. This helps reduce your carbon footprint and conserve resources. Develop good habits by using pure warm air more often—it saves fuel and is eco-friendly.
