Do you need to turn on the AC when using the car air conditioner in winter?

[EverettAnn]

You do not need to turn on the AC when using the car air conditioner in winter. The suitable temperature for the air conditioner in winter is around 20 degrees Celsius. The method to turn on the warm air is: 1. After starting the car, wait for the water temperature to rise to the normal temperature, then turn on the warm air switch; 2. Adjust the air circulation mode to the internal circulation mode; 3. Set the air conditioner to the appropriate position and adjust the air direction. The functions of the car air conditioner are: 1. Adjust the temperature, humidity, air flow direction, and speed inside the car, and improve the air quality through the filter; 2. Provide a comfortable riding environment for passengers and reduce travel fatigue; 3. Create good working conditions for the driver to ensure safe driving.

[LaMiguel]

I've been driving in winter for years, and I can tell you that you don't need to turn on the AC when using the heater. The AC is meant for cooling, while in winter we use the heater for warmth—the hot air comes directly from the engine's residual heat. Turning on the AC only forces the compressor to work, wasting fuel unnecessarily and potentially accelerating system wear. My advice is to simply turn the temperature control knob to the highest setting, turn on the fan, and the hot air will come. If you encounter foggy windows, like when starting the car in the morning, you can briefly turn on the AC to help dehumidify. Once the fog clears, turn it off immediately. This saves fuel, protects your car, keeps the interior warm, and is simple and hassle-free. After years of driving, I've found this method works great. Remember, the heater is free—don’t waste money on the AC unless it's an emergency defogging situation.

[Alessandra]

As a car enthusiast, I'd like to discuss whether to turn on the AC when using the heater in winter. Essentially, a car's air conditioning system consists of two parts: the cooling system and the heating system. Winter heating relies on the heat from the engine coolant, with the fan directly blowing out warm air. The AC switch controls the compressor, which is only used for cooling. Turning on the AC in winter is completely unnecessary—it not only increases engine load, raising fuel consumption by about 10-20%, but may also cause the compressor to operate needlessly, shortening its lifespan. Therefore, I always keep the AC off when using the heater. However, it's worth noting that if high humidity inside the car causes fogging, briefly turning on the AC for dehumidification can be very helpful. Once visibility is clear, turn it off. This not only maintains the vehicle but also makes your driving more economical and eco-friendly. Overall, the AC is not a must-have option in winter.

[MacCharlotte]

In my opinion, it's not really necessary to turn on the AC when using the heater in winter. The AC is mainly for cooling, while the warm air is provided by the engine—just increase the temperature and fan speed directly. Turning on the AC can dry out the air, making the skin uncomfortable. I think it's best to only use the AC briefly when the windows fog up to remove moisture, then turn it off once the fog clears. This method is simple, fuel-efficient, and avoids worrying about compressor damage. Using warm air alone is sufficient for daily warmth.