Is it better to use the internal or external circulation when turning on the car's air conditioning?
2 Answers
It is better to use the external circulation when turning on the car's air conditioning. Setting the air conditioning to internal circulation mode will cause the temperature inside the car to rise quickly. After the car becomes warm, switch to external circulation to help with air circulation inside the vehicle. The functions of car air conditioning are: 1. Achieving a cooling effect through the continuous phase change cycle of the refrigerant; 2. Removing dust, odors, smoke, and toxic gases from the air inside the car, making the air fresher and increasing the relative humidity inside the vehicle. Methods for using and maintaining car air conditioning include: 1. Do not set the temperature too low; 2. Control the direction of the air vents; 3. Avoid prolonged use; 4. Occasionally turn on high fan speed; 5. Turn off the air conditioning when driving at low speeds.
When turning on the AC, I prefer to start with the recirculation mode first because it uses the existing air inside the car, reducing the compressor's workload and allowing the AC to cool down quickly. The interior becomes comfortably cool within minutes, especially noticeable on hot days after parking. However, avoid keeping recirculation mode on for too long—prolonged use leads to poor air circulation, making the cabin stuffy, causing drowsiness, or even fogging up the windows and impairing visibility. I usually switch to fresh air mode once the temperature feels comfortable to allow fresh air in and maintain a pleasant environment. If there’s outdoor pollution, heavy dust, or heavy traffic with exhaust fumes, I switch back to recirculation. Regularly checking the cabin air filter is also crucial; if it’s dirty, both modes become less effective. The general rule is: use recirculation for quick cooling when starting the AC, then flexibly switch to fresh air mode to refresh the cabin air. This ensures a comfortable and safe drive while avoiding fatigue or health issues.
