Should the A/C be turned on when using the car's heater?
2 Answers
Turning on the heater does not require pressing the A/C button. If the A/C button is pressed, the car's air vents will deliver cold air. Below is an introduction to the A/C button: 1. The full name of the A/C button is 'air condition,' translated as the air conditioning button. Its function is to serve as the switch for the car's air conditioning cooling system. Whether it's a manual or automatic air conditioning system, the car's air conditioning system includes an A/C button on the interior control panel. The A/C button is a crucial component of the car's air conditioning system, which is designed to cool, heat, ventilate, and purify the air inside the car. 2. When using the heater in winter, pressing the A/C button does not assist in heating. On the contrary, the operation of the compressor will cause unnecessary power loss. Therefore, when using the heater, the car's compressor can be completely turned off (i.e., there's no need to press the A/C button). Not pressing the A/C button will not have any impact on the heater's performance.
As an ordinary person who drives frequently, I find this question very practical. When turning on the heater, you generally don't need to press the AC button because the warm air in the car mainly comes from the heat generated by the engine, which is blown out by the fan. AC stands for air conditioning compressor, primarily used for cooling and dehumidifying. Every time I drive in cold weather, I simply adjust the temperature knob to the warm zone or the red mark, set the fan to an appropriate speed, and immediately feel warm and comfortable. Turning on the AC would only increase the engine load and burn more fuel, which is not only costly but also environmentally unfriendly. However, when heavy fog obstructs visibility in winter, turning on the AC along with the heater can quickly defog the windshield—just turn it on temporarily and then switch it off. This habit helps me save fuel, drive with peace of mind, and visit the repair shop less often. After all, fixing a faulty air conditioning system can be expensive, and regularly checking the air filter can maintain heater quality and extend its lifespan. In short, turning on the AC while using the heater is mostly unnecessary—driving comfortably and economically is the way to go.
