Should the AC be turned on in summer?
2 Answers
In summer, the AC should be turned on when using the car air conditioning. It is the cooling switch of the car air conditioning system. If the AC button is not pressed, the air conditioning will not cool. When the AC button is pressed for cooling, the compressor clutch engages, and the engine drives the compressor to operate. The compressor then continuously compresses the refrigerant and delivers it to the evaporator. Introduction to Car AC: The car AC switch, simply put, is the cooling switch for the air conditioning. AC stands for "Air-conditioning," meaning air regulation device. This button controls the activation and deactivation of the compressor, and the cooling function of the car air conditioning relies on the operation of the compressor. Air Conditioning Cooling Principle: The cooling principle of air conditioning is slightly more complex. After pressing the AC button, the compressor clutch engages, and the engine drives the compressor to operate. The compressor continuously compresses the refrigerant and sends it to the evaporator. The refrigerant cools the evaporator, which in turn cools the air blown by the blower, allowing the air conditioning vents to blow cold air.
In summer, I find it necessary to turn on the air conditioning while driving, as the car cabin can feel like a steamer when it's extremely hot. Without the AC, you'll be drenched in sweat, leading to fatigue and loss of concentration, which could potentially cause accidents. My usual routine is to first roll down the windows for a few minutes to let the hot air escape before starting the AC, setting the temperature around 23-25°C—not too cold nor too hot. For long-distance trips, using the AC to cool down is even more essential. If the interior temperature exceeds 40°C, it becomes unbearable, especially for the elderly and children, increasing the risk of heatstroke. When the AC is on, I occasionally switch between recirculation and fresh air modes—starting with recirculation for quick cooling, then switching to fresh air to reduce humidity and odors inside the car. In short, prioritize safety and comfort over saving fuel or electricity.