Should the AC be turned on when using the car's heating system?
5 Answers
When using the car's heating system, there's no need to turn on the AC. The working principle of the heating system is as follows: After activating the heating function, the high-temperature coolant from the engine flows through the heater core, and the air blown by the blower passes through the heater core, resulting in warm air being blown out from the vents. Precautions for using the heating system: 1. Do not use the heating immediately after a cold start; 2. Control the heating system based on the water temperature gauge; 3. Turn off the heating when parking for a long time; 4. Turn off the heating before shutting down the engine. The method to adjust the air conditioning temperature is: 1. Locate the temperature button on the car's air conditioning control panel; 2. Turning towards the blue direction cools the air, while turning towards the red direction heats the air.
As a seasoned driver with over a decade of experience, I've found that whether to turn on the AC when using the heater is quite nuanced. Under normal circumstances, the heater primarily relies on engine heat, so you can stay warm without turning on the AC. However, on humid days, not using the AC can lead to foggy windows, compromising visibility and safety. That's why I make it a habit to turn on the AC briefly to dehumidify. This might result in a slight increase in fuel consumption, but it ensures a safer and more comfortable drive. I've also noticed that regular maintenance of the air conditioning system keeps it running efficiently and prevents issues. In short, adapt to the weather conditions and avoid being too rigid in your approach.
When I first started learning to drive, I was always confused about how to use the heater and AC. Now I understand it's actually quite simple. The heater is for warming up, while the AC is for cooling and dehumidifying. Whether to turn it on depends on the humidity level. If the windows often fog up, turn on the AC for a few seconds to clear the mist, otherwise turn it off to save some fuel. I've tried different car models, and manual operation isn't difficult—beginners can practice more. Additionally, with a well-maintained car air filter, the air inside becomes fresher. Remember, safety comes first; don't ignore the risk of fogging just to save fuel.
I always prefer to keep the car interior comfortably warm. Turning on the heater is great, but in damp and cold weather, not using the AC can easily fog up the windows, making it uncomfortable. In such cases, I definitely turn on the AC along with the heater to quickly dehumidify, instantly making it dry and warm. Although the AC consumes a bit more fuel, it avoids the hassle of frantically wiping the windows, making long drives more relaxing. Fogging up is the worst in winter driving, but a simple action solves it. Paying attention to weather changes allows for flexible handling.
I'm very interested in the technological features of cars, and using intelligent methods to turn on the heating or AC is the most convenient. Modern cars come with automatic air conditioning systems that automatically determine whether AC dehumidification or cooling is needed after setting the temperature. When operating manually, turning on both the heating and AC in cold weather can enhance dehumidification and also purify the air. Although the compressor working adds a bit of fuel consumption, the impact is minimal. I recommend using the automatic mode for a worry-free and effortless experience, letting technology help us solve these minor annoyances.
