Should the AC be turned on when using the heater in a car?
3 Answers
When using the heater in a car, there is no need to turn on the AC. The reason is that the car's heating system does not require the compressor to work for heating; instead, it directly utilizes the heat generated by the engine's cooling system as warm air. The car air conditioning system is designed to adjust and control the temperature, humidity, air cleanliness, and airflow within the car cabin to an optimal state, providing a comfortable environment for passengers and creating favorable working conditions for the driver. It serves as a crucial ventilation device for ensuring safe driving. Here are some precautions to note when using the air conditioning system: 1. Choose an appropriate temperature setting. 2. Do not immediately activate the recirculation mode when entering the car in summer. 3. Use the air conditioning in a fully enclosed state. 4. Avoid adjusting the air vent direction arbitrarily. 5. Do not leave the air conditioning on for extended periods. 6. Avoid resting or sleeping for long durations in a stationary car with the air conditioning running.
Back when I first started driving, I also wondered about this. When turning on the heater, do I need to turn on the AC? Honestly, you don't necessarily have to use AC for heating, because the warm air mainly relies on the engine's heat to warm up the cabin. However, I've found that in humid weather, like during rain or winter mornings when the windows fog up, pressing the AC button really helps. It assists in dehumidifying, making the air drier, preventing window fogging, and thus improving visibility and safety while driving. On dry days, I usually don't turn on the AC, which saves some fuel since the compressor isn't working, naturally reducing fuel consumption. I suggest you try switching between different conditions to see what works best. For example, turn on the AC in humid weather to dry the air; on clear days, just use the heater—it's quite convenient.
Having driven for many years, I believe this issue should be considered in conjunction with actual driving safety. When using the heater, the AC switch is not mandatory, as the engine's heat is sufficient to warm the air. However, during rainy or snowy weather, or when there are many passengers exhaling moisture in the car, I tend to turn on the AC because it effectively dehumidifies, reducing the risk of fogging on the windshield. This ensures clear visibility and avoids hazards. But don't leave it on all the time, as the AC operation increases fuel consumption and compressor load. I usually activate the dehumidification mode only when necessary and turn it off at other times to save fuel. Developing this habit ensures both comfort and economy.
