Should the Air Conditioning Be Set to Recirculation or Fresh Air Mode?
4 Answers
Both recirculation and fresh air modes can be used when operating the air conditioning, but adjustments should be made based on environmental changes and usage duration. Prolonged use of recirculation mode can lead to stale air, so it is recommended to switch to fresh air mode every half hour or open the windows for ventilation to allow fresh air in. Automotive air conditioning refers to the air conditioning system installed in vehicles, which can cool, heat, ventilate, and purify the air inside the cabin, providing a comfortable environment for passengers, reducing driver fatigue, and improving driving safety. The air conditioning system includes cooling, heating, and ventilation devices. This integrated system makes full use of the limited space inside the vehicle, featuring a simple structure and ease of operation, making it a popular modern automotive air conditioning system internationally.
I've been driving for many years and often encounter this dilemma. When using the air conditioning, the recirculation mode cools down the car very quickly, especially in summer when it's unbearably hot when you first get in the car. Pressing the recirculation button keeps the cold air circulating inside, cooling the car down in just a minute or two. It also prevents outside exhaust fumes from entering during traffic jams, which is safer. However, after a while, the air can become stuffy, and sitting for too long can make you feel dizzy and lightheaded. So, after cooling down with recirculation, I switch to fresh air mode to bring in some fresh air. On highways, where the wind is strong, using fresh air mode ensures sufficient oxygen, making long drives more refreshing. On smoggy days or in dusty areas, I use recirculation to block out pollutants. Automatic air conditioning is the most convenient as it switches modes on its own. Nowadays, I mostly keep it on automatic mode and adjust as needed. Overall, there's no absolute right or wrong—it depends on the situation and requires flexible adjustments.
I pay more attention to health and environmental factors inside the car. The external circulation can introduce fresh air to reduce CO2 buildup and prevent dizziness or fatigue, making it suitable for daily driving in good weather, though it may consume slightly more fuel and cool slower. Internal circulation is more energy-efficient and cools faster, but the air doesn't flow easily and can become stale. Prolonged use in a closed environment may affect breathing, especially for the elderly and children, who may feel discomfort. In heavily polluted areas, such as city traffic jams, I choose internal circulation to avoid PM2.5, while in the countryside with fresh air, I use external circulation for natural ventilation. From a health perspective, don’t rigidly stick to one mode—regular switching is safest. When air quality improves, switch to external circulation to stay alert and more comfortable on long drives.
Both air recirculation and fresh air modes in car air conditioning have their advantages. The former cools down quickly, especially effective within one or two minutes after startup on hot days, as it reuses internal air for convenience but may feel stuffy. The latter draws in fresh air from outside, maintaining air freshness, suitable for long drives to avoid air stagnation, though cooling is slightly slower. Modern cars' automatic functions work well - you set the temperature and it intelligently switches between modes based on scenarios, like using recirculation in cities and fresh air on highways. During traffic jams, prioritize recirculation to avoid external exhaust fumes; on highways with strong winds, fresh air mode provides better ventilation. Simply put, choose based on driving conditions rather than sticking to one fixed mode.
