Should the Car Air Conditioner Be Set to Recirculate Mode?

[StephenLee]

Yes. Here are the situations when using the air conditioner's recirculation mode is recommended: 1. To maximize the cooling or heating effect: In hot summers, the first thing to do after getting in the car is to turn on the air conditioner. At this time, setting the air to recirculate mode can save cooling time. The same applies in cold winters when you want to quickly warm up the car interior. 2. When idling in place: When the car is idling, the engine is still running and produces a large amount of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide exhaust, even though it's not generating power. It's essential to turn on recirculation mode to prevent outside air from entering, as the air quality behind the car is poor due to exhaust emissions. 3. When the outside air is polluted: Use recirculation mode when the outside air is poor, such as in dusty areas, places with strong odors, or during smoggy days in big cities with heavy vehicle exhaust emissions.

[GrahamAnn]

Using the air recirculation mode in the car's AC system does have benefits. It can quickly lower the interior temperature, especially during hot summer days when I first get in the car. By switching directly to recirculation mode, I don't have to deal with the outside heat, allowing the cooling system to work more efficiently and cool down the cabin faster. This also saves some fuel since it reduces the engine's workload. However, you shouldn't keep it on all the time – the air inside can become stagnant, making it stuffy when there are more passengers or during long drives, which may even affect concentration. From my experience, it's best to switch to fresh air mode after cooling down to maintain air circulation and freshness. I also turn off recirculation during highway driving or in hazy conditions to prevent outside pollutants from entering. In short, flexibly switching between modes is the optimal approach.

[JudahLee]

I've been driving for over a decade and have a trick for using the AC: recirculation mode is a win-win. It recycles the already cooled air inside the car, so the AC compressor doesn't have to work hard to cool hot outside air, which directly saves fuel. During peak summer hours, running it for half an hour can save quite a bit on gas money. However, I make sure to avoid prolonged use of recirculation mode as carbon dioxide can build up inside the cabin, especially on long trips where it can make you drowsy. My routine is to switch to recirculation mode immediately after turning on the AC, then after cooling, I switch to fresh air mode for about a minute every 10 to 15 minutes to let in new air and maintain a healthy breathing balance. On city roads with poor air quality, I keep the recirculation mode on to prevent pollution from entering.

[OEleanor]

When it comes to turning on the AC, the recirculation mode saves me both hassle and effort. It speeds up cooling and reduces interference from outside hot air, especially making the car cool down within minutes after being exposed to the summer sun. However, I always operate it cautiously, as humidity inside the car can easily rise, leading to fogging or skin discomfort. I switch to fresh air mode for ventilation once the temperature stabilizes. Using fresh air mode during highway driving also helps reduce fatigue and prevents stuffy air from affecting safe driving. Regularly checking the cabin air filter is crucial too, as it prevents dust buildup and keeps the system running smoothly.