Should the Car Air Conditioner Use Internal or External Circulation in Winter?

[DeSpencer]

Car air conditioner internal circulation refers to the recirculation of air inside the vehicle, which allows the interior temperature to rise more quickly. However, this can lead to a decrease in air quality. External circulation, on the other hand, draws in fresh air from outside the vehicle, resulting in a slower rise in interior temperature. In winter, it is recommended to first use internal circulation to warm up the car and then switch to external circulation once the engine has warmed up. Here are some important considerations for using the car air conditioner: 1. Do not forget to press the A/C button. This button controls the air conditioning compressor. Many drivers are not familiar with it, but simply turning on the air conditioner without activating the compressor will not cool the car, even if the temperature is set to the lowest. 2. Pay attention to switching between internal and external circulation. If external circulation is left on continuously, hot air from outside will keep entering the car, forcing the air conditioner to work harder to maintain a cool temperature, leading to excessive energy consumption. Especially in areas with heavy air pollution, avoid using external circulation as it will bring polluted air into the car. On the other hand, continuous use of internal circulation, while energy-efficient, can reduce oxygen levels inside the car, causing drowsiness and affecting driver safety. Therefore, to balance energy efficiency and passenger health, make good use of the internal and external circulation switch. 3. Utilize the defogging mode of the air conditioner. During heavy rain, fog can form on the windshield, and many drivers may not know how to handle it except by wiping it with tissues. The defogging mode of the air conditioner can quickly resolve this issue by simply turning it on. When turning off the air conditioner, it is also important to note that after pressing the A/C button, the cold air from the air conditioner can condense moisture inside the car into water droplets, which may remain in the evaporator. If not addressed promptly, this can lead to bacterial growth and mold. To prevent this, remember to turn off the A/C button before shutting down the car, allowing the air conditioner to operate in ventilation mode to dry the moisture. 4. Replace the air filter regularly. The air filter is responsible for purifying outside air before it enters the car. If the filter is not replaced for a long time, it can lead to reduced cooling efficiency and unpleasant odors inside the car. Over time, the filter accumulates dust and debris, reducing airflow and cooling performance. Additionally, this can promote bacterial growth, resulting in foul-smelling air being blown into the car.