Should the Car Air Conditioning Be Set to Recirculate Mode?
2 Answers
Car air conditioning should be set to recirculate mode. In urban areas, especially during congested traffic or rush hours when vehicle exhaust concentration is high, selecting recirculate mode is advisable. On days when PM2.5 pollution is severe in certain regions, with levels above 50, and the air quality is anything but good, it is recommended to use recirculate mode to avoid inhaling excessive PM2.5 particles into the lungs. How Air Conditioning Works: The car air conditioning refrigeration system consists of a compressor, condenser, receiver-drier, expansion valve, evaporator, and blower. These components are connected by copper (or aluminum) pipes and high-pressure rubber hoses to form a sealed system. When the refrigeration system operates, the refrigerant circulates through this closed system in different states. Compression Process: The compressor draws in low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas from the evaporator outlet and compresses it into high-temperature, high-pressure gas, which is then discharged from the compressor. Heat Dissipation Process: The high-temperature, high-pressure superheated refrigerant gas enters the condenser, where it condenses into a liquid due to the reduction in pressure and temperature, releasing a significant amount of heat.
When it comes to using the car's air recirculation mode, I often think about it during my daily commute. It mainly depends on the situation: during extremely hot summers or when the outside air quality is poor, turning on recirculation can quickly cool down the cabin air and avoid inhaling exhaust fumes or pollen. The benefits are faster cooling, slightly better fuel efficiency, and energy savings. However, don't keep it on all the time – I once left it on for several days and ended up with stuffy air and foggy windows, which affected driving safety. My habit is to use recirculation for a few minutes when first turning on the AC, then switch to fresh air mode once the cabin cools down to let in outside air. Also worth reminding: regularly check and replace the cabin air filter when dirty, otherwise bacteria can accumulate. Overall, flexible usage is wisest, with safety and comfort being top priorities.
