Should the car's air conditioning be set to recirculation mode in winter?
3 Answers
Whether to use recirculation mode for car air conditioning in winter depends on the situation. When using the heater in winter, it is recommended to use recirculation mode for short trips and fresh air mode for long trips. The relevant introduction of the circulation system is as follows: Recirculation system: The air exchange channel between inside and outside the car is closed. When the fan is off, the air flow inside the car does not circulate. When the fan is on, the inhaled air flow only comes from inside the car, forming an internal air flow circulation. Fresh air system: In fresh air mode, the fan draws air from outside the car into the car. The air blown by the fan comes from outside the car. Even if the fan is not turned on, there is still air flow entering the car while driving, replenishing fresh air inside the car.
I always prefer using the air recirculation mode when driving in winter because it allows the air conditioning to heat up quickly, making the cabin warmer and more comfortable while saving fuel. When starting the car on a cold day, I turn on recirculation for a few minutes—the hot air circulates inside, the heater blows stronger, and the windows are less likely to fog up. But don’t keep it on all the time, or the air will get stuffy, making you feel dizzy, especially on long drives. I remember once forgetting to switch to fresh air mode, and after half an hour, I felt drowsy and almost dozed off. So, I usually switch to fresh air mode after about ten minutes of heating to bring in fresh air and prevent suffocation. Using recirculation at the start in winter has many benefits, but remember to switch it off once it gets warm—this ensures both driving safety and health.
As a daily car user, I pay attention to the impact of air conditioning usage on my family's health. Using the recirculation mode in winter has obvious benefits—the cabin warms up quickly, and my child doesn't get cold while riding. However, I’m careful not to keep it on for too long to avoid excessive humidity causing fogging or stale air leading to colds. Typically, I start with five minutes of recirculation for rapid heating, then switch to fresh air mode to let in outside air, maintaining good air quality. I’ve also noticed that excessive recirculation can cause unpleasant odors inside the car, affecting breathing, so balanced usage is most reasonable. Health comes first—I switch modes every half hour to ensure my family stays warm and comfortable.
