Should the Recirculation Mode Be Turned On When Using the Heater?

[DiMorgan]

Turning on the recirculation mode when using the heater helps prevent the dissipation of warm air and reduces heat loss. The fresh air mode, on the other hand, draws air from outside the vehicle into the cabin, meaning the air coming out of the vents originates from outside, creating a connected environment between the inside and outside of the vehicle. In contrast, the recirculation mode isolates the car's interior from the outside, and the air blown from the vents is recirculated within the cabin. Recirculation Mode: As the name suggests, it circulates the air inside the vehicle with doors and windows closed, heating only the recirculated cabin air. This results in faster heating and improved fuel efficiency. Fresh Air Mode: This mode draws outside air into the cabin while expelling interior air, maintaining fresh air inside the vehicle. In winter, when outside temperatures are low, using the fresh air mode continuously introduces cold air, hindering the cabin's ability to warm up.

[StHazel]

Whether to turn on the internal air recirculation when using the heater depends on the effect you want to achieve. I often use the internal recirculation because it warms up the car faster. When the heater is on, the system blows hot air to heat the cabin. If the external air intake is used, cold air will continuously enter, requiring the heater to consume more fuel to warm it up, and the heating process will be slower. Internal recirculation reuses the warm air inside the car, allowing for quicker heating, which is especially useful right after getting in the car. However, don’t keep it on for too long—once the cabin feels warm after 15 to 20 minutes, switch to external air intake to refresh the air and avoid stuffiness or fogging. Prolonged use of internal recirculation can degrade air quality and may cause dizziness. In general, it’s recommended to start with internal recirculation for faster heating when using the heater, then switch to external air intake once the temperature stabilizes to maintain comfort.

[DeJoel]

Let me talk about whether to use the air recirculation mode when turning on the heater from a health and safety perspective. Actually, it's not always necessary to use air recirculation, especially during long-distance driving. Using fresh air mode allows outside air to enter, reducing carbon dioxide concentration inside the car and preventing drowsiness or dry skin. While using recirculation mode with the heater does improve heating efficiency, prolonged use can make the air stuffy, potentially causing window fogging that affects visibility and promoting bacterial growth. My suggestion is to switch modes based on weather conditions: use recirculation for quick warming during short trips in cold weather; use fresh air mode on sunny days or when driving on highways for better ventilation and health. Remember to regularly check and clean your cabin air filter to maintain air quality. Adjust the temperature appropriately to avoid creating an uncomfortably stuffy environment, which isn't good for your health.

[Regina]

From an energy-saving and fuel-efficient perspective, whether to use the recirculation mode when heating is worth considering. I believe using recirculation mode is more cost-effective. When heating is on, recirculation mode reduces heat loss as the engine doesn't need to additionally heat incoming cold air, thereby lowering fuel consumption. Not using recirculation and drawing in outside air slows down heating and wastes fuel, especially in winter where significant fuel savings can be achieved. However, I still switch to fresh air mode briefly for ventilation after the car has warmed up for a while to avoid stale air. Balancing this mode can save energy and be environmentally friendly. It's recommended to optimize based on driving habits.

[DiMalia]

Whether to use the internal air circulation when turning on the heater depends on actual needs and flexible adjustment. I prefer to first activate the internal circulation to warm up the air inside the car, feeling cozy within three to five minutes, then switch to external circulation to let fresh air in. For short trips like commuting, internal circulation heats up faster, but for long highway drives, external circulation is more comfortable. The key is to avoid setting the temperature too high and to control the air conditioning fan speed for even heat distribution, preventing overly dry air. Regular maintenance of the air conditioning system is also important to avoid malfunctions affecting performance. Simply put: use internal circulation for quick warmth; switch to external circulation for long-term comfort.