Should the Recirculation Mode Be Turned On When Using the Heater?
3 Answers
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.
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.
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.
