Should You Turn on AC and Recirculation When Using Car Air Conditioning for Cooling?
2 Answers
When using car air conditioning for cooling, it is essential to turn on the A/C switch. Here are some related additional details: 1. The reason for turning on AC and recirculation when using car air conditioning for cooling: If you turn on the cooling without activating AC and recirculation, only the blower in the car air conditioning system will be working, and the air coming out of the vents will be at normal temperature. The A/C switch in the car is the air conditioning control switch, which essentially controls the compressor. By turning the A/C switch on or off, you can control the operation of the car's air conditioning cooling system. 2. Turning on the A/C switch in winter: In extremely cold northern regions where outdoor temperatures can be near or below freezing, even if you turn on the A/C switch, the car's air conditioning cooling system may not operate. However, one benefit of turning on the A/C switch in winter is that it helps dehumidify the air, preventing the car's windshield from fogging up and obstructing the driver's view. Additionally, practical tests have shown that turning on the A/C switch while using the heater does not affect the interior temperature of the car.
When turning on the cold air, I usually start by activating both the AC switch and the recirculation button. The AC is the air conditioning compressor switch – without turning it on, you'll only get natural airflow without cooling, which is essential during hot summer days. Engaging recirculation allows the car's air to circulate internally without drawing in hot outside air, resulting in faster and stronger cooling. For instance, if I enter the car and find the temperature high, I immediately turn on both AC and recirculation upon starting the engine, lower the temperature knob slightly, and cool air begins flowing within a minute. However, avoid keeping recirculation on continuously as it can make the air stuffy and hinder breathing. I typically switch to fresh air mode for a few minutes after 10 minutes of recirculation, or slightly open the windows to prevent dizziness or fogging issues. Additionally, in heavy traffic or highly polluted areas, using fresh air mode more frequently ensures safer air renewal. In summary, the basic operation for cooling is to activate both AC and recirculation simultaneously, then flexibly alternate between modes to balance comfort and health.
