Should You Turn on AC When Using the Car's Heater?
2 Answers
When using the car's heater, you do not need to turn on the AC. The AC button controls the air conditioning compressor, which is essential for cooling in the summer. However, the heater utilizes the car's internal heat circulation and does not require the compressor to be activated. Therefore, to use the heater, simply adjust the temperature controls without engaging the AC switch. Tips for using car air conditioning: 1. Switch between internal and external circulation during long drives to manage air quality and maintain temperature; 2. Adjust the air vent direction based on the principle that cold air sinks and hot air rises; 3. If the car has been exposed to the sun and the interior is very hot, do not turn on the air conditioning immediately. Instead, open the windows first to let the hot air escape before starting the AC.
As a seasoned driver with over a decade of experience, I've seen this situation countless times. Should you turn on the AC when using the car's heater? The AC, or air conditioning compressor switch, is primarily used for cooling or dehumidifying. When you turn on the heat, the warm air in the car actually comes from the engine's residual heat, blown in by the fan, and doesn't rely on the AC switch at all. So, on dry, cold days, there's no need to turn on the AC—it saves fuel and keeps things quieter. However, on rainy days or when humidity is high and fogging is likely, turning on the AC can quickly defog and dehumidify, keeping the windows clear and driving safer. I must emphasize that this isn't mandatory, but developing the habit of only using the AC when necessary is wise. For example, turn it on when there's heavy cold fog in the morning, then turn it off afterward. This also makes maintaining the air conditioning system simpler, avoiding unnecessary wear and tear on the compressor from constant use.
