Should You Turn on the AC in Winter?
3 Answers
You should not turn on the AC in winter. The AC is the cooling switch for the car's air conditioning system. Theoretically, when this button is pressed, the compressor of the air conditioning system starts working. For ordinary household car air conditioning systems, the compressor-driven air conditioning can provide cooling or heating functions. However, the compressor in a household car's air conditioning system is only responsible for cooling and cannot provide heating. The function of the AC is to activate the compressor, whose role is limited to cooling and dehumidifying. When the temperature knob is turned up, the AC's compressor no longer provides cooling but only dehumidification, as the car has its own heat source, making the compressor unidirectional. Car air conditioning refers to the air conditioning device installed in a vehicle, which can cool, heat, ventilate, and purify the air inside the cabin, providing a comfortable environment for passengers, reducing driver fatigue, and improving driving safety.
I've been driving for almost twenty years, and using the AC in winter is definitely worth considering. Many people mistakenly think the AC is only for cooling, but pressing that button actually helps with dehumidifying and quickly defogging, especially when the windshield fogs up in damp and cold weather. On winter mornings when you start driving, the warm air inside the car can fog up the glass; turning on the AC along with the external air circulation can remove the moisture and clear your vision instantly, reducing the risk of accidents. However, the AC compressor consumes a bit of fuel when operating, increasing fuel consumption; if it's dry outside and there's no fogging, you don’t need to turn it on. It’s recommended to check the cabin air filter during regular car washes to ensure it’s not clogged, otherwise, the effectiveness will be reduced. Safety comes first when driving—this small action can be lifesaving.
As a car enthusiast, I have some insights into car functions, and using the AC in winter is quite particular. First of all, the AC is not just for summer; pressing it in a car with automatic air conditioning activates the compressor, which automatically adjusts humidity to prevent fogging. In winter, the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the car is significant, and hot air blowing on the windshield can easily cause it to fog up. Turning on the AC in combination with the front windshield defogging mode clears it up in just a few minutes, greatly improving visibility. However, it's important to note that running the compressor consumes a bit more fuel, so on dry days or for short trips, you can skip it and just adjust the heating. I often advise friends to regularly maintain their air conditioning systems to prevent the filters from getting dirty, ensuring more efficient and safer use in winter.
