Should You Turn on the AC When Using Car Heating?
2 Answers
Should You Turn on the AC When Using Car Heating? The specific reasons are as follows: 1. The AC button is used for the compressor in the cold air conditioning system. Pressing the AC button activates the compressor, commonly referred to as turning on the cold air, which is only used when operating the air conditioning for cooling. 2. Car heating is achieved through the heat generated by the car's own engine. By adjusting the air conditioning to the appropriate setting and directing the airflow through the vents, the heat is distributed throughout the cabin, thereby achieving the heating effect. 3. Turning on the car AC not only creates unnecessary noise but also increases the vehicle's fuel consumption.
When using the car heater in winter, I find turning on the AC very useful mainly for dehumidifying the windows to prevent fogging that could impair visibility and safety. However, the warmth actually comes from engine waste heat, unrelated to the AC itself. So if defogging isn't needed, turning off the AC avoids unnecessary compressor operation and fuel waste. From my driving experience, most vehicles only need to be set to defog mode (which usually activates AC automatically) to maintain cabin warmth while minimizing fogging risks. I recommend adjusting operation based on weather conditions: use AC during rainy days or large temperature differences for safety, and rely solely on the heater during clear weather to save fuel. Additionally, regular maintenance checks on the AC system are crucial to prevent component aging from prolonged disuse.
