Should You Turn on the AC When Using the Car Heater in Winter?

[Silva]

When using the car heater in winter, there is no need to turn on the AC. Pressing the AC button activates the compressor, which provides cold air, while the heater does not require it. This is because the heater transfers part of the heat originally dissipated through the radiator into the cabin, so using cold air would offset some of the engine's power, whereas the heater does not affect the engine's performance. Here is an introduction to the AC: 1. The AC button activates the compressor, which pressurizes the refrigerant (Freon). To use the heater, you don't need to turn on the AC; simply adjust the air volume button to blow warm air. The warm air at this time utilizes the car's internal heat cycle, transferring the heat dissipated by the radiator into the cabin without increasing fuel consumption. The heater requires preheating; when the car is first started, the antifreeze temperature is low, so it takes some time before the blower can deliver warm air. 2. The AC is the cooling button, which is the most energy-intensive and fuel-consuming function of the air conditioning system. The heater, on the other hand, does not require "cooling" at all, as the car can fully operate the heater using the heat generated by the engine.