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

[DiBrody]

Using the heater only requires adjusting the air conditioning buttons, and there's no need to turn on the A/C. A/C stands for Air Control or Air Conditioning, and its function in a car can be understood as the switch for the air conditioning cooling system. When the A/C light is on, it means the compressor is activated, increasing engine load and fuel consumption. In summer, when using the air conditioning, you must turn on the A/C. However, the heater simply utilizes the car's internal heat circulation and does not require the compressor to be activated. Here are some tips for using the heater: 1. The prerequisite for using the heater is that the engine must continue to operate; otherwise, it may lead to incomplete fuel combustion. The resulting high concentration of carbon monoxide could potentially enter the enclosed car interior in small amounts along with the circulating warm air. 2. If passengers in the car remain asleep for an extended period under these conditions, there is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Prolonged exposure can lead to unconsciousness and even life-threatening situations. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid sleeping in the car with the heater on during winter.