Should You Use Internal or External Air Circulation When Turning on the Car Air Conditioner in Winter?

[VanReed]

When turning on the heater in winter, use the internal air circulation mode. When using the air conditioner, adjust the air vent direction to avoid blowing directly at your face, as this can easily cause fatigue and affect driving safety. Set the air direction to blow towards your legs and feet. Precautions for using the air conditioner in winter: Avoid high temperatures; When using the air conditioner in winter, be careful to avoid excessively high temperatures. In a warmer environment, the body's blood circulation accelerates, which can easily cause swelling. Additionally, going outside afterward can lead to a large temperature difference, increasing the risk of catching a cold, which is not good for health. Moreover, high indoor temperatures can also increase the load on the air conditioner, which is not conducive to its maintenance. Maintain humidity; When turning on the air conditioner in winter, close the doors and windows to improve the air conditioner's efficiency. However, this will reduce the indoor humidity, making the air feel dry. To quickly increase humidity when using the air conditioner, you can place a basin of water indoors or use a professional air humidifier to raise the indoor humidity, which is beneficial for health. Direct vents downward; When using the air conditioner in winter, adjust the vents to face downward. Because hot air has a lower density, it naturally tends to rise and may remain suspended in the upper part of the space, failing to quickly raise the body's surface temperature. By adjusting the vents of a wall-mounted air conditioner downward, you can feel the hot air more quickly, improving the efficiency of the air conditioner.

[JamesFitz]

In winter, when driving in cold weather and using the air conditioning, I find the most practical strategy is to start the car and first use the recirculation mode. This quickly heats up the air inside the car, making it warm within minutes, so you don’t have to freeze your hands and feet. However, remember to switch to fresh air mode once the temperature stabilizes, letting in some fresh air to prevent window fogging and blocked visibility, as well as avoiding dizziness. Don’t keep the recirculation mode on for too long, as carbon dioxide buildup inside the car can cause fatigue and drowsiness, affecting safety. When switching, observe the humidity—if the outside air is dry, the fresh air mode can also help prevent frost. Clean the air conditioning filter regularly to ensure healthy breathing. Overall, switching between circulation modes wisely makes driving more comfortable and efficient.

[VonCharlie]

When choosing the car's air conditioning in winter, I believe health and comfort are key. Using recirculation mode at startup heats up faster, reaching a warm temperature in just a few minutes, but prolonged use can degrade air quality, leading to labored breathing and reduced focus. Switching to fresh air mode introduces outside air, reducing odors and moisture buildup, which is especially good for preventing window fogging. However, using fresh air mode when the engine is cold slows down heating and isn't safe. It's recommended to automatically switch after 10 minutes of warming up, combined with slightly opening a window for better ventilation. Also, consider the external environment: temporarily use recirculation in smoggy or high-exhaust areas, and switch to fresh air mode when the air is clean, maintaining balance with flexible adjustments.

[HavenRose]

As a seasoned driver, sharing some tips on air circulation while driving. Using the recirculation mode in early winter heats up the car super fast, raising the interior temperature instantly—fuel-efficient and effective. But don't overuse it for too long, as it risks fogging up the windows, which could obstruct your view and lead to accidents. Switching to fresh air mode ensures even airflow, especially on highways, preventing CO2 buildup that causes drowsiness and enhancing safety. Practical steps: Start with recirculation when the engine fires up, then switch to fresh air after about 5 minutes once warmed, adjusting the fan speed with the heater. Stay mindful of weather changes—for rainy days, prioritize fresh air to prevent fogging. Adopting these simple habits makes driving safer and more comfortable.