Should You Use Internal or External Air Circulation When Turning on the Heater in Winter?
3 Answers
When using the heater in winter, it is recommended to use internal circulation for short trips and external circulation for long trips. Below are detailed explanations of internal and external circulation: 1. Internal circulation system: The air exchange channel between the inside and outside of the car is closed. When the fan is off, the airflow inside the car does not circulate. When the fan is on, the incoming airflow is only drawn from inside the car, creating an internal airflow cycle. 2. External circulation system: External circulation mode uses the fan to draw air from outside the car into the cabin. The air blown by the fan comes from outside the car. Even if the fan is off, airflow is still drawn into the car while driving, replenishing fresh air inside the cabin.
As a commuter who frequently drives in the northern regions, I've experienced many winter driving situations. When using the heater in winter, the recirculation mode can quickly warm up the air inside the car, making you feel warm within three to five minutes. However, prolonged use of recirculation can make the air stuffy, increase carbon dioxide levels, raise the risk of window fogging, and make you drowsy after long drives. Therefore, I usually start with recirculation to warm up the car quickly, then switch to fresh air mode once the temperature stabilizes. This maintains warmth while preventing fogging and keeping you alert. Remember, for long drives, switching every 20 minutes is safest. Many modern cars now come with an auto recirculation mode, which balances these needs automatically, eliminating manual hassle. Adopting this habit makes winter driving much more comfortable.
As a mother of two, I always prioritize my family's health and comfort. Using the recirculation mode for quick heating in winter is great, especially when rushing the kids to school. However, relying solely on recirculation can cause stagnant air inside the car, making the children prone to coughing or drowsiness. So, I start with 5-10 minutes of recirculation to warm up the car, then switch to fresh air mode to introduce oxygen-rich air. This prevents window fogging and ensures smoother breathing for the kids. In cold weather, when windows frost easily, the fresh air mode is a big help. I also regularly clean the cabin air filter to enhance efficiency and keep my family safe and warm on the road. This simple yet effective approach is highly recommended for all families.