Should You Use Recirculated Air or Fresh Air Mode for Car AC in Summer?
2 Answers
You can first turn on the fresh air mode for ventilation and heat dissipation, then switch to recirculated air mode after 3-5 minutes. Here are detailed explanations of car air recirculation and fresh air modes: 1. Fresh Air Mode: This mode draws air from outside the vehicle, directs it through the AC system for heating or cooling, then blows it out through the vents. Essentially, it replenishes fresh air to improve interior air quality. Use this mode for defrosting in winter or defogging in summer, as the outside air contains higher oxygen levels and is drier, making it more effective for these purposes. 2. Recirculated Air Mode: This mode circulates air from inside the cabin, creating an internal airflow cycle. Its primary function is to effectively block external dust and harmful gases from entering the vehicle. It helps warm up the car faster in winter, cools down quicker when using AC in summer, and can also be used during smoggy conditions. Recirculated air mode maintains cabin temperature more efficiently by recycling interior air.
In summer, when driving with the air conditioning on, I usually start with the recirculation mode to quickly cool down the cabin, especially after the car has been baking in the sun and feels like an oven. The recirculation mode concentrates the cooling, and it takes less than five minutes to become comfortable. Once the temperature drops, I switch to the fresh air mode to draw in outside air, preventing stuffiness and headaches from prolonged use. If I encounter heavy traffic or severe air pollution while driving, I switch back to recirculation. It's also important to regularly clean the air conditioning filter, as dust buildup can reduce cooling efficiency and even breed bacteria. Switching between these modes not only ensures comfort but also extends the lifespan of the air conditioning system.
