Should You Use Recirculation Mode for Car AC in Summer?
3 Answers
Using recirculation mode for car AC in summer can quickly cool down the interior and block harmful external gases. Below is more information about AC circulation modes: 1. Fresh Air Mode (External Circulation): This mode draws air from outside the vehicle through the cabin air filter and blower, then delivers it into the cabin. It should be used for defrosting in winter or defogging in summer, as external air has higher oxygen content and is drier, making it more effective for these purposes. 2. Recirculation Mode (Internal Circulation): This mode closes the external air intake flap, preventing outside air from entering. Its main function is to promptly and effectively block external dust and harmful gases from entering the cabin. It helps warm up the car faster in winter, cool down quicker when using AC in summer, and can also be used during smoggy conditions.
Using the recirculation mode in summer is indeed effective. I immediately switch to recirculation mode when I first get in the car, as this allows the AC system to only circulate the air inside the cabin. The cold air blows directly, cooling much faster than drawing in hot outside air. This saves time, especially during high-temperature commutes when you want to feel comfortable within minutes. I've also noticed that recirculation mode saves some fuel since the AC compressor doesn't have to work as hard to cool fresh air, reducing the load. However, it's important to note that prolonged use of recirculation mode alone can degrade air quality, as CO2 buildup may cause dizziness or fatigue. So once the cabin temperature stabilizes, I usually switch to fresh air mode or AUTO mode to maintain air freshness. Cars with automatic climate control are even more considerate, as they automatically balance between recirculation and fresh air modes. Overall, using recirculation mode in summer is an efficient strategy, but it should be used wisely—don't prioritize cooling over safety.
Using the air recirculation mode in summer definitely cools the car faster, and I pay more attention to this after having kids: I turn on recirculation first when getting in the car to prevent them from getting hot and fussy in the back. This concentrates the cooling on the cabin air, making it more efficient and quieter. But I know keeping recirculation on too long can make the air stuffy and unhealthy, especially as small spaces tend to accumulate dust and odors. I always remind myself to switch to fresh air mode or open the windows after no more than 10 minutes of recirculation; if the outside air is dirty, like during traffic jams, I keep recirculation on but increase the fan speed for better filtration. The AC filter can block some impurities, but not all. Ensuring proper air circulation is key to avoiding motion sickness or discomfort during the trip.
