Should You Use Recirculation Mode When Running Car AC?
2 Answers
Whether to use recirculation mode when running car AC depends on your vehicle's interior conditions and personal preferences. The fresh air mode (external circulation) functions to introduce outside air into the cabin. It uses a blower to draw external air through the ventilation system, creating airflow between outside and inside the vehicle. The recirculation mode (internal circulation) blocks polluted air from entering. Here are the key functions: Fresh Air Mode Function: This mode replenishes fresh air. When activated, the air intake near the firewall opens, allowing the blower to draw external air through the cabin filter into the evaporator's dual heat exchangers (for cooling and heating). The conditioned air then exits through vents. With fresh air mode engaged, outside and inside air remain connected. For instance, during city traffic jams with this mode on, exhaust fumes may enter the cabin because the ventilation system connects interior and exterior air. Recirculation Mode Function: This mode closes the airflow passage between inside and outside. Without the blower running, no air circulates. When the blower operates, it only draws air from inside the cabin, creating internal airflow. Recirculation effectively prevents external pollutants like smoke, dust, unpleasant odors, or exhaust emissions from preceding vehicles in heavy traffic from entering your car.
I think it's a good idea to use the recirculation mode appropriately when the air conditioning is on, as it allows the car to cool down or heat up quickly, saves energy, and makes the air conditioning work more efficiently. While driving, I've noticed that turning on the recirculation mode for a few minutes when starting the air conditioning in hot summer or cold winter can quickly reach the set temperature and reduce energy consumption, which is very helpful for saving fuel. However, don't keep the recirculation mode on all the time, otherwise the air inside the car can become stale, leading to odors or the accumulation of pollutants; it's recommended to switch to the fresh air mode for a few minutes every 20 to 30 minutes, especially on highways where the air circulation is good. Adjust according to seasonal changes: use recirculation more often in hot weather to maintain coolness, and switch to fresh air in humid conditions to prevent fogging and odors. A reasonable balance not only enhances comfort but also doesn't compromise the environment and economy, and can even extend the life of the air conditioning system.
