Should You Use Recirculation or Fresh Air Mode for Car AC Cooling in Summer?

[Shelly]

Choose an appropriate temperature based on the heat level. Generally, selecting between 22°C to 24°C in summer provides relatively comfortable conditions. Regarding the use of recirculation and fresh air modes, it is recommended to use fresh air mode when needing to quickly lower the cabin temperature or ventilate the interior air. In other situations, recirculation mode can be selected. Below are more relevant details: Precautions: 1. Before using the AC in summer, ventilate the cabin air to expel hot air. The main method is to open doors on the same side or lower windows completely while keeping windows on the opposite side closed. By repeatedly opening and closing doors, hot air can be circulated and expelled. 2. Another method is to open all four windows or diagonally opposite windows while driving, which accelerates hot air circulation. When interior and exterior temperatures become similar, close windows, turn on the AC cooling function, set the air intake to fresh air mode, and adjust temperature to the lowest setting to accelerate cabin temperature stabilization. Once reaching the desired temperature, switch from fresh air to recirculation mode.

[FrankDella]

Using recirculation mode can make the air conditioning cool faster and save fuel. When you first get into a car that's been baking in the sun, press the recirculation button immediately after turning on AUTO mode. This way, the cold air circulates inside the car without repeatedly cooling the hot air from outside, allowing the temperature to drop within five or six minutes. However, prolonged use can make the air stuffy, so it's best to switch back to fresh air mode after about an hour to ventilate and prevent window fogging. It's also crucial to keep the windows tightly closed, with the temperature set around 23 degrees for optimal comfort. I remember trying three hours of continuous highway driving with recirculation mode on—fuel savings were noticeable, but I nearly dozed off. Since then, I switch to fresh air mode every half hour for ventilation. Safety first.

[DelBryce]

Actually, it's about switching flexibly. In summer, start with the recirculation mode to cool down the car quickly, then switch to fresh air mode to keep the air fresh once it's cool. Although fresh air mode consumes a bit more fuel, it helps exchange oxygen, especially important during long highway drives with the AC on to prevent high carbon dioxide levels inside the car. Also, make sure the cabin air filter is clean; otherwise, using fresh air mode might draw in more dust. It's best to adjust the fan speed and temperature settings appropriately—don't set it too low, around 25°C is ideal, saving energy and avoiding a big temperature difference when getting out of the car to prevent catching a cold.

[VonKayden]

I recommend selecting the recirculation mode when starting up. This improves cooling efficiency as cold air won't escape, allowing faster temperature drop. However, don't keep it on continuously - after about two hours you might feel dizzy from stuffiness, remember to switch to fresh air mode to replenish oxygen for safety. Coordinate with the AUTO AC button to set the optimal temperature around 24°C - setting it too low may cause illness or increase fuel consumption.