Should You Use Recirculation or Fresh Air Mode for Car AC in Summer?
3 Answers
If the driving duration is not particularly long and the distance is not very far, using the recirculation mode is relatively better. However, for long-distance trips, it's advisable to alternate between recirculation and fresh air modes. Here are some tips for using car AC effectively: 1. Ventilate before turning on AC: After the car has been exposed to prolonged sunlight, first open all four doors and the sunroof to allow air circulation for 3 minutes. This quickly lowers the interior temperature, making the AC cooling more effective when turned on. 2. Use recirculation mode wisely: Recirculation blocks outside hot air, creating a closed space inside the vehicle where air rapidly circulates under AC effect for quick cooling. Once the interior temperature drops, it's recommended to switch to fresh air mode every 30 minutes to purify cabin air, then return to recirculation after 5 minutes. 3. Turn off AC timely: Shut off the AC 5 minutes before parking, which both protects the engine and saves fuel.
In summer, when turning on the car air conditioning, I usually recommend starting with the internal circulation mode. As soon as you get in the car, the interior feels like a steamer, and using internal circulation allows the air conditioning to cool the cabin air more quickly. After about five minutes, the temperature drops significantly. Then, switch to external circulation, as it introduces fresh outside air, preventing excessive carbon dioxide buildup inside the car, which can cause dizziness during long drives. Using internal circulation the entire time can make the cabin stuffy, especially in summer when there are more people inside, leading to strong body odors and uncomfortable, stale air. Whether driving on the highway or stuck in city traffic, I switch between these modes—it saves fuel and keeps the ride comfortable. The air conditioning doesn’t have to work too hard; just set the temperature to around 24°C.
From a health perspective, I choose to flexibly switch between air recirculation and fresh air mode when using the car AC in summer. I start with recirculation mode for a few minutes to cool down quickly, otherwise hot air rushing in would reduce cooling efficiency. When it gets cooler, I switch to fresh air mode to let in outside air, preventing fatigue or stuffiness caused by deteriorating air quality inside. Since sweating is common in summer, alternating between these modes maintains air circulation - it's best combined with opening windows for ventilation occasionally, such as during parking breaks. Prolonged recirculation mode increases CO₂ concentration, causing drowsiness and safety risks. Set temperature around 25°C to balance comfort and energy efficiency.
