Should You Use Recirculation or Fresh Air Mode in Summer?
2 Answers
First use the fresh air mode or open the windows for ventilation, then switch to recirculation mode. In hot summers, many car owners habitually turn on the air conditioning's recirculation mode as soon as they enter the vehicle, thinking it will cool the cabin faster. However, this is incorrect because the interior temperature is higher than outside, making this approach less effective. More relevant information is as follows: 1. In summer, you can open doors on the same side or lower windows completely while keeping windows on the other side closed, then use the door opening/closing method to circulate and expel hot air from the cabin. 2. Open all four windows or diagonally opposite windows while driving to accelerate hot air circulation. When interior and exterior temperatures become similar, close the windows, turn on the AC cooling function, set the air circulation to fresh air mode, and adjust the temperature to the lowest setting to speed up cabin temperature stabilization.
During hot summer drives, I personally prefer using the recirculation mode first to quickly cool down the cabin air. This way, the AC system doesn’t have to process the hot outside air, cooling the interior much faster and saving me a good amount on fuel costs. After about five to ten minutes when the cabin feels comfortably cool, I immediately switch to fresh air mode to allow outside air circulation, preventing stuffiness or odors. Prolonged use of recirculation alone can raise CO₂ levels inside, leading to drowsiness or discomfort, especially on long drives. So, I recommend a balanced approach—like starting with recirculation when turning on the AC, then switching to fresh air once stable. This saves energy while maintaining air quality. Remember, keeping windows fog-free is also crucial for safety.
