What Air Circulation Mode Should Be Used in Car Air Conditioning During Summer?
3 Answers
In summer, it is recommended to first turn on the external circulation mode of the car air conditioning. This helps to expel the hot air accumulated inside the vehicle. Once you feel a noticeable drop in the cabin temperature, you can then switch to internal circulation. However, prolonged use of internal circulation is not advisable as it can lead to stale air inside the car. It's important to occasionally open the windows to let in fresh air before closing them and continuing with internal circulation. How Car Air Conditioning Works: The car air conditioning refrigeration system consists of a compressor, condenser, receiver-drier, expansion valve, evaporator, and blower fan. These components are connected by copper pipes and high-pressure rubber hoses to form a sealed system. During operation, the refrigerant circulates through this closed system in different states.
On hot days, if you want to stay cool while driving, it's recommended to use the recirculation mode. I've been driving for over a decade, and during summer, the sun can turn the car interior into a steamer. At such times, using recirculation mode cools the car down the fastest. The air conditioner repeatedly cools the air inside the car, making it much more efficient, especially right after getting in. However, prolonged use can make the air stuffy, so remember to switch to fresh air mode for a few minutes occasionally once the temperature drops. Some newer cars now have an automatic mode—just press a button to toggle between recirculation and fresh air, which is quite convenient. But in heavy traffic or when outside air quality is poor, it's best to keep recirculation mode on to prevent exhaust fumes from entering. Also, don’t forget to replace the cabin air filter regularly; otherwise, ventilation efficiency will suffer. In summary, start with recirculation mode when you get in the car, and once it's cool, consider short bursts of fresh air mode to keep the air fresh. This trick works well whether you're in the city or on the highway—super hassle-free.
In summer, I prefer using the air recirculation mode when driving with the AC on. When I first started driving, I didn't know better and always used the fresh air mode, which resulted in slower cooling and higher fuel consumption. Now, I press the recirculation button as soon as I get in the car, and it cools down within three to five minutes. Once the temperature stabilizes, I switch to fresh air mode for ventilation when passing through areas with good air quality. However, be careful not to use recirculation for too long, as stale air can make you drowsy. In city traffic or dusty areas, fresh air mode can let in dust. Cars with more advanced features might have air quality detection that automatically switches between recirculation and fresh air, making it more convenient. I think this is basic knowledge: using recirculation with AC cooling helps save fuel and prevents wasting refrigerant. Just remember the key point: use recirculation first for faster cooling in hot weather.
