What is the difference between the recirculation and fresh air buttons in car air conditioning?
2 Answers
The difference between the recirculation and fresh air buttons in car air conditioning is: The recirculation button symbol is a circular arrow inside a car graphic; The fresh air button symbol is an arrow entering the car from outside. Below are the differences between recirculation and fresh air modes in car air conditioning: 1. Different states: Recirculation mode closes the airflow channel between the inside and outside of the car. Without the fan on, there is no airflow circulation. When the fan is on, the airflow drawn in comes only from inside the car, creating internal airflow circulation. Fresh air mode uses the fan to draw outside air into the car, meaning the air passages inside and outside the car are connected. The air blown by the fan comes from outside, and even without the fan on, airflow is still drawn into the car while driving. 2. Different functions: Recirculation mainly prevents external dust and harmful gases from entering the car promptly and effectively, such as when driving through smoke, dust, areas with strong odors, or in heavy traffic, blocking harmful exhaust from vehicles ahead. Another function is maintaining temperature; Using fresh air mode allows breathing fresh air from outside the car.
Having driven for over a decade, I've found the main difference between air recirculation and fresh air modes lies in the air source. Recirculation mode reuses the cabin air, which cools faster and saves fuel when using AC in summer, and blocks exhaust fumes in traffic jams. Fresh air mode draws outside air inside, providing better defogging in winter and preventing stuffiness on long trips. I typically use recirculation in city driving and switch to fresh air on highways. When someone smokes in the car, fresh air mode quickly clears the smell. But after prolonged AC use, I noticed odd odors and discovered the evaporator was dirty. Remember not to keep recirculation on constantly - poor air circulation can cause dizziness. Also, switch to fresh air immediately when windshield fogs up in rain, or it'll get blurrier the more you wipe.
