Most vehicles have a recirculation button with the AC controls, but many of us are unsure when to use it.
Here’s a simple guide:
1. Summer Use:
Use the recirculation button in the summer. It takes the air from inside the car and recirculates it in the cabin, making it cooler faster and reducing the strain on your AC system.
2. Winter Use:
Turn off the recirculation button in the winter. This allows fresh air from outside to enter the car, preventing fogging on the windows.
3. Initial Cool Down:
If your car has been baking in the sun, roll the windows down and turn off the recirculate for the first minute to expel the hot air inside. Then, turn on the recirculate to cool the car more efficiently.
4. Stuck in Traffic:
Use the recirculation feature in traffic (summer or winter) to reduce the amount of pollutants and carbon monoxide entering your vehicle. Studies show that recirculating your AC can cut down pollutants entering your vehicle by 20% when stuck in traffic.
By following these tips, you can optimize your car’s AC system, stay cooler in the summer, reduce pollutants, and prolong the life of your AC.