As the heatwave hits the UK, here’s a handy tip to help you stay cool: most cars have a recirculation button as part of their air conditioning controls, but many people aren’t sure when to use it.
The simple rule is to use it during the summer and switch it off in the winter.
The recirculation button recycles the air already inside your car, rather than pulling in hot air from outside. On hot days, if you don't use the recirculation feature, your AC system has to work harder by cooling down the hot air from outside. By recirculating the cooler air already inside, your car will cool down faster and your AC system will experience less strain.
If your car has been sitting in the sun, it's best to roll down the windows and turn off recirculation for the first minute or so to let out the hot air before switching it on.
Additionally, whenever you're stuck in traffic, whether it’s summer or winter, make sure to use the recirculation feature. Otherwise, you’re drawing in exhaust fumes and pollutants from the traffic around you. Studies show that using recirculation can reduce the amount of pollutants entering your vehicle by 20% in traffic.
If your car's air conditioning isn’t performing well, consider getting it serviced at your local Ken Brown Service Centre.
What Does the Air Recirculation Button Do?
The air recirculation button prevents outside air from entering your car, instead recirculating the air already inside the cabin.
Benefits of Using the Air Recirculation Button
- Boosts AC Efficiency: Helps cool your car faster by recirculating cooler air.
- Reduces Pollution: Keeps exhaust fumes and other pollutants out, especially in heavy traffic.
- Minimises Allergens: Reduces pollen entering the cabin, which is beneficial for those with hay fever.
- Blocks Unpleasant Odors: Keeps strong outdoor odors, like silage, from entering the car.
- Protects Your AC System: Reduces strain on your AC system and keeps the air filter cleaner for longer.
- Improves Fuel Efficiency: By reducing the workload on your AC system, it helps lower fuel consumption.
Newer cars may not have a manual recirculation button, as many are equipped with sensors that automatically manage air circulation based on cabin conditions.
When to Use the Air Recirculation Button
- When Using AC: Especially during summer and hot weather.
- In Dense Traffic: To keep pollutants from entering the cabin.
- During Heatwaves: Turn on both your AC and recirculation to cool the cabin as quickly as possible.
Without using recirculation, your AC will have to work harder to cool the hot air from outside, increasing fuel consumption and wearing out your AC compressor more quickly.
When Not to Use the Air Recirculation Button
- In Winter or Cold Weather: As a general rule, keep the recirculation button off when it’s cold outside.
During winter, it’s better to let fresh air circulate, as the standard mode will pass the outside air through the heater core, ensuring it’s warm before it reaches you. This also helps defog your windows faster and prevents them from misting up while you drive.
Disadvantages of Using the Air Recirculation Button
- Traps Humidity: This can cause your windscreen to mist up, particularly in cold or wet weather.
- Stuffy Cabin: If the cabin is full of passengers, the recirculation mode can make the air feel stuffy and may cause drowsiness.