DIY Hack: When to Use Recirculation in Your Car
The Problem: Most of us are unsure when to use the recirculation button in our car’s AC controls. We’re about to change that!
Who this hack helps: Anyone who’s ever wondered why their car doesn’t get as cool with the AC on, or how to reduce wear and tear on their AC system.
Materials Needed
- Your car (duh!)
- The recirculation button on your AC controls
Step-by-Step Guide
- Summer Mode: When it’s hot outside, use the recirculation feature to keep your car cool. This will prevent your AC from pulling in hot air and trying to cool it.
- Winter Mode: Turn off the recirculation feature when it’s cold outside. You want fresh air to circulate through the cabin.
- Traffic Tip: When stuck in traffic, turn on the recirculation feature to avoid pulling in pollutants and carbon monoxide from other cars. This can reduce pollutant intake by 20%!
- Sun-Baked Car: If your car has been baking in the sun, roll down the windows for a minute or so to get rid of the hot air inside before turning on recirculate.
Troubleshooting
- If you notice your AC system not cooling as well with recirculation on, try rolling down the windows and then turning it back on. This can help remove stale air from the cabin.
- If your car is particularly stinky (ew!), try using the recirculation feature with the AC off to help circulate fresh air through the cabin.
Time-Saver Tip
Use the recirculation feature when you’re in a hurry, but don’t have time for the AC to cool down properly. This can save you about 2-3 minutes of cooling time on hot days!
