The air conditioning system in a car has two modes for air intake: fresh air mode and recirculation mode. Both modes function similarly by bringing in outside air into the car’s condenser unit. However, the difference lies in where the air is sourced from – either from outside the car or from inside the car.
The outside air mode uses the air from the environment outside the car through a fan. There is a filter in place to trap dust particles.
The main advantage of the outside air mode is that it provides proper air circulation in the car, ensuring that the passengers do not experience a lack of oxygen.
However, the downside of this mode is that the air inside the car can be polluted. If the car travels through heavily polluted areas or areas with unpleasant odors, the cabin can also become contaminated. Despite the presence of a filter in the air conditioning system, it is difficult to fully purify or eliminate odors. Additionally, if the outside temperature is high (significantly higher than the temperature inside the car), the cooling process will be slower.
In which situations should the car use the outside air mode?
According to experts, the outside air mode should be selected in the following situations:
– When entering the car and starting the engine, it is advisable to turn on the car’s air conditioning system in outside air mode. This is because the car has been closed for a long time, resulting in a potentially higher temperature inside compared to the outside temperature. Additionally, the closed doors can cause an increase in humidity inside the car, resulting in stale and poorly circulated air, which can have a negative impact on the air quality. Therefore, using outside air mode helps to promote air circulation and make the cooling process faster.
– Alternatively, if the car is traveling in areas with clean air, minimal dust, or during nighttime, it is recommended to use the outside air mode to ensure proper oxygen supply inside the car and maintain fresh and cool air.
During long journeys, it is recommended that the driver actively use the outside air mode for about 5 minutes every 30 minutes or alternatively, open the windows slightly. This helps to improve cabin ventilation, ensure sufficient oxygen inside the car, and prevent the feeling of fatigue due to prolonged exposure to recirculated air.
To activate the outside air mode, simply press the designated button or switch located on the air conditioning control panel, which bears the icon representing the outside air mode.
The inside air mode, on the other hand, takes the air that is already within the car and reverses it using the fan. There is also a filter in place to trap dust particles.
The advantage of the inside air mode is that it avoids the intake of polluted or unpleasant air from outside the car. And since the air inside the car is already cool, the cooling process will be faster compared to the outside air mode. This can also result in fuel savings.
However, the downside of the inside air mode is that the cabin can experience a lack of oxygen. Due to the car being closed, when the inside air mode is chosen, the air circulation is limited to the internal environment. Fresh air from the outside can only enter the car through small gaps. As a result, after a certain period of time, usually around 30 to 45 minutes, the cabin can experience a lack of oxygen, leading to fatigue and lethargy for the passengers.
In which situations should the car use the inside air mode?
According to experts, the inside air mode should be selected in the following situations:
– When driving in areas with high levels of pollution, such as areas with a lot of dust, emissions, or unpleasant odors, it is advisable to use the inside air mode to ensure that the air inside the car is cleaner and free from pollutants.
– When driving in the rain or in wet weather conditions, it is recommended to use the inside air mode to limit the intake of moisture from the outside and prevent the accumulation of dampness and mold in the car’s air conditioning system.
To activate the inside air mode, simply press the designated button or switch located on the air conditioning control panel, which bears the icon representing the inside air mode.
In cars equipped with automatic air conditioning systems, besides the manual selection of outside air or inside air mode, there is an automatic mode that regulates the intake of outside or inside air based on various factors. These factors include the temperature inside the car, the temperature difference between the outside and inside, and the air quality. The automatic mode ensures the optimal air intake mode in order to maintain the desired temperature inside the car and provide a comfortable environment for the passengers.
In conclusion, there are several factors to consider when choosing between the outside air mode and the inside air mode in a car’s air conditioning system. These factors include the outside air quality, the temperature difference between the outside and inside, and the preference for fresh or pre-cooled air. It is important to select the appropriate mode based on the specific circumstances to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience.
