Keep your car cool this summer: Expert tips for faster AC performance
The ongoing season of high temperatures makes car air conditioning indispensable. A universal method, effective for all vehicle models, allows for faster and more efficient cooling of a car's interior. How does it work?
5:28 PM EDT, June 29, 2024
The key trick, working in every car, is a combination of ventilation and recirculation. Before turning on the air conditioning, open all doors and windows for a few minutes to let out the heated air. Then, after closing the car, turn on the air conditioning to the lowest temperature and the highest fan level, simultaneously activating the recirculation mode. This method significantly speeds up the cooling process, regardless of the vehicle's make and model.
Effective car cooling
One key way to speed up the cooling process is to activate the air recirculation mode. This allows the already-cooled air inside the car to be chilled again, reducing the load on the air conditioning system.
Correctly setting the vents also matters. It is recommended that the airflow be directed to the central part of the vehicle instead of directly at the passengers. Before turning on the air conditioning, it is advisable to ventilate the car by opening all doors and windows for a few minutes.
Experts advise initially setting the lowest possible temperature and the highest fan level to quickly lower the interior temperature. Once a comfortable temperature is reached, the cooling intensity can be reduced.
This is how you cool down your car
Using sunshades on the windows during stops significantly limits the interior heating. This, in turn, shortens the time needed to cool the car down after turning on the air conditioning.
An interesting technique is briefly opening the rear windows with the air conditioning on, which speeds up the removal of hot air from the cabin. However, it is essential to remember to close the windows once the interior temperature drops to avoid unnecessary fuel consumption.
Regular maintenance of the air conditioning system is crucial for its efficiency. This includes refilling the refrigerant, cleaning or replacing air filters, and checking the functionality of all system components.
How does car air conditioning work?
The car air conditioning principle is similar to that of home cooling systems. The process starts with the compression of the refrigerant, which is then cooled and condensed into the condenser. The next stage is filtration in the dryer, followed by expansion in the expansion valve. In the evaporator, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the air inside the vehicle, and the blower then distributes the cooled air.
Following these tips can significantly improve travel comfort on hot days while optimizing the performance of the car's air conditioning system.
