Your vehicle’s heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system (HVAC) operates in two basic modes:
1. Fresh Air Mode (Recirculation OFF)
- Outside air is drawn into the vehicle
- Air passes through the cabin air filter
- The system heats or cools the air
- Air is distributed throughout the cabin
This mode continuously replaces interior air with oxygen-rich outdoor air.
Vehicle air filters
2. Recirculation Mode (Recirculation ON)
- A motorized flap closes off the outside air intake
- The system reuses air already inside the cabin
- Air is cooled or heated repeatedly
This creates a sealed airflow loop, allowing the HVAC system to work more efficiently under certain conditions.
Why Recirculation Cools the Cabin Faster
In hot weather, recirculation is especially effective because:
Air conditioning service
- The air conditioner doesn’t need to cool hot outside air repeatedly
- Already-cooled cabin air requires less energy to cool further
- Interior temperatures drop noticeably faster
- The compressor experiences less strain
This efficiency can slightly reduce fuel consumption in gasoline vehicles and improve driving range in electric cars.
Protection From Pollution, Odors, and Allergens
Continued on next page
