Air Conditioning Recirculating Option

[richguy82]

I read somewhere that using the recirculating option for the AC actually makes it run more efficiently. My last vehicle defaulted to this mostly when using Auto. I remembered to turn recirculation on in my truck before I left for a 20 mile highway trip today (a trip I make frequently) as it doesn’t ever seem to default to it. My speed was maintained between 75-79 with no traffic (I even floored it a couple of times). I averaged 2 miles/kwh when I know for a fact that same trip typically with the same speed in the same temperatures I have only managed 1.9 at best. Often times it’s 1.8 when driving at those speeds. I drove it like I always do, which is probably too fast . I averaged 2.0 on the way there and the way back. I live in Central Florida so it’s very flat, and it’s pretty dang hot right now. I suspect the highway temps are super hot so the truck would normally be trying to cool down all of that incoming hot air and thus working a lot harder. Anyway, I thought I would mention it to the forum if it’s helpful for anyone. It’s worth a try anyway.

To note, I almost posted a complaint a while ago about never being able to achieve 2.0 or more. The one time I remember to make that change I finally achieve that 2.0 mark. I think I almost hit 2.1 on the way home.

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[abcut973]

Yeah AC recirculating toggle never gets saved! I use it all the time as it helps with filtering out outside odors. It drives me nuts!

 

[K6CCC]

For AC, if the inside of the vehicle is hotter than outside (after parked in the sun for example), you do NOT want recirc, but once the inside cools down, you are better from an efficiency standpoint using recirc. Regardless, I normally use fresh air unless there is a specific desire to recirc.

Same concept for heat. If the interior is colder than outside (after a cold overnight, but outside has warmed up), use fresh until inside warms up.

 

[Maquis]

Did you check to see if recirc was still on when you arrived at your destination?

 

[richguy82]

Did you check to see if recirc was still on when you arrived at your destination?

Yes it was on for the whole trip. I wonder if the system just forgets to switch over to record once the inside of the car is cooled down. Oddly, it was on by default today when I headed out and when I left to go home despite it being pretty hot inside the car, especially on the way back since it was later in the day and hotter.

 

[richguy82]

For AC, if the inside of the vehicle is hotter than outside (after parked in the sun for example), you do NOT want recirc, but once the inside cools down, you are better from an efficiency standpoint using recirc. Regardless, I normally use fresh air unless there is a specific desire to recirc.

Same concept for heat. If the interior is colder than outside (after a cold overnight, but outside has warmed up), use fresh until inside warms up.

I’ve heard recirc can be bad for you if your vehicle is really well sealed up, but I’m positive that is not the case with these trucks

 

[Maquis]

Yes it was on for the whole trip. I wonder if the system just forgets to switch over to record once the inside of the car is cooled down. Oddly, it was on by default today when I headed out and when I left to go home despite it being pretty hot inside the car, especially on the way back since it was later in the day and hotter.

I find that recirc will stay on indefinitely as long as you don’t use “Auto” mode and the air discharge is directed to only the dash vents.

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