Car air conditioning Proper use in heat

Air conditioning: Proper use helps with heat in the car

08/04/2013

Hardly anyone would like to do without the air conditioning in the car at the current temperatures, especially not when a holiday trip by car is pending. The system ensures that not only driving itself is more fun, but also means that drivers and passengers are more relaxed and overall safer driving. In order to keep a cool head even at very high temperatures in the car, however, the correct handling of air conditioning and ventilation is important.

For cooling already ensure BEFORE the ride
When it gets really hot in the car in the summer, drivers take two countermeasures to cool them down: air conditioning on or windows open. However, it is not easy to create a comfortable temperature inside the car while driving, as the use of the air conditioning system should ideally begin before the ride - especially if the car has been standing longer in the sun. So the car should first be well ventilated before driving off and only after the start then the air conditioning is turned on. It is advisable to open the windows a small gap wide and to put the blower with circulating air to the highest level to allow the warm air to escape. In addition, the ADAC recommends to use shading in glass roofs as well as „open all air outlet nozzles and adjust them so that the air flow is blown over the shoulders of the persons sitting in front as far as possible.“

How cool should it be inside the car?
But how cool should it be in the car? According to the ADAC, the temperature should ideally be 21 to 22 degrees, „[...] the temperature is reached, set the system to fresh air and close the windows“, This is the additional tip from Philip Puls from TÜV SÜD. Because many drivers tend to cool the air even more strongly in strong heat, but this is exactly the problem, according to Christiane of the Federal Association of AOK - because the excessive lowering of the temperature harms not only the own purse due to increased fuel consumption and CO2 emissions and the environment, but can also have health consequences. Thus, air conditioners could favor colds when the indoor temperature is too low, because "when the cold air stream hits the sweaty skin directly, the body can cool down quickly“ so the expert, which would then be at the expense of the circulation of the skin and mucous membranes.

Drafts can lead to conjunctivitis and tension
But not only the cold air flow can cause health problems, but also the lack of moisture that is removed from the air by the air conditioner. Because of the dryness inside the car, according to Roick, the mucous membranes of the upper airways would be irritated, which in turn would favor respiratory tract infections. Add to that „Drafts caused by air conditioning but also conjunctivitis or lead to tension of the muscles in the neck, shoulder or back area“ could continue, the expert continues.

Do not use air conditioning for short distances
Accordingly, the air conditioning should not be switched on at short distances, according to the German environmental aid and instead rather be respected before departure for a good ventilation with open doors. According to the recommendation of the ADAC, the desired temperature, air distribution and fan power should be set for vehicles with automatic climate control before driving. In the case of semi-automatic systems, however, first the fan, which is then turned back gradually, would rather bring about the desired cooling. In addition, when the air conditioning is switched on, it is not necessary to constantly drive with the windows wide open, because in this way the cooled air escapes immediately and the effect is zero.

No need to worry about laughing under the car
According to Philip Puls from TÜV SÜD, there would be no cause for concern if a pool forms under the car in hot and humid weather, because this is not a defect, but only condensate that is flushed out of the air conditioning system. Since every system loses some of the refrigerant in the course of time, according to the TÜV Süd every one to two years is a check including filling necessary - this inspection saves energy, because the air conditioning works only with sufficient refrigerant optimally.

Change every 15,000 kilometers of pollen filter
In this context, care should also be taken to replace the pollen filters approximately every 15,000 kilometers or once a year, otherwise there is a risk that ventilation and air conditioning systems will no longer function properly. "At the latest, if it smells musty, as soon as the ventilation or the air conditioning is turned on, it is high time for the filter change," said Puls. If this does not happen, the air will automatically be reduced, the windows would fog up and mold and bacteria will build up in the accumulated dirt, which in turn would prevent unpleasant odors.

Regular maintenance reduces the risk of allergies or infections
However, regular maintenance should also take place against the background of health risks, as Christiane Roick from the AOK explains. Because damp condensate and dust, pollen and mold spores from the outside air provide a good breeding ground for germs. These would then pass through the system in turn into the car and may thus lead to allergies or infections.

Air conditioning not only useful in the summer
However, air conditioning not only provides good service in the summer, but also helps to make the ride more enjoyable, even in rain or damp weather. According to TÜV SÜD expert Philip Puls, the use of the system is also recommended in order to effectively counter fogged windows or prevent them from the outset. Here, a short turn on the air conditioner would consume much less energy than the longer use of rear window heater or blower, because these devices are both loud pulse „big power guzzlers“, which not only harms the environment, but also the purse of the car owner, because „Electricity also costs money in the car, "the expert recalled.