Question re: 'recirculated air' setting

[Kelisis]

I was wondering if someone can shed light on this in view of the brutal heat we've had lately.

What is the best setting to use when you first step into a hot car in order to cool it down faster?

By that I mean is it best to crank the A/C full blast, at the coolest setting and use the recirculated air setting or is it best to use the 'outside air' setting with the windows closed.

I normally just roll down the windows and start driving but in this unusual heat, all that did was bring more hot and sticky air into the car.

I ended up just rolling up the windows and experimenting with both settings, but it didn't seem to make a heck of a lot of difference.

Does the recirculated air setting suck the inside air, run it through the A/C and then blow it back out as cooler air?

Thanks :)

[Dr.Dan]

You more or less have the right idea....

The car will always be hotter than outside, so open the rear windows and crank it up with the air setting on 'fresh' ...
After a few minutes of blowing cold air you can start closing the windows (leave open an inch or two) and turn the air control to 'recirc' so you're only using the inside air...
After another couple minutes you should be able to fully close the windows.

No matter what, when it's this hot it's hard to get it cooled down... but it'll be better than what's outside :)

[Kelisis]

Thanks Dan :)

By the way, it's a 2-door 2004 Honda Accord EX-V6 coupe and the rear windows don't roll down ;)

The A/C unit is fantastic but I guess perhaps I'm not as patient as I should be. After about 15-20 minutes it does cool down, but those first few minutes are brutal and I thought perhaps there was a faster way to 'cool things down' :)

[Dr.Dan]

Well if it's a 2door, then you'll obviously be using the door windows :p
In a 4 door it works better when you use the rears... but you don't have that option ;)

Cool it down faster? Well you could try flooding the interior with liquid nitrogen :laf:

[Kelisis]

Well you could try flooding the interior with liquid nitrogen :laf:
lol

[Bogie]

Gotta remember that you are trying to cool-down the inside of a big, very hot, metal container :D

[Mouse]

In lieu of rear windows, if you open the sun roof (if you got) it will allow the hot air to rise and exit.

[Kelisis]

In lieu of rear windows, if you open the sun roof (if you got) it will allow the hot air to rise and exit.
Never thought of that - I do have a sunroof.

Thanks :)

[Mouse]

Happy to help.

Wish I had one on my '91 EX. :wwh:

[Kelisis]

Happy to help.

Wish I had one on my '91 EX. :wwh:
91?? - how many clicks you got on that puppy MouseMeat?

[Marsher]

Usually the windshield is hot and will radiate a lot of heat even after you start to cool the inside of the car. I do as recommended above with one change... set the controls to outside air and defrost...directing the cool air onto the front window.

[Mouse]

About 189,000 right now. We had 2 vehicle for a while, which helped to keep the mileage down.

And I do have rear doors (and windows). :)

[Kelisis]

I guess I should also point out that the interior is black leather.

[Kelisis]

About 189,000 right now. We had 2 vehicle for a while, which helped to keep the mileage down.

And I do have rear doors (and windows). :)
My brother put close to 350,000 clicks on a 1994. The thing was rock solid. The only reason he got rid of it was because he was 'bored' with it and wanted a new car. He bought another Honda :)

[Mouse]

If that was a Pacer you would be dead. ;)

[Mouse]

Bored??? This I do not understand.

Mine rides like a rock. I scare people all the time, and they're in the car. :)

[Kelisis]

Bored??? This I do not understand.

Mine rides like a rock. I scare people all the time, and they're in the car. :)
He just wanted a change. Sort of like when you get bored of your living room, paint it, and buy new furniture etc. :)

[Mouse]

I'd like a change too, like a V6 hybrid, but it ain't goin' to happen.

[Kelisis]

like a V6 hybrid
I've read good reviews on those :)

[Frogy]

Usually the windshield is hot and will radiate a lot of heat even after you start to cool the inside of the car. I do as recommended above with one change... set the controls to outside air and defrost...directing the cool air onto the front window.


Couldn't have said it better myself, works like a charm.:)

[Kelisis]

Usually the windshield is hot and will radiate a lot of heat even after you start to cool the inside of the car. I do as recommended above with one change... set the controls to outside air and defrost...directing the cool air onto the front window.
Thanks Marsher :) - I'll give that a shot as well.

[Dr.Dan]

Oh yeah... wasn't thinking about the sunroof.... that'll work well too :)

And I wasn't even thinking about telling you about where the cold air should be coming out.... Yes, on defrost does work well.... cools the car instead of blowing cold air on you...

Being that my truck don't have A/C I've kinda out of practice :hsh:

[dbusguy]

Sunroof, yes, hot air rises.
Do you have the rear pop-out windows.
Years ago they were on hatchback and are on minivans.
I opened one today on the way home and it just sucked out the hot air.
Fastest I've ever cooled down the van.