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I almost never use it. I prefer fresh air and it does not get that hot here. Actually except on the freeway, I usually just put the windows down and skip AC.
The owner's manual for my truck says that Recirc should only be used for a short time. One of those times is when you want to cool down the interior ASAP. In fact, the Max AC setting automatically sets Recirc on. But the air gets very stuffy if Recirc is left on for a long time.
My main use of Recirc is to close off outside air when passing dusty or stinky areas.
When the outside air temperature is higher than 80 recirculate the inside air will cool best. My husband learned this when he thought one of our cars was low on freon as it wasn't cooling. He pulled out the manual where they stated to put it on recirculate. Taking outside air in means you have to cool it down plus pull moisture out, same would go for heat when it is really cold but with heat after the car warms up you can switch to taking in outside air to prevent fogging of windows.
On hot, humid days, I always use recirc, otherwise the A/C has to work hard to cool the gross outside air. During winter, I use fresh air mode so the windows don't fog up.
So if you want my opinion, and who does, if you want to build up mold on your AC excchange radiator fast and furious, please do stay in Recirc mode. Also, drops your mpg. Also, kills your AC comp faster, as it makes it run at maxx. Which is good for dealers and repair shops.
Though for about $40 you can get set of window visors for your car and drive around with half inch down crack in windows on the passenger side. What creates a beautiful circulatory wind inside your car, removing moisture and cooling you down.
Just saying.
Hmm. Never noticed the AC go to Max when I use the recirc button, only when I use the Max button. Recirc only changes where the air comes form , not how hard the AC is running in normal use. At least on my Suburban and my BMW.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
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