Why You Should Use The Recirculation Button In Your Car

During the recent Extreme Heat Warnings across the upper Midwest our automobiles were working extra hard. Did you know there is a button in your vehicle that can make your AC work less on days when its pushed to its limits? Most people don't know about this little energy saving option in most cars, trucks, and RVs.

Danny V., Townsquare Media: Mercedes Benz air circulation feature

This is the recirculation button - or sometimes labeled as "Recirc." This feature can helping save fuel, and extending the AC’s lifespan.

According to lohud, "When it's hot outside, the air recirculation button directs the air inside your car back into the AC system, cooling it down further. This is more efficient than constantly drawing in hot, external air."

Even when outdoor temperatures are not extreme, using the recirculation in your vehicle can be beneficial if the air quality is poor. South Dakota has recently battles with heavy smoky air due to Canadian wildfires. This would be a good example.

Another instance where it can be beneficial is gravel or dirt roads. We drive to the lake cabin often which requires nearly 2 miles on unpaved roads. In the summer they become super dusty. Another scenario would be allergy sufferers. During a drive in the country through rolling hills and pastures, recycling the air in your car will keep most of the pollen and allergy inducing air outside. In these cases, it's better to keep the inside air circulating.

On the flip side the Fresh Air setting - or non-circulating - can be best when the temperatures are mild and air quality is good.

According to Christian Brothers Automotive, "This air is filtered through the car's cabin air filter to remove any dust, pollen, or other contaminants, and it’s then cooled down by passing over the evaporator coil."

The same feature can be used in extreme cold conditions. Instead of your heater working to warm ice cold air, it works less to circulate the already heated air in the cabin. Although some automotive experts discourage this because it "can trap moisture" inside your car and create foggy windows.

So both the fresh air feature and the recirculation features are both beneficial at the proper times.

Best Hiking Trails Around Sioux Falls

There's nothing like spending a few hours outdoors enjoying all that Mother Nature has to offer. And what better place to explore but right in your own backyard?

The Sioux Falls area has some fantastic hiking trails. Thanks to Experience Sioux Falls and their hiking guide we can start exploring today.

What a great resource, Experience Sioux Falls is really on top of everything our city has to offer and that includes scenic outdoor fun.

You may think that all these places are part of a state park. Well, some are which require a State Park sticker to enter. And some you don't.