How does the ‘recirc’ HVAC function?

[Dino D]

so with the Z parked up way more than I’d like I get a fair amount of condensation forming (which I expect in car so small and with this type of hood)

We’ve had a dehumidifier in one of the house rooms that suffered from damp so I’ve put in Z from time to time and amazed how much liquid it pulls out. I’m 99% certain ive deals will all leaks (rear hood seal, boot light, A pillar, door cards, window seals etc) so I got thinking- the Z had no pollen filter- does this mean air effectively free flows into the car?

If so would setting the AC to ‘recirculating’ stop this?
As it operated by a electric switch it obviously needs to be done when the car is on - but when you turn off power would the recirc function still work or wouldn’t it open the flap or whatever it is is that blocks outside air?

The idea being to keep outside air from entering when parked up in damp periods.

 

[t-tony]

Try it and see mate. I can't see that an electrically operated flap would need continual power to hold it closed, but it is possible.

Tony.

ps. Another option could be to block the inlet to the heater when you park it up?

 

[Jack Ratt]

Put a tub of cat litter in the footwell and you'll be amazed how effective it is. I understand that dried rice works too

 

[t-tony]

Dry rice is very good, place it in an old stocking for best results. It's also reusable, just leave it in the Sun to dry and it's ready.

Tony.

 

[the Nefyn cat]

And it's always good to have a reason for there being a spare stocking laying around in your car. Just a thought.
But apart from that, I wouldn't have thought you'd get much air entering the car through the heater inlet while the car's just sitting about, unless you've got some kind of suction device attached to it somewhere, if the air isn't being drawn out surely it won't be being replaced?