Air Intake Control

The air intake control is used to select the outside (fresh) air position or the recirculation position.
To change the air intake control position, press the control button.
Recirculated Air Position

When the recirculation position is selected, air from the passenger compartment passes through the heating system and is heated or cooled depending on the selected function.
Outside (Fresh) Air Position

When the outside (fresh) air position is selected, outside air enters the vehicle and is heated or cooled depending on the selected function.
Operating the heater in recirculation mode (without A/C) for a long time may cause the windshield and side windows to fog up. In addition, prolonged use of the air conditioner in recirculation mode will make the air in the vehicle excessively dry. Continuous use of recirculated air causes a stale or stuffy odor inside the passenger compartment.
Test yourself
A quick Kia Optima DL3 quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.