AC/Heater: Steamy windows (merged)

JPDirect · 23rd October 2006, 14:24

There's a song there somewhere?

Hi all,

Just wondered if you guys ever get a misty front windscreen? I find pressing the demist button ALWAYS does the trick, in fact, it works in seconds. But I don't want to keep on using it as it uses the AC motor and turning it on and off every 3 or 4 minutes can't be good for it!

I was just wondering though, does anyone know of a liquid solution we could appy to the inside of the windscreen to stop the build up of mist? I've heard someone say mixing in some lemon juice with water and applying that - any thoughts?

elfa7 · 23rd October 2006, 14:27

I would advise you to leave your climate control on all the time. It'll solve your probs with steamy windows.

allan40alt · 23rd October 2006, 14:29

There's a liquid called 'Aqua Ban'. Not sure how good it is as I leave my Air-Con on all year round.

Ps: This is a small spray-on anti condensation liquid; not the tablets you get from the chemist!
Aqua Ban Ltd, 2 The Ropewalk, Ilkeston.

Bungle · 23rd October 2006, 14:38

You are right, turning the AC on and off repeatedly is not good for it. If you leave the system on Auto, it will cycle the AC as needed and should prevent misting.

From wha I understand, the difference in fuel cunsuption between the system cycling in auto, and AC being turned off is negligable.

I had to use my demister button for the front screen for the first time yesterday, and it worked within seconds, I then hit the auto button and all was fine.

JPDirect · 23rd October 2006, 14:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bungle

You are right, turning the AC on and off repeatedly is not good for it. If you leave the system on Auto, it will cycle the AC as needed and should prevent misting.

From wha I understand, the difference in fuel cunsuption between the system cycling in auto, and AC being turned off is negligable.

I had to use my demister button for the front screen for the first time yesterday, and it worked within seconds, I then hit the auto button and all was fine.

Thanks Bungle,

Am about to make a long journey later tonight and will try what you suggest! Appreciate it - thanks VERY much.

Thanks to all other replies too!

civicg · 23rd October 2006, 17:59

Are you sure its not you thats steaming up the windows with that youre thinking at the time?

On a serious note Ive noticed my front windoes mist on the inside often even when im driving. There must be a ventiliation issue somewhere.

MC Hammer · 23rd October 2006, 19:48

This discussion always comes around when the damp cooler weather comes around.
Think about it, breathing creates moisture, as does rain. By getting in the car this traps the moisture which condenses on the cold glass. The A/C clears this by blowing de-humidified air into the cabin.
It is best to have it on all the time, but of course as it switches off and on by it's self; there's no real difference if you do it manually.

Kpow99 · 23rd October 2006, 19:54

Hondas have always been really bad for misting up, don't get that too bad with my Pug.

Nick7 · 23rd October 2006, 21:15

Turning A/C on/off is *not* bad of A/C.
What do you think how A/C works when it's ON? It turns compressor on/off all the time when needed... so switchign on/off won't do any harm at all.

Velocity · 24th October 2006, 08:09

The company that makes Rain-X also make an Anti-Fog liquid to wipe on to the windscreen. I have used it in the past and it worked at the time.

Nick7 · 24th October 2006, 08:24

I'd be very carefull about those liquids. I heard horror stories from people that tried them - like in cold liquid turns like it's milk on windows, etc.... and worst part is it's close to impossible to remove that stuff from window later!
If you are going to use this stuff, tripplecheck with people who used that for longer periods of time already.

Bungle · 24th October 2006, 08:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick7

Turning A/C on/off is *not* bad of A/C.
What do you think how A/C works when it's ON? It turns compressor on/off all the time when needed... so switchign on/off won't do any harm at all.

I have always been told the opposite.

Many air con systems, including portable home ones, have a time delay switch to prevent you turning the compressor on and off quickly. If you have in on, the turn the compressor off, and select 'on' again, it will wait a minute or two before activating.
I was told the car was similar, that the Auto timing between on and off is enough to be safe, it won't switch a few times a minute! Repeatedly swithing it on and off in quick sucsession is bad for it. I can't say what part it is bad for, the clutch or the compressor or what, but I have been advised againt it.

It was a word of warning just in case, if you think it is OK to do, that's fine.

One thing I do know for sure is that you should use the system regularly. Never let it stay unused for any length of time, especially in winter.

Swindon Japster · 24th October 2006, 09:27

Agree with Bungle, using the Auto setting and occasionally screen demister button seems to be the way to go.
I have my aircon running all the time and still return 40mpg which I am pleased with.

JPDirect · 24th October 2006, 18:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bungle

You are right, turning the AC on and off repeatedly is not good for it. If you leave the system on Auto, it will cycle the AC as needed and should prevent misting.

From wha I understand, the difference in fuel cunsuption between the system cycling in auto, and AC being turned off is negligable.

I had to use my demister button for the front screen for the first time yesterday, and it worked within seconds, I then hit the auto button and all was fine.

Hi Bungle,

Thanks for the above info. I went for a long ride last night and did what you suggest and it works a treat.

How does the system know when to use the A/C motor (in Auto) or not then? What must happen for the A/C to come on or off (in Auto)?

Fedorov · 24th October 2006, 20:39

I just zap the demister button for a few minutes at a time.

I NEVER use the Auto button because it turns my Recycle air button off - I've driven for the last 10 years probably with recycle air buttons to avoid breathing all that carbon crap outside, the moment any gets in the car I nearly choke!

Nick7 · 25th October 2006, 10:48

On manual AC it works in this way: compressor is on untill air temperature going behind AC cooler (hmm.. or whatever is called, srry for lack of english words) is under 1 degree celcius. At that point AC compressor is disengaged. It engages again when air reaches over 4degree celcius (I'm not 100% positive on those temperatures, but could check in manuals).

As for on manual using A/C with heating - air is first cooled, than heated. The first cooling part is one that helps with defogging.

As for Bungle's comment: A/C compressor always switched on/off... intervals depend how fast air cools/heats up. Usually this is arround 1 minute period, while in high heat A/C compressor can sometimes be always on. As to manual on/off - it is *not* bad for it. It might be bad if you flick it on/off each second - but each few minutes is nothing else than as if it were working automatically - so there is no harm at all.

IWANTACIVIC · 29th October 2006, 01:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kpow99

Hondas have always been really bad for misting up, don't get that too bad with my Pug.

Too right kpow i know were i was with the pug climate control, set the temp press auto then ac to turn ac off and never had a problem , but what is confussing me in the civic theres 3 postions of the ac on off and the box disapered ? also even when i put the heat up full or down to low i cant make the auto show that the ac is working but on min it alot colder than with ac off so i know the ac is on ??. also the pug c c would let u control as much as u wanted and still be on auto i,e u set the temp and the place of air and it would still auto the fan speed etc , but the civic as soon as i touch anything in auto mode it give up and the windows fog up for exaple so i leave it in auto now not know werther the ac is on or not ?????

its ok on auto but want to know if im wasting fuel by using it when its not nessacry anyone got any ideas
( i used the ac in the pug 10-20 mins a week to keep it in good order but in winter didnt use it anymore but in summer used it alot)

IWANTACIVIC · 29th October 2006, 01:48

Also why has the fan got 7 speed but no more blow than 5 speed pug or most of car 5 is top?

TTDegs · 30th October 2006, 18:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by IWANTACIVIC

Also why has the fan got 7 speed but no more blow than 5 speed pug or most of car 5 is top?

possibly for the same reason as the classic line in the Spinal Tap film...

(for those of us old enough to remember)

See these amps? They go up to 11!

But why didn't they just make 10 louder?
But these go up to 11!

(it works better in the film

)

pcr · 30th October 2006, 20:55

TTDegs,
Very good. You'll be telling me next that the car doesn't go faster when Kmph is selected.

23rd October 2006, 14:24	#1 (permalink)
JPDirect Locking Wheelnut Join Date: 1st October 2006 Location: London Posts: 172 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Steamy windows (merged) There's a song there somewhere? Hi all, Just wondered if you guys ever get a misty front windscreen? I find pressing the demist button ALWAYS does the trick, in fact, it works in seconds. But I don't want to keep on using it as it uses the AC motor and turning it on and off every 3 or 4 minutes can't be good for it! I was just wondering though, does anyone know of a liquid solution we could appy to the inside of the windscreen to stop the build up of mist? I've heard someone say mixing in some lemon juice with water and applying that - any thoughts?

23rd October 2006, 14:29	#3 (permalink)
allan40alt Supporter Civinfo guru Join Date: 6th August 2006 Location: Rugby, Warwickshire. Posts: 2,094 Thanks: 5 Thanked 10 Times in 10 Posts	There's a liquid called 'Aqua Ban'. Not sure how good it is as I leave my Air-Con on all year round. Ps: This is a small spray-on anti condensation liquid; not the tablets you get from the chemist! Aqua Ban Ltd, 2 The Ropewalk, Ilkeston. Last edited by allan40alt; 23rd October 2006 at 14:35.

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This thread is about: Steamy windows (merged), it's in Bugs, faults and irritations at the Honda Civic forum Civinfo; There's a song there somewhere? Hi all, Just wondered if you guys ever get a misty front windscreen? I find pressing the demist button ALWAYS ...

23rd October 2006, 14:27	#2 (permalink)
elfa7 Supporter Rocketship door handle Join Date: 8th May 2006 Location: Cheshire Posts: 1,700 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I would advise you to leave your climate control on all the time. It'll solve your probs with steamy windows.

23rd October 2006, 14:38	#4 (permalink)
Bungle Rocketship door handle Join Date: 3rd July 2006 Location: SE London/Kent Posts: 1,217 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	You are right, turning the AC on and off repeatedly is not good for it. If you leave the system on Auto, it will cycle the AC as needed and should prevent misting. From wha I understand, the difference in fuel cunsuption between the system cycling in auto, and AC being turned off is negligable. I had to use my demister button for the front screen for the first time yesterday, and it worked within seconds, I then hit the auto button and all was fine.

23rd October 2006, 17:59	#6 (permalink)
civicg Locking Wheelnut Join Date: 3rd May 2006 Location: Leeds Posts: 130 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Are you sure its not you thats steaming up the windows with that youre thinking at the time? On a serious note Ive noticed my front windoes mist on the inside often even when im driving. There must be a ventiliation issue somewhere.

23rd October 2006, 19:48	#7 (permalink)
MC Hammer 5 seats are a must! Magic Rear Seat Join Date: 16th June 2006 Location: UK Posts: 595 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	This discussion always comes around when the damp cooler weather comes around. Think about it, breathing creates moisture, as does rain. By getting in the car this traps the moisture which condenses on the cold glass. The A/C clears this by blowing de-humidified air into the cabin. It is best to have it on all the time, but of course as it switches off and on by it's self; there's no real difference if you do it manually.

23rd October 2006, 19:54	#8 (permalink)
Kpow99 Explosive Mind Unleashed Magic Rear Seat Join Date: 5th May 2006 Location: London Posts: 535 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Hondas have always been really bad for misting up, don't get that too bad with my Pug.

23rd October 2006, 21:15	#9 (permalink)
Nick7 Supporter Triangular Exhaust Join Date: 10th August 2006 Location: Croatia Posts: 430 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Turning A/C on/off is not bad of A/C. What do you think how A/C works when it's ON? It turns compressor on/off all the time when needed... so switchign on/off won't do any harm at all.

24th October 2006, 08:09	#10 (permalink)
Velocity Supporter Triangular Exhaust Join Date: 21st August 2006 Location: Rotherham Posts: 341 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	The company that makes Rain-X also make an Anti-Fog liquid to wipe on to the windscreen. I have used it in the past and it worked at the time.

24th October 2006, 08:24	#11 (permalink)
Nick7 Supporter Triangular Exhaust Join Date: 10th August 2006 Location: Croatia Posts: 430 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	I'd be very carefull about those liquids. I heard horror stories from people that tried them - like in cold liquid turns like it's milk on windows, etc.... and worst part is it's close to impossible to remove that stuff from window later! If you are going to use this stuff, tripplecheck with people who used that for longer periods of time already.

24th October 2006, 09:27	#13 (permalink)
Swindon Japster Wheelnut Join Date: 29th September 2006 Posts: 87 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Agree with Bungle, using the Auto setting and occasionally screen demister button seems to be the way to go. I have my aircon running all the time and still return 40mpg which I am pleased with.

24th October 2006, 20:39	#15 (permalink)
Fedorov Supporter Magic Rear Seat Join Date: 15th April 2006 Posts: 783 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I just zap the demister button for a few minutes at a time. I NEVER use the Auto button because it turns my Recycle air button off - I've driven for the last 10 years probably with recycle air buttons to avoid breathing all that carbon crap outside, the moment any gets in the car I nearly choke!

25th October 2006, 10:48	#16 (permalink)
Nick7 Supporter Triangular Exhaust Join Date: 10th August 2006 Location: Croatia Posts: 430 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	On manual AC it works in this way: compressor is on untill air temperature going behind AC cooler (hmm.. or whatever is called, srry for lack of english words) is under 1 degree celcius. At that point AC compressor is disengaged. It engages again when air reaches over 4degree celcius (I'm not 100% positive on those temperatures, but could check in manuals). As for on manual using A/C with heating - air is first cooled, than heated. The first cooling part is one that helps with defogging. As for Bungle's comment: A/C compressor always switched on/off... intervals depend how fast air cools/heats up. Usually this is arround 1 minute period, while in high heat A/C compressor can sometimes be always on. As to manual on/off - it is not bad for it. It might be bad if you flick it on/off each second - but each few minutes is nothing else than as if it were working automatically - so there is no harm at all.

29th October 2006, 01:48	#18 (permalink)
IWANTACIVIC Supporter Magic Rear Seat Join Date: 16th September 2006 Location: LINCS UK Posts: 658 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Also why has the fan got 7 speed but no more blow than 5 speed pug or most of car 5 is top?

30th October 2006, 20:55	#20 (permalink)
pcr Magic Rear Seat Join Date: 5th September 2006 Location: Shropshire Posts: 829 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	TTDegs, Very good. You'll be telling me next that the car doesn't go faster when Kmph is selected.