SayNoToPistons
Wheels, not rims...
- :
- CX-5 GT AWD w/ Tech, RX-8 GT 6spd w/ 'goodies'
Do you often get a musty mildew smell from the HVAC vents on a hot humid day after using the AC? I know I do, especially since the CX-5's HVAC is quite prone to condensation. Here's a few explanations as to why it happens and some good habits for preventative maintenance.
(skip if you want the tips alone)
The smell is cause by condensation in the vents, which overtime with the addition of heat and lack of ventilation, may cause mildew and mold (fungus) to grow. Now, lets cut to the basics. What is condensation? Condensation is the conversion of water in gaseous form to its liquid form. It occurs when humidity is 100%- its saturation level. When a cold object, in our case a duct, meets a warm environment. Air sub-particles condense and form condensation, liquid phase of water.
The reason why the CX-5 is more prone to this is due to its automatic climate control (for those who apply). In full AUTO with the AC activated, it will keep a constant default of re-circulation mode. Thus preventing the evaporator coils from staying dry, when not in use, adding more moisture to the system. So good habits to help heavy moisture from forming in your ducts:
- After using the AC for extended periods of time, turn off the AC and make sure the blower is working without recirculation mode on. Leave windows cracked. Thus equalizing atmosphere pressure and humidity.
- Check if your car is forming droplets of water towards the front of the car near the firewall after extended standing and AC use. If not, then you may have a clogged evaporator drain. Mostly due to dirt forming from under windshield cowl.
- I have yet to find the exact location of the CX-5's evaporator drain, but I am almost 100% sure that it is the common firewall location. Should have a small rubber nipple located on the firewall.
(skip if you want the tips alone)
The smell is cause by condensation in the vents, which overtime with the addition of heat and lack of ventilation, may cause mildew and mold (fungus) to grow. Now, lets cut to the basics. What is condensation? Condensation is the conversion of water in gaseous form to its liquid form. It occurs when humidity is 100%- its saturation level. When a cold object, in our case a duct, meets a warm environment. Air sub-particles condense and form condensation, liquid phase of water.
The reason why the CX-5 is more prone to this is due to its automatic climate control (for those who apply). In full AUTO with the AC activated, it will keep a constant default of re-circulation mode. Thus preventing the evaporator coils from staying dry, when not in use, adding more moisture to the system. So good habits to help heavy moisture from forming in your ducts:
- After using the AC for extended periods of time, turn off the AC and make sure the blower is working without recirculation mode on. Leave windows cracked. Thus equalizing atmosphere pressure and humidity.
- Check if your car is forming droplets of water towards the front of the car near the firewall after extended standing and AC use. If not, then you may have a clogged evaporator drain. Mostly due to dirt forming from under windshield cowl.
- I have yet to find the exact location of the CX-5's evaporator drain, but I am almost 100% sure that it is the common firewall location. Should have a small rubber nipple located on the firewall.