Definition: The process whereby a vapor changes to a liquid. This requires a "cooling effect" to draw heat away from the vapor. When the temperature of the vapor reaches a certain point, droplets of liquid (condensate) begin to form. Condensation of the refrigerant vapor takes place in the condenser.
To cure this problem this problem to have to realize the moisture in the car is too moist. This can happen because...
| You have a water leak and have a visible amount of moisture under the floor mats and the carpet is soaked. A small amount doesn't not seem to case any problems. | |
| You are recycling the moist air instead of bringing dry cold air. Check the setting for recycle. Usually a little swirl arrow and make sure it is off. Using this recycle feature greatly increases heat or cooling and is more efficient but much use if it causes problems. | |
| I suspect that there could be heater or a/c problems in some vehicles but not specific to make or manufacture as I receive calls about this problem on assortment of vehicles. |
If all else fails open the window a little.
I have taken this information from this page and although it doesn't deal specifically with the problem of moisture in cars it gives insight into the problem.
http://www.gulfstreamcoach.com/tidbitstuff/vol10no2.htm
Condensation Conversation
More and more recreational vehicle owners today are spending more and more time in their vehicles. What was once designed for occasional use has turned into long-term housing for many. However, when living in a recreational vehicle, one must remember that its main intent was for short-term occupancy. If you expect to live in your recreational vehicle for extended periods of time, be prepared to deal with condensation and the humid conditions that may be encountered. The normal activities of even a small number of occupants in the relatively small volume of a modern recreational vehicle, with its tight construction, will lead to rapid saturation of the air inside and the appearance of visible moisture, especially during cold weather.
Estimates indicate that a family of four can vaporize up to three gallons of water daily through breathing, cooking, bathing and washing. Unless this vapor is carried outside by ventilation or removed from the air by a dehumidifier, it will condense on the inside of the windows and walls as moisture. In cold weather, it appears as frost or ice. It may also condense in the walls or ceiling and appear as stains on the paneling. Using a dehumidifier will increase the heating load on the furnace somewhat, but it will greatly reduce condensation.
You should increase ventilation when large numbers of people are present. Even when it is raining or snowing, outside air is much dryer than interior air and will effectively reduce condensation, so be sure to run a power vent. However, DO NOT use cooking appliances for comfort heating. In addition to the toxic fumes and oxygen depletion, open flames add moisture to the air, increasing condensation.
During cold weather, it is also important to ventilate closets and cabinets, which are built against exterior walls. Leaving closet and cabinet doors open will warm and ventilate the storage compartment interiors. The air flow will warm the exterior wall surface, reducing condensation.
Interior condensation can be reduced or eliminated (during cold weather) by ventilating with outside air and the effective use of a dehumidifier. The use of a dehumidifier may prove to be the most effective way to keep excessive moisture out of the inside air during long-term usage. Used in conjunction with ventilation, a dehumidifier can help reduce the amount of outside air needed to properly ventilate the RV and prevent condensation.
The above recommendations come directly from our Owner’s Manual. Gulf Stream owners’ manuals cover this and many other informative subjects. If you haven’t had a chance to read through the vehicle owner’s manual supplied with your purchase, perhaps taking a moment of your time to review the contents will prove beneficial.
Happy camping!
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