2012 RAV4 Cabin Heating issue

[Cuzz-RAV4_12]

What is the best way to distribute the heat in the front in the winter?

When we hit the cold weather here in NEPA we found that the heat was very little on the passenger door side as well as the driver door side. We put the air on circulate and does much better but the windows fog.

Thanks ahead of time - Cuzz

[kruzzzn]

To take the moisture out of air,either use defrost or activate the ac button.

[Rickl]

Heat rises, so blowing air at the windshield, or at the face, will just result in heat near the roof of the vehicle. You need to blow air at the "feet" level and it will rise upwards heating the entire vehicle.

The exception to this rule is if your windshield is foggy, or has a layer of frost on it. In this case a concentration of high heat, and high air velocity will help in clearing the windshield more quickly. Once the windshield is cleared then return the controls to the "feet" level. The RAV will automatically turn on the AC compressor in this position (defrost) to help remove moisture from the air (remember those puddles under you car on hot humid summer days).

As you have already noted, the "recirc" position can result in faster temperature rises, but since the moisture from your breath, and melted snow on the floor now saturates the air, it forms condensation when it touches the cold windshield. I have not seen much reduced heating times in the "recirc" position so I do not use it.

When you are not using the "recirc", fresh air is drawn from outside, through the grills at the base of the windshield. It is important that this area be swept free of snow so that air can enter the vehicle and blow across the heater core with high volume.

[bob-o]

The same company that makes Rain-x for the outside glass makes Fog-x for the inside. I had a Probe that fogged up terribly in San Francisco, and the Fog-x eliminated the problem.

[Cuzz-RAV4_12]

Well I know your trying to help and I do know what you are saying but, sort of silly if I might say so to turn on the AC and recirculate to get better heat. My 04 Outback had the same issue, my 09CRV was great only as far as heating system goes. So I'm calling Toyota Wednesday and will let all know what the say. Thanks - Cuzz

[bob-o]

I expect what they will say is "bring in the car"

[Cuzz-RAV4_12]

Well I'll tell you, two of you were correct! Yes you have to put on recirculate/defrost and turn on AC and yes, "bring it in"...gotta love engineering. I am back to the 1976 - 2004 Subaru technology, had to make duct extenders for heat to reach the "cold" leg. Makes sense, turn heat off, turn AC and defrost on and loose heat to legs!? I also found out that if you just sit in one spot it also gets warmer in the heat mode. Hmmm. Thanks to all!