Hi all: I own a 2006 Santa Fe (small 6 cyl). During the hot and muggy summer days, I have become very used to seeing the puddles of condensation under the passenger side front. However, today, I had the heater going during a 7 -10 degree Celsius, but humid (98%) day and I did not expect to see the puddles that appeared. I looked under the vehicle and saw water dripped down from the rear of the cowling (impossible to really see from where). The liquid appeared to be colorless and odorless. I was wondering: does the condenser also operate when the heater vice the a/c is running? If so, would that, combined with the muggy (but cool) day be a reasonable explanation for the puddles?

Any insights would help.

 

The A/C does operate when the windshield defogger is on even if the temp is set all teh way to hot. It helps remove the humidity inside the car to clear the windshield fog quicker.

 

Well, that would seem to explain the puddles. Thanks much, both for the insight and for the speed with which it was delivered.