I'm quite late to post this but my Prime has always made a buzzing noise when I use the defrost. (I often have to use this option because I notice when I use just the regular heat my windows starts to slowly steam up) When I turn it off, my car is silent again. Is this buzzing noise normal or should I get it checked out? I'm pretty sure my car has always made a buzzing noise in defrost mode since the day I bought the car. Thought it was a normal thing, but I'm finding it annoying these days lol. Thank you in advance! Oh, and no I don't have the auto climate control on.
Buzzing? Mine sounds like the compressor on my home HVAC condenser which could be interpreted as a buzzing. Yes it makes the sound as long as the Heat Pump is running and I "think" using defrost is one thing that will cause it to run. Having said that, in my case the sound is more noticeable outside than in the cabin.
With just turning on the fan, with temp turned down so heat isn't called for, is the same noise made with the air flow to the windshield, or at all?
You'd probably avoid steaming up the windows if you leave AUTO ON, which includes A/C ON. This dehumidifies the air, causing the inside of the windows to stay clear. I would only use DEFROST when there is ice on the outside of the windshield...
I'm used to not running Auto on because it uses air conditioning in my other full gasoline cars in the past. Thus, taking more fuel lol.
A/C in the Prius is electric, not engine driven, so no drag on the engine. I'd also imagine that the front defroster in the Prime uses more energy than the A/C, so I suggest you rethink your bias.
I didn't know it was different for our cars. I just knew it would take more gas in gasoline cars using A/C. Good to know, thank you. I'll try that on my next drive
