How often should you clean your car's air conditioning system?

Summer brings with it the sweltering heat, making keeping the car interior cool a top priority for every driver. To achieve this, the air conditioning system needs to be cleaned regularly and maintained with adequate gas.

If the amount of gas is lacking, the cooling performance will be significantly reduced and you can easily recognize this through signs such as weak airflow, strange smells or even hot air blowing out of the car even when the cold mode is on. In this case, recharging gas is necessary.

However, it is not just the amount of gas that is important. Keeping the air conditioning system clean is equally important, and one of the simplest but most effective ways is to change the air conditioning filter regularly.

This filter is responsible for trapping dust, pollen, debris, and other pollutants from the outside air, preventing them from entering the cabin. Over time, the filter will become dirty and clogged, directly affecting the airflow and air quality in the car.

The rate at which the air filter gets dirty depends on the environmental conditions where you frequently travel, the frequency of vehicle use and the quality of the filter itself. According to vehicle manufacturers, it is recommended to clean the air conditioning filter every 5,000 - 10,000 km and replace the air conditioning filter every 20,000 - 30,000 km.

However, for some vehicles that are frequently operated in dusty environments, this frequency should be shortened.

Changing air filters and cleaning the ventilation system: Essential steps for optimal air conditioning performance

Changing the air conditioning filter is not too complicated and can be done at home with a little ingenuity. On many car models, this filter is usually located behind the passenger seat compartment, in the dashboard area, in front of the passenger seat.

Some vehicles may have it located in the engine compartment, just in front of the windshield. To determine the exact location on your vehicle, consult your owner's manual or ask your mechanic.

Regular cleaning and replacement of air conditioning filters will help the car's air conditioner operate more efficiently.
Photo: Internet.

How to remove car air conditioner filter:

First, open the storage compartment on the passenger side, press the latches on both sides and slowly lift the storage compartment out. At this point, you will see the air conditioner filter cover inside.

Next, press the latch on the left or right side of the air filter cover to open the cover. Note that some vehicles do not open the cover straight but push it to the left. Open the cover to remove the air filter.

If you notice that the filter is thick with dust, discolored, or has an unpleasant odor, it is a sign that it is time to replace it. Air conditioning filters can be easily purchased at auto parts stores or on e-commerce platforms.

If you are not confident in doing so, a professional mechanic or parts dealer can help you replace the filter quickly and affordably. Some stores even offer free installation if you purchase the product directly from them.

In addition to changing the filter, an equally important step is cleaning the ventilation system and the evaporator coil, where dirt, bacteria and mold can accumulate over time. Currently, many companies provide specialized air conditioner cleaning sprays, accompanied by a flexible hose that helps guide the cleaning solution deep into the vents and pipes of the air conditioning system.

Before use, you should remove the air conditioner filter and carefully check the condensate drain holes (usually located near the evaporator area) to make sure they are not clogged.

Then, follow the sprayer manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the solution is evenly distributed throughout the system. Typically, the solution takes about 15 to 20 minutes to take effect, as recommended by Liqui Moly, one of the most popular brands in this field. However, the waiting time may vary depending on the type of solution you use.

Once the solution has taken effect, turn on the fan (not the air conditioner) for about 10 minutes to help completely dry the evaporator surface, preventing mold and odors from returning.

When should you clean your vents and when should you call a professional?

There is no set time for cleaning the air vents with a spray bottle, as this depends on the operating environment and the frequency of use of the air conditioning system. In hot and humid conditions or when the vehicle is frequently operated in a dusty environment, mold and bacteria can accumulate more quickly in the air ducts.

One of the most common signs is a lingering musty smell in your car, especially when you first turn on the air conditioning. Before you even think about taking your car to the garage, try a simple trick: turn your heating system to its highest setting for a few minutes. The high temperature can help dry out the evaporator coils and remove any lingering musty odors in the system.

Using an air conditioner cleaning spray is still the most economical and easy solution to keep the ventilation system clean. Photo: Internet.

If the smell still does not go away, it is likely that the system is heavily contaminated, or worse, the air conditioning compressor may have malfunctioned, in which case taking the car to a garage is necessary.

Using a commercial air conditioning cleaning spray is still the most economical and easy way to keep your ventilation system clean. However, if you are not familiar with technical operations or suspect a deeper problem, do not hesitate to seek the help of a reputable garage.

Here, technicians can perform a deep cleaning of the A/C system using high-pressure compressed air, which helps completely remove dirt, mold, and bacteria inside the system. At the same time, they can also conduct a general inspection of the air conditioning system, from the evaporator, expansion valve to the compressor, important parts that, if damaged, will seriously affect cooling performance.

Source: https://baonghean.vn/bao-lau-ban-nen-ve-sinh-he-thong-dieu-hoa-o-to-mot-lan-10303404.html