Forté Technical Tips – How to effectively clean car air conditioning systems
Customers coming to you complaining about air con smells in their car or perhaps you’re wondering how best to clean your customers’ car air conditioning systems ahead of summer? Join us as we look at how these bad smells occur, the signs of a contaminated air conditioning system, and the Forté solution that will help you easily clean your system.
Why and how does air con smells in a car
To maintain optimal performance and ensure passenger comfort year-round, it is recommended to use the A/C and Climate Control systems regularly. Manufacturers advise running the system briefly on a cold setting at least once a week if it’s not in constant use. But what happens when you don’t do this?
Well, failure to use the system regularly, especially during colder months, can lead to various problems. In winter, cold and damp conditions can cause condensation to accumulate on the evaporator, a component that cools the incoming air. This creates an ideal environment for contamination to thrive, which can be harmful when breathed in by vehicle occupants.
During warmer months, when the A/C is in use, the smells produced by the air conditioning system are circulated into the cabin, compromising air quality and creating discomfort for passengers. This is often called ‘sick car syndrome,’ in which sensitive individuals experience flu-like symptoms. Under normal circumstances, excess condensation is supposed to drain from the vehicle via a tube connected to the evaporator. However, if this drain tube becomes blocked, water can accumulate in the ducting, fostering the growth of harmful contamination.
The signs of a contaminated air conditioning system
So, when should you recommend a vehicle air conditioning decontamination treatment? Well, as the weather warms up and summer approaches, many people rely on their vehicle’s air conditioning system to keep them cool and comfortable whilst driving. When a vehicle enters the workshop, there are several opportunities to check and recommend an air conditioning decontamination treatment, including…
1. Unpleasant Odours
When the air conditioning is turned on, bad air con smells in the car indicate contamination. Often described as musty or mouldy, these odours signal the presence of mould or bacteria breeding within the system. This contamination is typically fuelled by moisture accumulation in the air conditioning system, creating an ideal breeding ground for contamination.
An air conditioning decontamination treatment is strongly advised if a customer complains about a foul smell in their vehicle.
2. Changing pollen filters
Contaminated pollen filters can have detrimental effects on the air conditioning system’s performance and air con smells in the car. These filters trap dust, pollen and other airborne particles and ensure clean air circulation within the vehicle. However, when these filters become clogged or contaminated, they reduce airflow, leading to strain on the air conditioning system. This strain results in reduced cooling efficiency and increased energy consumption.
Conducting an air-conditioning cleaning when replacing heavily contaminated filters is recommended to mitigate bad smells and contamination within the system.
3. Regular servicing
Routine maintenance of the vehicle’s air conditioning system is crucial for optimal performance. Knowing how to clean a car’s air conditioning system is part of routine servicing, which helps prevent contamination and maintain the system’s efficiency.
The Forté Solution
When you’re looking for ways to clean vehicle air conditioning, look no further than Forté. Our specially formulated treatment quickly and effectively tackles air-con smells in the car.
Air Conditioner Cleaner
Forté Air Conditioner Cleaner is a preventive and curative treatment that safely and effectively removes contamination and unpleasant odours from vehicle air conditioning systems.
- Effectively eliminates air conditioning contamination
- Eliminates unpleasant odours emitted from air conditioning systems
- Deodorises the passenger cabin
- Provides a healthier environment for car occupants
- Easy to use and safe application
- Safe for vehicle interiors
Learn more about this effective solution.
Now you have a better understanding of how to effectively clean car air conditioning systems in time for summer. To ensure your customers are satisfied with your garage service, use Air Conditioner Cleaner to get rid of bad odours once and for all. For more on this topic, or if you have a query about our products, please get in touch with us.