How Often Should a Car's Evaporator Be Cleaned?
2 Answers
It is recommended to clean the car's evaporator once a year. Below is relevant information about the car's evaporator: Definition: The evaporator is a radiator device for the car's engine and air conditioning system, located behind the glove compartment on the passenger side, and is integrated with the heater core as a single assembly. Classification: Horizontal evaporator; Vertical tube evaporator; Spiral tube evaporator; Air-cooling evaporator; Liquid refrigerant cooling evaporator. Function: It transforms the refrigerant from liquid to gaseous state, absorbing a significant amount of surrounding heat. The low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant vapor then re-enters the compressor. This repeated process achieves the goal of cooling, providing a comfortable environment for passengers, reducing driver fatigue, and enhancing driving safety.
I recommend cleaning the car's evaporator box every 1-2 years. However, if you use the air conditioning frequently or drive in humid areas, it may need annual inspection. The evaporator box is hidden in the AC system and prone to dust and mold buildup, which can cause odors and reduce cooling efficiency over time. From my experience, if you notice a musty smell in the car or weaker airflow when the AC is on, it's time for immediate cleaning. Use specialized cleaning spray during the process - it's simple enough to DIY at home with some purchased tools, or you can save effort by visiting a repair shop. Regular cleaning extends the AC system's lifespan, prevents costly part replacements, and ensures more comfortable, safer driving.
