How often should the air conditioning evaporator be cleaned?
2 Answers
The air conditioning evaporator is recommended to be cleaned once a year. Here are four methods for car air conditioning maintenance: 1. Conduct a comprehensive inspection of the air conditioning system. When using the air conditioning for the first time in summer, check the system, such as inspecting the refrigerant and whether the air filter is too dirty through the liquid storage tank, and checking for any foreign objects in the radiator. 2. Pay attention to cleaning the air conditioning. The air filter should be replaced regularly. 3. After parking, do not turn off the air conditioning immediately. The large temperature difference between the inside and outside of the car in summer can cause the air conditioning system to become moldy, leading to the growth of mold. Therefore, drivers should turn off the cooling before reaching the destination and switch to natural air to allow the temperature in the air conditioning ducts to rise, eliminating the temperature difference with the outside and keeping the system relatively dry to prevent mold growth. 4. Regularly use high airflow. Dust is drawn in when using the air conditioning, and regularly using high airflow can blow out the floating dust in the air ducts.
When it comes to the frequency of cleaning the air conditioning evaporator, my decade-plus experience with cars tells me this is something you really can't neglect. I once ignored it for two years, and in the summer, the AC vents started emitting a musty smell with barely any airflow, making me feel dizzy. A check at the repair shop revealed dust and bacteria buildup in the evaporator, costing me a couple hundred bucks to clean. Now, I make it a habit to clean it every 18-24 months, depending on driving frequency: once a year for daily city driving, or every two years for less frequent rural use. It's best to have professionals do the cleaning—they use specialized cleaners to avoid short circuits and damage from DIY water washing. A heads-up: if airflow weakens when using the AC frequently, it's time for a clean. Otherwise, polluted cabin air can harm your health. I recommend a check during seasonal transitions—it's simple and cost-effective.
