Is it necessary to clean a car's air conditioning system?
2 Answers
It is necessary to clean a car's air conditioning system. After prolonged use, dust and dirt can accumulate in the air intake, air ducts, fan, and evaporator surfaces, leading to mold growth in the air ducts. Therefore, regular cleaning of the air conditioning system is required. The steps for cleaning a car's air conditioning system are as follows: 1. Start the car, turn on the air conditioning system, turn off the cooling function, and set the fan speed and temperature to the highest level. Switch the air conditioning to recirculation mode. 2. Close all car doors and windows, let the system run for 5-10 minutes, then activate the cooling function. Keep the fan speed at maximum and the air conditioning in recirculation mode, while setting the temperature to the lowest level. 3. Open the cap of the air conditioning cleaner bottle and place it in front of the front passenger seat or near the car's interior air intake. Press the valve on the bottle to allow the product to spray naturally. Let the product circulate in the enclosed car interior for 5 minutes. Then, turn off the air conditioning and open the car doors and windows for ventilation for 1-2 minutes to complete the cleaning process.
Having driven for over a decade, I've come to realize that air conditioning cleaning is absolutely not something to skimp on. The car's AC system, especially the component called the evaporator core, tends to accumulate dust and mold over prolonged use. The air blown out often carries a musty smell, which is quite harmful to the respiratory system. This is particularly troublesome for someone like me with allergic rhinitis, where sneezing and a runny nose in the car are common occurrences. Cleaning the AC not only removes these bacteria and dust but also improves cooling efficiency, making driving in hot weather much more comfortable. It's recommended to get a professional cleaning at least once a year, especially after the rainy season, to prevent odor buildup. The cleaning process includes replacing the filter and treating the AC ducts with cleaning agents, and those who are handy can even do it themselves.
