What Causes Odor in Car Air Conditioning?
2 Answers
There may be several reasons for unpleasant odors in car air conditioning: 1. The air filter has not been cleaned for a long time: Combined with the humid air during rainy seasons, the filter becomes damp and warm, leading to mold growth and a musty smell. 2. Mold in the air conditioning system ducts: Outside air flows through the ducts, and a small amount of residual moisture combines with dust in the air. If not cleaned for a long time, this can also lead to mold growth, producing a sour and rotten odor. Here are some solutions to address odors in car air conditioning: 1. Regularly replace the air filter: Clean the air conditioning system or replace the air filter periodically to reduce mold growth. 2. Master the correct method of turning the air conditioning on and off: It is best to turn off the air conditioning about 5 minutes before parking, then switch to natural ventilation to allow the car's interior temperature to rise quickly. This prevents condensation from forming in the ducts due to temperature differences after parking, keeping the ducts dry and preventing mold and fungi growth. 3. Use natural air fresheners: Place fruits such as pineapple, lemon, or apple in the car to help eliminate odors.
I've also encountered this situation. As soon as the car's air conditioning is turned on, there's a musty smell that's really unbearable. The reason is that the air conditioning filter is too dirty, with dust, pollen, and other pollutants accumulated on it, which scatter when the air blows. There's also the evaporator part, which produces condensation when cooling. If the drainage is poor, the retained moisture can easily breed mold, causing an unpleasant odor. My car is particularly noticeable during the rainy season because of the high humidity. I replaced the filter myself once; it's located behind the glove box on the passenger side, and it's quite simple—just buy a matching model from an auto parts store and replace it. If the odor persists, the evaporator might need a deep cleaning, requiring special sterilizing agents or professional help. It's recommended to switch to hot air to dry the air ducts a few minutes before turning off the air conditioning to prevent odor buildup and maintain fresh air.
