Why Does the Car Air Conditioner Have an Odor?
2 Answers
There are several reasons why a car air conditioner may emit an unpleasant odor: 1. After prolonged use, dust can accumulate on the indoor filter and inside the copper coils. When this dust builds up to a certain level, it can produce an odor. When the air conditioner is turned on, this odor is then blown out into the air. 2. After the air conditioner operates in cooling or heating mode, moisture often remains inside the indoor unit. If the air conditioner is turned off immediately without a drying or anti-mold function, this moisture remains trapped inside. Over time, mold can develop, leading to a musty smell.
When I first bought my car, I also encountered a strange smell when the air conditioning was turned on, like a musty odor. After asking friends, I realized it's quite common. It turns out that the evaporator and pipes inside the car's air conditioning system can easily retain water, especially after using the cooling function in summer. High humidity promotes the growth of bacteria and mold, and if the filter hasn't been replaced for a long time, dust can accumulate and cause odors. Not only is the smell unpleasant, but it can also affect breathing, and some people may even experience allergic reactions like sneezing. I've learned my lesson now—I regularly use an automotive air conditioning cleaner every three months, spraying it into the air intake and running the AC at high speed for half an hour, or I take it to a professional shop for a thorough cleaning. I've also developed good habits, like opening the windows for five minutes before turning on the AC to ventilate the car. After eliminating the smell, driving has become much more comfortable, and I avoid unnecessary repair costs later on. Ignoring it will only make things worse—don't let a small issue turn into a big problem.
