Air conditioning is now standard in new cars - it makes our journeys more pleasant by providing the optimal temperature. However, it is worth remembering that it requires considerable attention from us, because when neglected it can have the opposite effect. It happens that an unpleasant smell starts coming from the air conditioning. This is a very uncomfortable situation, which can even be dangerous to our health. So what causes this odour? How can it be avoided? Find out how to take care of your air conditioning to avoid problems with an unpleasant smell from the vents.
Where does the unpleasant smell from the vents in a car come from?
Do you turn on the air conditioning and an unpleasant smell comes out of the vents? This is certainly the fault of contaminants, fungi and mould that have accumulated throughout the system. These usually appear on the evaporator, because that is where they find suitable conditions - above all, plenty of moisture. The unpleasant smell is therefore often accompanied by a sensation of humid air, and sometimes, though not necessarily, a drop in cooling performance. Many drivers describe this phenomenon as an odour of mustiness, dust, moisture and mould.
Bad smell from the air conditioning - is it dangerous to your health?
In addition to the discomfort, air conditioning that has not been cleaned for a long time can have an adverse effect on our health. Imagine how many microorganisms and bacteria could have accumulated there over such a long time. This is particularly unhealthy when we decide to switch on the airflow after a long break, without cleaning it first. Particles of mould and various other contaminants will get inside the car and, when inhaled, can cause illnesses and allergic reactions. If you notice an unpleasant smell after switching on the air conditioning, it is essential to immediately remove the source of the problem and stop using the cooling until you have dealt with these issues.
The air conditioning stinks - can you do something about it yourself?
If you notice a bad smell from the vents, it does not immediately mean that you need to go to a workshop. There is currently a very wide selection of products on the market that freshen the smell, while eliminating the unpleasant odour of moisture and mustiness.
They also contain bactericidal and fungicidal ingredients, which allows for thorough cleaning and freshening of air conditioning systems, reaching every nook and cranny without the need to remove any of its components.
With every cleaning of the system, we must remember to replace the cabin filter with a new one, because it is a breeding ground for bacteria.
Bad smell from the air conditioning - how often to service it?
In keeping with the principle that prevention is better than cure, it is worth taking care of your air conditioning regularly. The beginning of spring is an excellent time for this kind of procedure. This is influenced by the relatively low air humidity, which allows the effect to last longer - you can treat it as a spring clean after the long winter period. When opting for professional air conditioning cleaning, we can choose one of the procedures below.
Ozonation
This ozonation process consists of oxidising harmful particles and chemical compounds with ozone, which has very strong disinfecting properties. Thanks to its gaseous state, it reaches hard-to-access places where mechanical cleaning is very difficult.
Ozonation allows the entire air conditioning system to be cleaned effectively, removing microorganisms and bacteria, and also disinfects the entire upholstery along with the headliner.
Ultrasound
The ultrasonic method consists of changing the state of the disinfecting fluid from liquid to gaseous under the influence of ultrasound, which contributes to the creation of an effective mist that reaches every corner of the air conditioning system. It is considered to be even more effective than ozonation and also provides proper disinfection of the floor mats, upholstery and the entire cabin.
How much does air conditioning de-fungus treatment cost?
Servicing by a specialist gives you the certainty that the air conditioning will not let you down during the upcoming season, because the mechanic will also check the tightness of the system and top up the level of the refrigerant. Inspecting the cooling systems does not involve a large expense - the entire service costs from 80 to 150 zł. It should be carried out regularly, while as a preventive measure we can use various products on our own. If we take proper care of the airflow, we will enjoy comfortable driving and avoid costly repairs.
If the above arguments about taking care of the air conditioning do not convince you, it can additionally affect fuel consumption. In better condition and clean, it will function much more efficiently, which can also translate into the economic aspect of using the car.
