Many drivers are unaware of this, but maintaining the air conditioning is imperative in order to continue using it. Not only does the cooling circuit run the risk of no longer being cold, but you run the risk of seeing the development of allergens or foul odors that are neither pleasant nor good for your health and that of your passengers.
A hotbed of bacteria
Your car is inhabited and its air conditioning circuit is the ideal place for the proliferation of bacteria and fungi. It is at the level of the evaporator, where the humidity is the highest, that the risk of seeing this phenomenon develop is significant.
Clearly, if you smell an unpleasant odor when turning on your air conditioning, it is surely mold present in the air conditioning circuit. It will also be necessary to look at the side of the cabin filter. Installed at the end of the air conditioning circuit, the cabin filter receives all dust, pollen and various debris. In contact with humidity, this filter becomes the ideal ground for the development of mold.
How to deal with the problem?
First reflex, we change the cabin filter, also called pollen filter. It will be changed every year. At a professional, changing the filter will cost you between 30 and 50 €. This includes removing the old filter, recycling it and fitting the new one.
We take the opportunity to have our air conditioning circuit checked. We contact a professional who tracks down any leaks of refrigerant gas. Garages and auto centers offer packages.
As the holidays approach, track down any promotional offers on these interventions. To put an end to odors, it will certainly be necessary to go through the method of cleaning the circuit.
Eliminate bacteria
Professionals will offer you the spray method. A maneuver that consists of spraying a product in your air conditioning, either from the hatch of your cabin filter, or through the air vents. To be effective, this operation will be carried out by a professional. This disinfectant and antibacterial foam must penetrate everywhere in the circuit. This is the most effective method to fight against odors already installed.
You can also get the sprays, sold in auto centers. But you have to follow the instructions carefully. An operation that will imperatively be done in the open air, windows and doors open. Let the product act for about 15 minutes. The air conditioning maintenance packages vary between 50 and 100 € depending on the models in the major brands.