Vehicle HVAC System
[Every
time you use your air conditioner, you are providing an opportunity for odor
causing mould, mildew and bacteria to grow within your air conditioning system.
To explain how this happens we must understand how the air conditioner system
works. Here’s a basic explanation. When the air conditioner is on, it pulls
moisture out of your car’s interior through a unit called the evaporator core,
which is located underneath your car’s dashboard. When the humidity (moisture)
levels drop, the air temperature also drops. The moisture that is pulled from
the air condenses and is drained outside the car.
Ever notice a pool of water under your
parked car on a hot summer day? That’s the water that was drained from the
system. This also happens to be the way home air conditioners and refrigerators
work.
Even though most of the moisture is
drained from the car, moisture still remains on the evaporator core system. As
the air circulates around the evaporator core, dust and pollen in the air stick
to the moisture on the metal fins of the evaporator. Soon thereafter mildew and
bacteria begin to grow on the surface of the evaporator. This collection of
grime and odour causing agents begin to release odour and is the cause of the
smell coming out of your vents.
One way to help prevent or at least
reduce this issue is to keep the air conditioner on the fresh air setting. This
keeps fresh air circulating around the evaporator which helps keep it and the
surrounding area dry thereby reducing the chance of any mould, mildew and
bacteria from growing. However, there are two disadvantages to this method.
First, it’s also not always convenient to switch to the fresh air setting in
order to draw in hotter air to dry out the system. It just might be too hot or
cold to be worth this extra effort. It’s also not economical.
Second, allowing fresh air to flow in
increases the accumulation of dust, pollen and brake dust build up. Of course
if you have a cabin air filter you don’t have to worry about that since it will
trap the pollutants before it reaches the evaporator area.
Another possible solution is to spray a
disinfectant like Lysol® into the ventilation system or have your car treated
with ozone or other similar system. However, this process does not affect any
dust, pollen and other contaminants that have accumulated on the evaporator.
While it may disinfect any mould, mildew and bacteria, the results are usually
short term.] Clearing
the Air, by Michael Mankarious
Always check the following;
a/c condensate pan and condensate drain pipe smells and odours, for ac odours
use 1z Klima-Cleaner Air Conditioning Cleaner or Wurth
Air Conditioning & Heating System Treatment, an effective means for
removing odour-causing bacteria, smoke fumes, fungi and other germs.
It effectively disinfects
mould, mildew and bacteria on the evaporator core. It also applies a thin layer
of protectant that has been proven in laboratory tests which makes the growth
of contaminants more difficult so the results are long lasting. The effective
foam solution emulsifies the debris build up on the evaporator core so it’s
cleaner and will run more efficiently.
The condensate drain line
can be cleaned out with some stiff but flexible wire, once it’s running free
insert the Iz AC Cleaner and spray the foam to ensure any mould or bacteria is
removed.
The effective foam solution
emulsifies the debris build up on the evaporator core so it’s cleaner and will
run more efficiently. Apply product through the evacuation/drain tube of the
evaporator core located underneath the vehicle. As the mfg. warns that
electronics can be damaged if applied improperly; while applying the product
through the evacuation/drain tube of the evaporator core located underneath the
vehicle seems to avoid this risk.
Application
·
Turn
off ignition, air conditioning and fan system and adjust fan position to recirculation
and make sure it is NOT on the 'foot' or 'defrost'
position.
·
Shake
can well for one minute to ensure proper foaming of product when dispensed.
·
Attach
the supplied spray tube to aerosol can and insert end of tube into centre (as
this is the closest the evaporator core) air conditioner vent located on the
dash in the cockpit interior.
·
With
tube fully inserted in vent, press trigger to dispense contents.
·
DO
NOT invert can when
dispensing. As you spray, the thick foam solution will travel through the air
vents towards the evaporator (the source of odour causing elements).
·
After
dispensing product, wait 20 minutes for product to clean the system. Then, open
doors to allow fresh air to enter vehicle.
·
After about 30 minutes, you’ll smell a fresh, citrus scent
throughout the passenger cabin. The scent only lasts for about 12 hours, but
the air will be free of odours for months
Options:
1: Apply
Klima-Cleaner tube through the evacuation/drain tube of the evaporator core
located underneath the vehicle.
2: Remove
blower and insert tube through main ducting of housing.
Another
significant benefit is the result of cleaner interior air. This is especially
important for allergy sufferers who are sensitive to airborne contaminants. For
those who are highly sensitive to chemicals, rest assured that Klima-Cleaner is a water- and salt-based cleaner so
chances of any skin reaction is extremely minimal.
Tips
1.
Turn off the AC but leave the fan running
for the last minute or two before turning off the ignition to help dry the
condenser and surrounding area.
2.
Turn on fan to maximum
setting with A/C setting in ON for approximately 1 minute to dry system. as a
result of improper application
3.
Change out or clean Cabin Air
Filter
Evaporator Coil
Wurth EVAPOmat® atomises cleaning and odour eliminating active
substances with the aid of three ultrasonic cells. The active substance mist is
blown out of the EVAPOmat® by a fan.The fine vapour is distributed in the entire ventilation
duct or in the vehicle interior by the supplied application hose and is deposited on the evaporator surface
or on the textiles and reliably eliminates unpleasant odours caused by bacteria
and fungi.
After approx. 15 min. the mist spray is switched off, however the
fan continues to run for at least another 5 minutes to cool down the cells.
Outstanding effectiveness,
odour molecules are absorbed and eliminated naturally, spreads a pleasant,
fresh citrus fragrance.
Air Vents
Cleaning your car air vents
effectively is as easy as using the right tool. A small, soft and flexible
brush will easily dust out your vents the next time you detail your interior.
Make sure your brush will pick up dirt and not scratch delicate or plastic
surfaces. Turn the air on, and let the vents blow out as you dust, so that you
don't push dust and dirt back behind them. If you wish to dampen your brush
with a safe ammonia and silicone free cleaner (P21S Total Auto Clean)
I
would like to think that these articles become an asset to anyone who is new to
detailing and to professionals alike, as well as industry experts who seek to
advance their knowledge.
I hope the
above article was informative. By having some understanding of the ‘What’ and
‘Why’ as well as the ‘How’ along with a little science to help you understand
how the chemicals we use react, you can achieve the results you desire.
I would appreciate it if you would share this article as it
helps other detailers further their knowledge.
Questions and/ or constructive
comments are always appreciated.
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© 2002 - 2012 TOGWT® (Established 1980) all rights reserved
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