M.P. Auto Repair
Petrie Auto Electrics
Air Conditioning
IMPORTANT SAFETY MESSAGE FROM THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT RE AIR CONDITIONING
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Why do I need my Air Con System Serviced and or Cleaned
The Air Con system in your car is a serviceable item, just as you have to change your oil and air filters from time to time. It is very important to maintain your Air Conditioning system for the following reasons:
· Fungi and bacteria can grow in car A/C systems and can cause allergic reactions such as hay-fever, skin irritations, runny noses and itchy eyes.
· Due to natural leakage through naturally slightly porous pipes, most A/C systems will lose around 15-20% refrigerant every 12 months resulting in a less powerful and less efficient system.
· If not serviced regularly, your A/C system will put a strain on the compressor which can result in the compressor wearing out quickly, as well as causing costly, increased fuel consumption as it draws on more engine power to run the system.
Servicing
Manufacturers recommend that a vehicle's air con system is serviced every 2 years to ensure it operates at maximum efficiency. However, there are some indicators that will help you determine if you have a problem with your Air Conditioning system:
· The windscreen doesn't clear quickly
· The interior takes longer to cool down
· There's a noticeable increase in fuel consumption
The air-con system service includes:
· testing for leaks
emptying and recharging the gas in the system.
Cleaning
If you notice an odd, particularly musty smell in your car, it is more than likely that the air con system needs proper cleaning. The cost of cleaning the system is additional to the service cost and entails cleaning the entire system with a de-fungicide.
What Causes Your Air Conditioning Contamination
Due to a lack of use, particularly during the winter months, condensation which builds up on the evaporator of car air-conditioner becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, spores, mould and fungi. Upon switching on the heater or air-conditioner can cause unhealthy and unpleasant odours to be vented into the passenger cabin.
Moisture, darkness, and warmth are the 3 key ingredients necessary for microbial growth to occur on surfaces.
Moisture (condensation) forms on the evaporator as it cools the air. Some of this moisture drains out of the system, but some of this moisture remains in the dark plenum chamber. The naturally occurring microbial contaminants utilize the moisture that does not drain out of the A/C system as a food source & breeding ground.
Once the A/C system is shut off, the dark plenum chamber warms up to a temperature that stimulates and accelerates microbial growth. Air conditioning systems in an automobile may be especially vulnerable, because their smaller size leaves less room for air circulation inside the system once it is turned off.
Once colonized by fungi, A/C systems may continually or sporadically emit noxious odours or sensitising bi-products that affect the health and well being of the occupants.
