Forté Technical tips – Air conditioning treatment
When to Recommend a Vehicle Air Conditioning Decontamination Treatment?
As the weather warms up and summer approaches, many people rely on their vehicle’s air conditioning system to keep them cool and comfortable whilst driving. However, over time and during periods of inactivity, particularly during the winter months, vehicle air conditioning systems can become contaminated with bacteria, mould, and other allergens, which can not only affect the performance of the system, but also pose health risks to passengers. This is where a vehicle air conditioning decontamination treatment comes into play. This technical tip post explores when to recommend an air conditioning decontamination treatment, when a vehicle enters the workshop.
Bad odour
If the vehicle’s air conditioning system emits a foul odour when turned on, it is a clear sign of contamination. The smell is often described as musty or mouldy, indicating the presence of mould or bacteria in the system. This can happen due to the accumulation of moisture in the air conditioning system, providing a breeding ground for microorganisms.
An air conditioning decontamination treatment is strongly recommended if a customer complains about a foul smell in their vehicle.
Changing Pollen Filters
Contaminated pollen filters can have detrimental effects on the performance of the air conditioning system. These filters are designed to trap dust, pollen and other airborne particles to provide clean air inside the vehicle. However, when these filters become contaminated, they can reduce the airflow and strain the air conditioning system, leading to decreased cooling efficiency and increased energy consumption.
It is recommended to clean the air conditioning system when changing heavily contaminated filters to reduce bad smells, mould and bacteria growth from the system.
Regular servicing
Regular maintenance of the vehicle’s air conditioning system is essential to ensure its optimal performance. Including an air conditioning clean as part of routine servicing can help to prevent contamination and keep the system running efficiently. It is recommended to include a decontamination treatment as part of the vehicle’s maintenance schedule.
The Forté Industry Standard Service Report includes two opportunities to check and recommend an air conditioning service:
Point 8. Check air conditioning operation including bad odour.
Point 28. Replace pollen filter.
Forté Power-Clean AC uses the latest technology to safely and effectively remove bad smells, bacteria, mould and fungi within the air conditioning system.