How to maintain the condensers and evaporators of car air conditioners when winter comes?

Cleaning is an important step that must be taken before using a car air conditioner. Timely treatment of dust and dirt on the surface of condensers and evaporators can not only enhance the cooling effect, but also protect pipelines and reduce the consumption of various components.

1. Clean the condenser

The condenser is located at the front of the car, and the situation of dirt and blockage is quite serious, especially in the winter and spring seasons with strong sandstorms, which can deposit a lot of soil, affecting the heat dissipation of the condenser and reducing the cooling effect of the air conditioner. When cleaning, if only a water gun is used to flush, only the floating soil on it can be removed. It is best to remove the condenser, blow it in the opposite direction, or use a brush to remove debris and dirt, and then clean it with water.

2. Clean the evaporator

Although the evaporator is located in the driver's cab and may have relatively less dirt and blockage, due to the use of warm air in winter, it is easy to bring in dust and dirt when circulating between outdoor and indoor environments. These dirt will adhere to the surface of the evaporator, and the condensed water mixed in the evaporator will become mud, which not only affects the air volume but also affects the heat exchange effect. If not cleaned thoroughly, it will result in poor ventilation and even odor, which can affect the cooling effect in summer. So, the evaporator of the original air conditioner should be removed and thoroughly cleaned at least every 3-4 years.

3. Clean the air filter screen

At the inlet of the evaporator, an air filter is usually installed, and clogging the filter will reduce the air volume. The filter screen of the air conditioner should be cleaned once a week to prevent dust and debris in the car from adsorbing on the air filter screen, hindering air circulation and causing insufficient cooling capacity. If blockage is found, the butterfly bolt can be removed, the evaporator inspection door can be opened, the filter screen can be removed, and then cleaned with compressed air or warm water with neutral detergent. The back side of the filter screen can be rinsed with a faucet, or the filter screen can be immersed in water and cleaned with a brush. After air drying, it can be reinstalled for use.

Due to the installation of the filter on the evaporator, it is often not taken seriously. When the filter is severely blocked, if the driver does not know how to clean the filter at the evaporator inlet, it will cause poor air circulation and insufficient cold air in the car, mistakenly thinking that the air conditioner is faulty. There have been multiple cases where private car owners have driven their cars from afar to the repair department, claiming that the air conditioner is not cooling properly, but the problem can be solved only by thoroughly cleaning the filter.