Taking care of your car’s air conditioning system is an essential part of your car maintenance routine. One such ac maintenance is to clean the ac evaporator as a dirty ac evaporator will let out contaminated air into your vehicle’s cabin.
However, cleaning the evaporator will generally require you to take it out first, which is stressful. But there is an easier way to clean it without taking it out.
So in this article, we will show you how to clean a car ac evaporator without removing it. But before cleaning, here is how to know the evaporator is dirty and what happens when it is dirty.
Understanding The Car AC Evaporator
The car AC evaporator is an essential component of the vehicle’s air conditioning system. It plays a crucial role in cooling the air that circulates inside the car’s cabin, ensuring a comfortable driving experience even during hot summer days.
In this section, we will delve into what the car AC evaporator is, how it works, and the importance of regular cleaning to maintain its functionality.
What Is The Car AC Evaporator?
- The car AC evaporator is a heat exchanger located inside the car’s HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system.
- It is responsible for removing heat and humidity from the air before it enters the cabin.
- The evaporator consists of a network of thin tubes and fins that facilitate the heat exchange process.
- It resembles a small radiator and is typically located behind the dashboard or underneath the car’s hood.
How Does The AC Evaporator Work?
- The car AC evaporator works based on the principle of refrigeration.
- Refrigerant, a cooling agent, flows through the evaporator’s tubes.
- As the refrigerant absorbs heat from the passing air, it evaporates into a gas from its liquid state.
- The evaporator’s fins help maximize the surface area, allowing for efficient heat transfer.
- The heated refrigerant gas is then sent to the compressor for pressurization and cooling.
- The cooled refrigerant is then circulated back to the evaporator, repeating the cycle.
The Importance Of Cleaning The AC Evaporator Regularly
- Regular cleaning of the AC evaporator is essential to sustain its optimal performance and prevent potential issues.
- Over time, dust, debris, and mold can accumulate on the evaporator’s surface, hindering its ability to transfer heat effectively.
- A dirty evaporator can result in reduced cooling performance and increased energy consumption.
- Neglecting to clean the evaporator can lead to mold growth, resulting in foul odors and potential health risks.
- Proper maintenance, including regular cleaning, can extend the lifespan of the AC system and save costs on repairs.
Cleaning the car AC evaporator without removing it might seem like a challenge, but it is possible with the right techniques and tools. In the next section, we will explore effective methods to clean the evaporator without the need for removal.
Stay tuned!
Identifying a Dirty Evaporator Core
Recognizing the signs of a dirty evaporator core is crucial for addressing the issue promptly. Here are some telltale indicators:
#1. Musty or Mildew Odor.
A persistent, musty, or mildew-like odor emanating from the air vents is a strong indication of a dirty evaporator core. The odor often intensifies when the AC is turned on.
#2. Reduced Cooling Performance.
If you notice that your car’s AC is not cooling as effectively as it used to, even when set to the coldest temperature, a dirty evaporator core could be the culprit.
#3. Visible Moisture or Condensation.
Excessive moisture or condensation buildup on the evaporator core or around the vents can be a sign of a dirty core hindering proper heat absorption.
#4. Visible Debris or Mold Growth.
In some cases, you may be able to see visible debris, dust, or even mold growth on the evaporator core itself, especially if the access panel is removable.
Why Clean the AC Evaporator Without Removing It?
Removing an evaporator is time-consuming and can be expensive. Cleaning it without removal has distinct benefits.
Convenience
You don’t have to dismantle your dashboard or disturb the AC system. The process is simple and quick.
Cost-Effective
No labor charges or risk of damaging other AC components. All you need is a proper cleaner and some patience.
How to clean car AC evaporator without removing it?
When people talk about dirty evaporators, they are referring to a dirty evaporator coil. So, cleaning the evaporator is cleaning its coil.
Ideally, using a car evaporator cleaning service makes the process easy and faster since they are more experienced. However, it will cost you money. So you can do this yourself by using the following materials and the steps mentioned.
Materials
- Evaporator cleaner, preferably one with a spray nozzle for easy application. Some of the best car evaporator cleaners you can get in the market include products from JFC, leak saver, etc.
- A screwdriver and a set of basic tools
- Dry soft cloth
- Protective gloves, face mask, and goggles
- A spray bottle filled with clean water
- Hand electric fan
#1. Locate the AC system and evaporator core.
Your car AC evaporator location will differ from car to car depending on where the ac system is in your car. In some cars, you will find the AC system under your hood. In other cars, you will find it on the firewall separating the engine from your passenger seat.
After which, you locate the AC evaporator core. The core is enclosed in the plastic box that pops up in the firewall, usually connected to the blower fan.
#2. Get a clear view of the evaporator core and wear protective gears.
You may find the blower fan mounted on the heater; this should obstruct you from reaching the core. So remove them using the screwdrivers and other basic tools you have. Once you can see the core, put on your protective gloves, goggles, and face mask.
#3. Check if the core needs cleaning.
Examine the ac evaporator coil condition; if it is dirty, move on to the next step. If, however, it is damaged, you may need the help of professionals to change it.
#4. Apply an evaporator coil cleaner.
Spray the cleaner into the evaporator core and let it sit for 45 minutes. Car AC evaporator cleaner foams are so good a way to know the cleaner has done its job.
This is to check if the foam disappears, leaving the only liquid. This liquid will then leave through the opening.
#5. Rinse the evaporator core with water and clean with a cloth.
Take your bottle of water spray and spray the treated evaporator core, then wipe with a soft, clean rag.
Ensure you don’t apply much pressure using the water spray so you don’t overfill the core with water or damage its components. When you’re sure there are no more residues, move to the next.
#6. Dry with an electric hand fan.
Use an electric hand fan to dry it properly. Avoid the urge to substitute a fan with appliances like a hair dryer. The heat can damage the system.
#7. Reset the AC to its original setup.
If you had removed any part, such as the blower fan or resistor unit, to access the AC evaporator core, you should reinstall them.
Alternative Methods for Cleaning
Using Foam Cleaners
Foam cleaners expand and reach hidden areas in the evaporator, ensuring a more thorough cleaning.
Using Compressed Air
Compressed air can blow dust and debris out of the evaporator fins. Be gentle to avoid damaging delicate fins.
Professional AC Cleaning Services
Sometimes, professional cleaning is the safest and most effective method, especially if mold is widespread.
Pros and cons of cleaning car AC evaporator without removing it
While cleaning the evaporator removes the hassle of taking it off, it has some drawbacks. So, let’s see the pros and cons of cleaning the car AC without removing it.
Pros
- You don’t need to disassemble the entire AC to clean the evaporator, hence saving time.
- Fast and efficient
Cons
- If not done properly, you may flood the AC with too much water and damage its components.
Maintaining a Clean Evaporator Core
While cleaning your evaporator core periodically is essential, regular maintenance can help prevent excessive buildup and extend its lifespan. Here are some tips:
#1. Use Cabin Air Filters.
Replace your cabin air filter regularly according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. This filter helps trap dust, pollen, and other contaminants before they reach the evaporator core.
#2. Run the AC System Regularly.
Even during the off-season, run your AC system for a few minutes every few weeks to prevent moisture buildup and mold growth in the evaporator core.
#3. Avoid Smoking in the Car.
Smoking introduces harmful chemicals and particulate matter into the car’s interior, which can contribute to evaporator core buildup.
#4. Address Leaks Promptly.
Any leaks in the AC system, such as a refrigerant leak, can create a moist environment that encourages mold and bacteria growth in the evaporator core.
FAQs.
Q: What can I use to clean my evaporator coil?
You can use an evaporator coil cleaner; there are some good products you will find out there. Alternatively, you can use a mild detergent mix with warm water poured.
For disinfecting, add white vinegar to the detergent warm water mixture. And importantly, ensure you pour this solution into a spray bottle. A spray bottle helps in easy application.
Q: Can I vacuum my car’s AC evaporator coil?
Yes, you can vacuum your car’s AC evaporator coil. In fact, using a vacuum cleaner with a hose attached to it is one of the quickest ways to clean the coils without removing them.
Put on the vacuum cleaner and place the attached hose on the evaporator; any dirt in it will come out due to the grip.
Q: Is it OK to spray water on your air conditioning while running?
Yes, it is okay to spray water on your air conditioning while running; it won’t cause any damage. In fact, this helps increase its cooling efficiency and remove the dirt accumulated from air flowing through the unit.
Q: Can I use Simple Green to clean my AC evaporator coils?
You can use simple green to clean the AC evaporator coil. It’s one of the best all-purpose cleaners on the market. So you can use it for your ac and other things.
Q: Can you use dish soap to clean AC coils?
Yes, you can use dish soap to clean AC coils. Just mix mild dish soap with warm water, then apply the solution to the evaporator coils using a spray bottle.
Q: What causes the car ac evaporator to freeze up?
An AC evaporator freezes up due to the air conditioner absorbing moisture, dirt, and other factors into the evaporator.
Final Words
This article has explained how to clean AC evaporator without removing it. Just ensure you have a good evaporator cleaner and follow the above-mentioned steps.
If you’re unsure what to do, you better abstain from cleaning it yourself to avoid damage to your AC. You can contact an ac cleaning service, but you will need to pay some bucks for this service.