smelly/moldy A/C

[sed6]

Re: smelly/moldy A/C

I know this doesn't help your immediate problem, but you might want to look into it, I've heard that running the A/C in recirculate mode for too long without pulling fresh air into the system can cause mold/smell issues.

Patrick

I agree, this is likely the problem. I ran/run my a/c in recirculate mode, this allow moisture to build and promotes mold growth in you air ducts etc. This can be prevented by either a) turning off you a/c a few blocks before you get home or b) run in fresh mode more frequently.

To solve the problem is easy, all you need is a regular can of Lysol. Spray it in your fresh air intake, usually up by your wiper blades or where the hood meets the windshield. First remove any cabin air filter and set your vents to fresh and your fan on high. Go outside and spray into the vent opening for one whole can. Oh yeah, leave the doors open during the process.

My brother and I did this on both my Accord and his Tahoe and it worked like a charm. His dealer quoted him $140 to do the job with some special spray, including a new cabin air. Big deal, Lysol is $1.99 and Walmart has cabin airs for about $18 ea.

[Sandstone]

Re: smelly/moldy A/C

In addition to periodically changing your cabin air filter, not always running in recirc mode and cleaning your interior, turn your AC off at least a few minutes prior to shutting down the car. This allows the evaporator to dry out to reduce mold and bacteria. This works for me, but I live in Chicago.

To thoroughly clean and deodorize the evaporator, you probably need to use a foaming AC evaporator cleaner available at home improvement stores and your local appliance parts store. Home Depot and Lowes have some products by Frost King.

Nu-Calgon Evap Foam (cleaner/deodorizer) http://nucalgon.com/products/products_aerosol.htm is a great product that I use on my window AC units. I also see that they have an Evap Fresh (disinfecant/deodorizer).

To use the foaming products you would need to drill a small hole in your evaporator housing [DO NOT DRILL INTO THE EVAPORATOR OR HEATER CORE] to inject the foam. After the foam breaks up in a few minutes, plug the hole, turn on your AC and the condensation rinses the dirt and cleaner out your drain tube. I know Ford dealers will do this for you.

I have not used Nu-Calgon Evap Fresh (disinfecant/deodorizer) but this may be a non-foaming product that you can spray in your AC intake. Kent Automotive H.V.A.C. Cleaner P17448 is designed to be sprayed in your intake. It's a commercial product though that you may be able to find at a PBE store.