Tag: aircon

FAQ – Air Conditioning Cleaning in Electric Vehicles (EVs)

Posted on by Lotte

FAQ – Air Conditioning Cleaning in Electric Vehicles (EVs)

Unlike traditional vehicles, the air conditioning system in electric vehicles (EVs) performs a crucial technical function. In addition to cabin cooling, it plays a key role in the thermal management of the battery and power electronics. Regular air conditioning cleaning/service is therefore essential for maintaining range, efficiency, and service life.

Functioning of the air conditioning system in EVs and hybrid cars.

In modern electric and hybrid vehicles, the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system is closely linked to thermal management. It helps keep the temperature of critical components, including the battery pack and power electronics, within safe and efficient limits.

This system regulates the temperature of the battery pack, which functions optimally within a limited temperature range. If the temperature rises too high, it can lead to accelerated wear, reduced performance, and in extreme cases, permanent damage.

Poorly functioning air conditioning can also reduce the vehicle’s efficiency. When the system has to work harder due to a lack of refrigerant or contaminated components, it consumes more energy. In electric vehicles, this directly results in a reduced range per charge.

A stable temperature is essential because:

  • high temperatures accelerate battery degradation
  • inefficient cooling can lead to power loss
  • thermal stress shortens the life of battery components

An optimally functioning air conditioning system helps to mitigate these risks and supports overall vehicle performance.

Contamination reduces efficiency and increases energy consumption

During operation, bacteria, mold, dust, and organic contamination accumulate in the evaporator and ventilation ducts of the air conditioning system. This contamination forms an insulating layer that reduces heat transfer. As a result, the electric compressor has to work harder to deliver the same cooling performance.

For electric vehicles, this has direct consequences:

  • higher energy consumption of the HVAC system;
  • noticeable reduction in range;
  • increased load on the compressor and components;
  • less efficient temperature control of the battery and electronics

Even small efficiency losses in electric vehicles can have a measurable effect on driving performance and energy consumption.

Preventative cleaning/service prevents wear and expensive repairs

Preventative cleaning of the air conditioning system helps remove contamination and restore optimal operation. This results in:

  • optimal heat transfer in the evaporator;
  • more efficient operation of the electric compressor;
  • stable performance of thermal management systems;
  • extended lifespan of HVAC components;
  • maintenance of maximum energy efficiency.

In addition, a clean air conditioning system improves cabin air quality and prevents odor formation.

Air conditioning service/cleaning essential part of EV service

With the continued electrification of the vehicle fleet, it’s becoming clear that air conditioning service plays a crucial role in the technical reliability of electric and hybrid vehicles. Regular cleaning helps minimize energy loss, protects critical components, and supports optimal vehicle performance.

Through preventative service with solutions like Tec4 Airco Cleaner, workshops and vehicle owners can contribute to a longer lifespan, higher efficiency, and maximum performance of electric vehicles.

Want to learn more about how Tec4 Airco Cleaner works? Click here.

FAQ – The effects of Probiotics in Tec4 Airco Cleaner

Posted on by Lotte

FAQ – The effects of Probiotics in Tec4 Airco Cleaner

While chemical air conditioning cleaners simply remove/disinfect surface contamination, Tec4 Airco Cleaner works differently. In this article, we explain why it’s necessary to clean the air conditioning system and how Tec4 Airco Cleaner provides long-lasting cleaning for your air conditioning system, contributing to a healthy environment in your vehicle.

1. Why should your air conditioning be cleaned?

There are three important reasons to keep your air conditioning system clean:

1. Health:

Moisture, dust and dirt accumulate in the air conditioning system. This is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, mold and yeast. These can;

  • cause a musty or foul odor;
  • cause symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, irritated eyes or headaches;
  • cause additionial problems for people with ashtma or allergies.

2. Air quality and comfort:

A contaminated/dirty airconditioning system:

  • spreads unpleasant odors throughout the interior;
  • blows less fresh air and less cool air;
  • makes driving less comfortable especially in warm weather.

3. Improved airconditioning performance:

Contamination in the system causes:

  • the airconditioning to work harder to cool;
  • reduces cooling capacity;
  • accelerates wear and tear on parts.

A clean airconditioning system works more efficiently and cools faster.

2. How does a chemical airconditioning cleaner work?

A chemical air conditioning cleaner is often biocide-based. This air conditioning cleaner essentially does only one thing: remove all surface contamination.

3. Why is a chemical airconditioning cleaner not effective?

Every contamination begins with microbiological contamination, also called biofilm. This is invisible contamination, which can harbor visible contamination. Every surface is covered with a biofilm. This is an ideal environment for unwanted bacteria and fungi.

The biofilm acts as a protective layer for the bacteria and fungi against the outside world. As a result, bacteria and fungi hiding in the biofilm are not affected by disinfection. Chemical products do not remove the biofilm; they only remove the surface contamination. This causes contamination to reappear immediately after cleaning.

Cleaning with a chemical airconditioning cleaner is therefore only short-lived.

4. How does Tec4 Airco Cleaner work?

Tec4 Airco Cleaner uses a combination of environmentally friendly cleaning agents, enzymes, and probiotic bacteria to remove surface dirt and biofilm. The probiotic bacteria occupy space on the surface and search for and consume the food (i.e., dirt) found there.
Thanks to the in-situ production of enzymes, Tec4 Airco Cleaner ensures deep and thorough surface and microscopic cleaning. And there’s no more food for pathogenic bacteria.

Meaning, the environment in the car gets restored long term.

5. When should you clean your airconditioning system?

The airconditioning system of your vehicle should be cleaned atleast once a year. Or earlier in case of odours or other symptoms.