The air quality inside a vehicle is a key factor for the comfort, safety and health of both drivers and passengers. Although automotive climate control systems are designed to continuously filter and regulate the air, over time they accumulate residues that affect their efficiency. Dust, particles, moisture and microorganisms can build up in the ducts, causing unpleasant odours, reducing airflow and compromising overall system performance.
This article takes an in-depth look at why climate control systems can deteriorate, which factors cause unpleasant odours inside the vehicle, and how professionals can address these issues through technical cleaning protocols using specialised products such as Airnet Auto and Airpur Auto by CH Química.
1. Why air quality inside a vehicle deteriorates
Indoor air quality depends on a range of mechanical, environmental and microbiological factors. When these elements are not properly controlled, issues such as the following arise:
- Persistent odours inside the vehicle cabin.
- Reduced cooling or heating performance.
- Increased energy consumption of the climate control system.
- Proliferation of microorganisms in damp areas.
- Accumulation of dust and dirt in the ventilation ducts.
This deterioration does not occur suddenly; it is usually the result of a combination of humidity, temperature, organic matter and lack of maintenance.
2. Factors that contribute to contamination of the climate control system
2.1 Moisture in the evaporator
The evaporator is the component with the highest microbiological risk. Its operation causes continuous condensation, creating a humid environment that is ideal for the growth of fungi and bacteria.
When this moisture is not properly removed, microorganisms begin to develop and the unpleasant “damp” or “mouldy” odour can appear within a matter of days.
2.2 Accumulation of dust and organic matter
Outdoor air contains particles that settle inside the ductwork and on the evaporator. Over time, this layer of residues acts as “food” for microorganisms.
2.3 Lack of maintenance of the cabin filter
A saturated filter stops performing its function properly, allowing dust, pollen, soot and fine particles to pass through. This increases internal contamination of the system.
2.4 Intensive use of the air conditioning system
Frequent switching between cooling and heating causes humidity fluctuations that accelerate the deterioration of the ductwork.
3. Technical consequences of a contaminated climate control system
Beyond unpleasant odours and discomfort for occupants, there are technical consequences that directly affect the system’s service life:
- Loss of thermal efficiency: dirty ducts restrict airflow circulation.
- Greater strain on the fan, which increases energy consumption.
- Risk of blockages in internal areas of the system.
- Premature wear of the fan motor.
- Microbiological contamination of the cabin, particularly harmful for sensitive individuals.
To prevent these issues, professionals recommend regular maintenance based on thorough internal cleaning and disinfection of the system.
4. Technical system cleaning: recommended protocol for professionals
Cleaning an automotive climate control system requires solutions that work in two stages:
- Deep cleaning phase: removal of dirt, organic residues and adhered particles.
- Sanitising phase: neutralising odours and eliminating the microorganisms responsible for deterioration.
This is where the products Airnet Auto (cleaning) and Airpur Auto (sanitising) are integrated, used sequentially as part of a professional protocol.
5. Airnet Auto: technical cleaning of the climate control system
Airnet Auto is a specialised cleaner for vehicle ducts and evaporators. It is used to remove organic dirt, accumulated dust and residues adhered to the inside of the system.
5.1 Technical function
- It dissolves accumulated dirt in the ductwork.
- It removes organic residues that feed fungi and bacteria.
- It improves airflow by clearing internal obstructions.
- It helps restore the system’s efficiency.
5.2 Why this preliminary step is necessary
Applying a sanitising agent without first cleaning the system reduces its effectiveness, as the organic load acts as a barrier and hinders penetration.
For this reason, the professional protocol always begins with Airnet Auto.
6. Airpur Auto: sanitisation and neutralisation of unpleasant odours
Once the internal residues have been removed, the next step is to neutralise microorganisms.
6.1 Technical function
- It sanitises the entire air conditioning system.
- It neutralises unpleasant odours caused by bacteria and fungi.
- It helps maintain a healthier environment inside the vehicle.
6.2 Mode of action
Airpur Auto is distributed throughout the cabin via internal air circulation, reaching vents, ductwork and internal surfaces.
7. Technical benefits of applying a combined protocol
The sequential combination of Airnet Auto + Airpur Auto delivers a significant improvement in interior air quality:
- Restoration of airflow, resulting in improved thermal comfort.
- Reduction of unpleasant odours from the very first application.
- Prevention of microbial growth in damp areas.
- Increased durability of the climate control system by reducing wear.
- Improved driver comfort and reduced respiratory irritation.
In addition, regular cleaning helps prevent issues that often lead to more costly repairs.
8. Maintenance recommendations for workshops and professionals
Automotive climate control experts recommend:
- Carry out this protocol at least once a year.
- Repeat it on vehicles showing strong odours or persistent dampness.
- Always accompany it with a replacement of the cabin filter.
- Apply it on a seasonal basis, especially before summer.
- Maintain a maintenance record to ensure proper history and traceability.
A clean system operates more efficiently, consumes less energy and extends the service life of its components.
Key factors for an efficient climate control system
The quality of the air inside a vehicle is an essential factor for user safety and wellbeing. Due to their design and operation, climate control systems are particularly vulnerable to the accumulation of moisture, fungi and dirt, which leads to unpleasant odours, reduced performance and microbiological risks.
Automotive professionals can significantly improve the performance of these systems by applying a comprehensive two-step protocol: technical cleaning with Airnet Auto followed by sanitisation with Airpur Auto. This approach ensures deep action, helps restore system efficiency and extends the equipment’s service life, providing complete and professional preventive maintenance.