It was a hot summer this year, and air conditioning systems have possibly taken a right bashing over the last few months. Now’s probably a good time to suggest to owners and operators that a service might be useful, says Stephen Knight, Product Manager, Valeo Service UK.
Phew what a scorcher! That probably sums up summer 2022 and vehicle aircon systems have been working hard to keep drivers cool and comfortable. However, if you want to maintain the performance of these systems regular maintenance is required. Re-gassing and checking for leaks require specialist equipment and training. This training is now mandatory for intervention of the A/C loop. In fact, workshops must have at least one person certified to even buy refrigerant gas these days.
That said, there are regular servicing activities that any workshop can carry out. This will generate an income source that may have been overlooked due to it being thought of as the preserve of the specialist. Regular replacement of the cabin air filter and purifying the air side of the system will not only improve the quality of the air in the cab but also the quantity.
Pollution inside the vehicle can be up to five times higher than in the outside environment. This means the risks associated with poor air quality are magnified as well. Poor air circulation can lead to driver fatigue, increased stress levels. These conditions may at best severely reduce concentration.
The need for cabin air filters has recently become even more important with 30% of the European population suffering from some kind of pollen-related allergy. This number has doubled over the last 10 years and moving forward the number of people with a predisposition to suffer some type of allergy is likely to rise to 50% in Europe alone in 2022.
Odour eaters
Pollutants in the atmosphere can either be naturally occurring pollutants such as dust, fungi, mould bacteria and pollens or can be produced by industrial emissions, domestic heating and road transportation. These are usually either dust particles or gases such as carbon monoxide, ozone, volatile organic compounds, nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide. All of these pollutants, whether naturally occurring or man-made, can have negative impacts on people’s health and well-being. Although most manufacturers suggest a new pollen filter every year (or 12,000 to 15,000 miles), if a vehicle regularly drives in very polluted cities or rural areas with high counts of pollen, its filter may need replacing more often.
Conventional cabin air filters use high performance materials to remove particles larger than 0.1 microns. Many cabin filters covered by Valeo Service now use active carbon filters. These not only remove airborne particles but also isolate harmful gases such as nitrogen oxide and sulphur dioxide as they pass through a layer of active charcoal, thus removing unpleasant odours created by exhaust gases.
By replacing the cabin filter the flow of air is greatly improved, meaning that the blower motor does not need to be run at maximum settings to provide increased airflow. This improves the life expectancy of the motor as it reduces wear to the brush contacts and the motors bearings.
As the air conditioning system is operating, air and the vapour it contains is condensed, it passes over the heat exchangers producing water droplets within the heating and ventilation unit (HVAC). This moisture is the perfect environment for breeding bacteria and germs. Valeo Service has developed two products specifically to disinfect and protect these areas and eliminate associated odours within the cab. Valeo Clim PUR is an air conditioning cleaner and purifier for the HVAc and connecting pipe work. Valeo Clim SPRAY is activated within the cab itself to kill to source of bad odours.
