Just like the air conditioning in your home or office, the one in your vehicle needs regular service. For most people an annual check for your vehicle is enough. Unlike the unit in your home or office, the one in your vehicle only runs while you are driving. For most people in the north that equals less than 300 hours a year of operation and for those in the south it could be 600 hours a year.  While most home and some office units run more than that in a single month.

Not surprisingly you can have very similar issues with both your home and office air conditioning as you might with your vehicle’s. Let’s have a look as some of the most troublesome.

Sick Car Syndrome

Yep, you read that right. Sick Car Syndrome is a real thing. Claims of flu like symptom are not uncommon. Headaches, watery eyes and sneezing are also attributed to SCS. It is caused by microorganisms growing on the cooling coil. This coil is normally located just behind the dashboard of your vehicle. The organisms growing there can be mold, bacteria or fungus in nature.

It tends to happen when the air conditioning system is not used for long periods of time and the coil is exposed to high humidity.

As you can image these types or organisms growing in your vehicle can also cause some pretty pungent odors.

There is a way to correct the issue. In most cases it will require you to remove your dashboard. Then apply anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-mold product. Making sure to thoroughly cover the coil. You may also need to apply it to some of the duct-work, or vent tubing to ensure complete removal.

Running A/C in The Winter (Vehicle Only)

Yep, it really is a good idea to turn your vehicle A/C system on for brief periods all year long. See SCS about for a great reason. In addition, running the A/C system keeps it lubricated, keep hoses and seals from drying out or cracking. All this keeps you A/C system leak free and running smooth.

Water Dripping from Your Dashboard

Air conditioning removes water from the air. Normally in your vehicle that water would make a pudding under the vehicle. Sometime the hose the directs the water out of your vehicle become detached or plugged up. Instead of the water running out it floods your vehicle’s floor mats and carpet.

This is an easy and cheap fix. Reattach the tub or poke/blow it free from blockages.

Air Conditioners Are Expensive

Loud or unusual noises coming from you’re A/C are very bad. You should turn the system off immediately to avoid additional damage. A mild failure could cost you several hundred dollars. If you continue to run the unit it can cause more and more damage resulting in a repair bill in the thousands.