Why Giving your Car AirCon a Blast in Winter is not as Crazy as it Sounds

A blast of cold air may be the last thing on your mind at the moment, but keeping your air conditioning permanently off during winter could be storing up trouble for when the sun eventually does come out.

New research for Kwik Fit, the UK’s largest automotive repair company, has revealed that 56% of motorists keep their air-con switched off during the winter months.  And for the 43% of drivers who say they turn off their air-con to save money, this could be a false economy.

Air-conditioning systems are most effective if they are used regularly, and keeping them switched off for long periods will actually reduce their efficiency in the hot weather, when they are needed most.

And if you have ever had the misfortune to get a whiff of a “smelly sock” odour, emanating from your car’s ventilation, this is as a result of a build-up of bacteria in the system over a period of not being used. And I can say from experience of my first ever car with aircon – it is not very pleasant at all. But it was a lesson I quickly learnt about keeping the aircon system regularly in use and serviced.

From the research conducted by Kwik Fit it would appear almost a third (29%) of drivers who leave their air-con off in the winter prefer to open a window or sunroof.   However, driving with a window open can be less fuel-efficient than using air-con, as it creates more drag and reduces the aerodynamic properties of your car.

Ian Fraser, chief executive of Kwik Fit is quoted as saying: “Using air-con frequently helps keep it efficient, but even so, systems naturally lose gas over time and should be recharged every two years.”

Whilst Kwik Fit is currently doing a winter special offer on an air-con system recharge and lubrication and a system de-bug, which will help remove any bacteria and unpleasant odours, it is now possible to clean and de-odorize your system on your drive or in your garage with the products shown below.

The research mentioned above was carried out amongst 2000 UK adults, for Kwik Fit by ICM.

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Bestseller No. 1
Pureflow Cabin Filter Air Freshener with Odor Eliminator – Fits on Most Car, Truck, and SUV Cabin Air Filters - New Car (1 Pack)
272 Reviews
Pureflow Cabin Filter Air Freshener with Odor Eliminator – Fits on Most Car, Truck, and SUV Cabin Air Filters - New Car (1 Pack)
  • WORKS WITH MOST PLEATED CABIN AIR FILTERS – Easily snaps onto the pleats of your cabin air filter discreetly and out of sight. As soon as you turn-on your car’s cooling or heating system, the air freshener starts diffusing a balanced, subtle, natural aroma.
  • EASY TO INSTALL - Simply snap the Pureflow Air Freshener directly onto the cabin air filter and insert the filter back into the housing. Your air-conditioning or heating evenly distributes fresh, scented air throughout the whole vehicle.
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  • LASTS 3 TIMES LONGER – Pureflow’s advanced slow-release technology keeps your car smelling great for up to 90 days. That’s three times longer than traditional car air fresheners.
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Bestseller No. 2
Lubegard 96030 Kool-It Evaporator and Heater Foam Cleaner
5,129 Reviews
Lubegard 96030 Kool-It Evaporator and Heater Foam Cleaner
  • Flash Point: -60 Degrees Celsius
  • Eliminates Even The Foulest Of Odors
  • Maximizes Heating/Cooling Efficiencies
  • No Equipment Or Drilling Required
SaleBestseller No. 3
Armor All Car Air Freshener and Cleaner, Vent and Duct Cleaner, Odor Eliminator Spray for Cars, Trucks, Freshfx Tranquil Skies, 1.5 oz, 3 Pack
174 Reviews
Armor All Car Air Freshener and Cleaner, Vent and Duct Cleaner, Odor Eliminator Spray for Cars, Trucks, Freshfx Tranquil Skies, 1.5 oz, 3 Pack
  • 3-Pack of Armor All Fresh FX Vent and Duct Cleaner Odor Neutralizer, Tranquil Skies Scent, 5 oz
  • Vent cleaner that treats the vents, ductwork, evaporator core and drain pan area
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Bestseller No. 4
Chemical Guys SPI23416 Total Interior Cleaner and Protectant, New Car Smell, (Safe for Cars, Trucks, SUVs, Jeeps, RVs & More) 16 fl oz
42,052 Reviews
Chemical Guys SPI23416 Total Interior Cleaner and Protectant, New Car Smell, (Safe for Cars, Trucks, SUVs, Jeeps, RVs & More) 16 fl oz
  • TWO AMAZING PRODUCTS IN ONE - Achieve the same trusted cleaning and protection results from Total Interior, now elevated with our iconic New Car Smell!
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SaleBestseller No. 5
nextzett 96110515 Klima-Cleaner Air Conditioner Cleaner - 10 fl oz
2,159 Reviews
nextzett 96110515 Klima-Cleaner Air Conditioner Cleaner - 10 fl oz
  • Evaporator Cleaner Eliminates Air Conditioning Odors At The Source With Results That Lasts For Months
  • Removes Pollen, Dust And Nicotine Film
  • Water-Based And Free Of Caustic Chemicals Since It'S For Use In A Vehicle'S Cabin Area. Klima Cleaner Pro Is Also Free Of Synthetic Fragrances That Can Cause An Allergic Reaction With Some Users. We Only Use Natural Fragrances
  • Helps Improve The Cooling Efficiency And Performance Of Your Air Conditioner

 

 

1 Comment

  • Vedinimas
    Posted June 10, 2013 1:01 pm 0Likes

    I agree that air conditioning systems have to be used regularly in order to be fully effective.

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