Think a dirty cabin air filter isn’t a problem? Think again. Your cabin air filter plays a vital part in keeping your vehicle and its HVAC system running smoothly. Keep reading to find out how a dirty cabin air filter can put a strain on your vehicle’s HVAC system and lower your car’s performance.
What Does a Cabin Air Filter Do?
The cabin air filter is an essential tool for keeping your vehicle running correctly. It cleans the air entering your vehicle through your HVAC system, ensuring that harmful contaminants don’t circulate through the in-cabin air. The HVAC system draws air from outside, which can contain pollutants such as dust, pollen, mold spores, exhaust fumes, smog, and more. The cabin air filter also protects your HVAC system and its sensitive components from the buildup of these pollutants inside the system. When your filter is clean, air can flow easily through the system, allowing it to work correctly and efficiently.
How a Dirty Cabin Air Filter Affects Your HVAC System
If your cabin air filter becomes excessively dirty or clogged, airflow through your HVAC system can become restricted. When airflow is restricted, it makes it harder and takes longer for your HVAC system to cool or heat the cabin air efficiently. A clogged filter can also affect defrosting and defogging, meaning it takes longer for your windshield to clear and for you to get on the road. The cabin air filter helps protect crucial components of your HVAC system from dust and debris that can harm them and cause malfunctions, leading to increased wear and expensive repairs.
How a Dirty Cabin Air Filter Affects Vehicle Performance
While a dirty cabin air filter will affect the HVAC system the most, that doesn’t mean it won’t affect the rest of your vehicle. A dirty cabin air filter can reduce your vehicle's fuel efficiency because your HVAC system has to work harder, increasing the load on your engine and causing it to use more fuel to keep your cabin air comfortable. A clean cabin air filter allows air to flow freely through the system, reducing the load on your engine and providing the cleanest air possible for you to breathe. If you notice your fuel efficiency has decreased or you’re heading to the pump more often, you should inspect your cabin air filter to see if it is the culprit.
Signs of a Dirty Cabin Air Filter
There are a few telltale signs that your cabin air filter is dirty or clogged with dust and debris; those signs include:
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Increased dust blowing from vents or accumulating on surfaces: You may notice more dust floating around or settling on surfaces because your filter is no longer trapping these particles properly.
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Reduced or weak airflow from the vents: Your heat or AC may feel less powerful, or it may take longer to cool or warm the cabin, because the air must pass through a blocked filter.
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Loud noise coming from the air vents: Debris built up on the filter causes the blower motor to work harder to move air through the filter, creating a loud whistling sound from the vents.
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Musty smell coming from the vents when the HVAC system is on: A dirty filter has trapped moisture and contaminants, which can cause unpleasant odors when the system is running.
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Allergy or breathing problems while driving: Pollen, dust, debris, and other allergens circulate in the air because the cabin air filter can no longer trap them, leading to increased allergy symptoms and trouble breathing.
The cabin air filter is often overlooked, but it plays a vital role in keeping your car running at peak performance and efficiency. You should replace your cabin air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or at least once a year. To find the right cabin air filter for your vehicle, check out our helpful tool.
