Frequently Asked Questions – Cabin Air Filters

• What is a cabin air filter and what does it do?

  A cabin air filter is a panel style, pleated air filter designed to filter particles and airborne contaminants entering the cabin of the vehicle through the climate control system. By removing harmful particles and gases from the air, the cabin air filter keeps the cabin air clean and fresh for passengers while also protecting the delicate components of the car’s climate control system.

• Where is the cabin air filter located in my car?

  The cabin air filter location varies depending on the year, make, and model of your car. It’s best to check your owner’s manual for the exact location and cabin the air filter replacement schedule.

• How is a cabin air filter different from an engine air filter?

  A cabin air filter cleans airborne contaminants from the air circulating inside the cabin of the car. An engine air filter serves a similar purpose, but in a completely different place. The engine air filter is positioned in the air intake system of your car’s engine and cleans dust particles from the air before they can get into your engine and cause damage.

• Do all cars have cabin air filters?

  Most cars and trucks sold today have a cabin air filter. Cabin air filters did not become standard equipment until the late 1990s and early 2000s.

• Is a cabin air filter necessary?

  Yes, cabin air filters are necessary. Cabin air filter ensures a healthier environment inside the vehicle by reducing allergens and pollutants. It also prevents the accumulation of dust on interior surfaces and keeps the HVAC system functioning optimally.

• How will I know when it’s time for a new cabin air filter?

  The most common signs of a dirty or clogged cabin air filter are unusual smells in the cabin (especially if the smell gets worse when the heat or air conditioning are turned on) and decreased airflow through the dash vents.

• How often should I replace my cabin air filter?

  The replacement frequency varies based on driving conditions and manufacturer recommendations. In general, it's advisable to replace the cabin air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or at least once a year.

• What are the signs that my cabin air filter needs to be changed?

  Reduced airflow from the vents, unpleasant odors, increased noise from the HVAC system, and decreased efficiency in heating or cooling are signs that the cabin air filter may be dirty or clogged.

• What happens if I don’t replace my cabin air filter?

  Not replacing the cabin filter when it’s dirty, clogged, or on a routine basis can affect the performance of the vehicle’s climate control system. Reduced airflow from the vents, unpleasant odors, increased noise from the HVAC system, and decreased efficiency in heating or cooling are signs that the cabin air filter may be dirty or clogged.

• Can I clean and reuse my cabin air filter?

  The ability to clean and reuse your cabin air filter depends on the type of cabin filter. Most cabin air filters are disposable and should be changed based on your vehicle manufacturers’ recommended service interval.

• Can I replace my cabin air filter myself, or should a mechanic do it?

  Yes, replacing the cabin air filter is typically a straightforward task. Refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for specific instructions. In most cases, it involves locating the filter housing, removing the old filter, and installing the new one.

• What do the arrows on the side of the cabin air filter indicate?

  The arrows on the side of the cabin air filter indicate the direction of the air flow. When installing the cabin filter, the arrows should always point in the direction the air flows through the filter into the cabin.

• Does a new cabin air filter improve airflow or A/C performance?

  Absolutely! If the cabin air filter is very dirty it can severely diminish the AC performance. Clogged cabin air filters also affect heat, defrosting, and defogging ability in certain weather situations.

• Will replacing my cabin air filter remove bad odors from the car?

  Yes, replacing your cabin air filter with a cabin filter that has layer of activated charcoal will help to remove bad odors from the cabin of your car. Filters such as PUREFLOW go a step further by combining activated charcoal with multi-layer filtration to reduce odors and improve overall in-cabin air quality.

• Does it help with allergies, dust, and pollen?

  One of the main roles of a cabin air filter is to trap pollen, dust, and other microscopic allergens before they enter your vehicle through the HVAC system.

• How does it affect interior air quality and passenger health?

  Cabin air filters, particularly those with activated carbon or HEPA filtration, can significantly reduce the amount of pollen, dust mites, and other allergens in your car's cabin air. This can be particularly beneficial for allergy sufferers.

• Will it reduce fogging on the windshield?

  A clean cabin air filter can improve ventilation and reduce fogging. Conversely, a clogged cabin air filter will restrict airflow, which leads to increased humidity inside your car and will cause the windows to fog up more easily.

• What’s the difference between standard, carbon-activated, and HEPA cabin air filters?

  Particulate (Dust-type) Cabin Filters – Particulate cabin air filters keep dust and particles such as pollen, diesel soot, and tire dust from entering the interior of the vehicle. This type of cabin filter handles most pollen, mold spores, soot, smoke, tire dust, and bacteria.
  
  Carbon-Activated Cabin (Combination Dust/Odor) Filters – Combination dust and odor cabin filters have an additional element, activated-charcoal, to reduce or eliminate odors. In addition to particle removal, the activated charcoal absorbs harmful gases like carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide. Advanced antibacterial technology suppresses the growth of mold, mildew and bacteria on the filter.
  
  PUREFLOW^® HEPA Cabin Air Filters – PUREFLOW HEPA Cabin Air Filters deliver 4 powerful stages of advanced filtration technology. Stage1 includes a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) layer which offers 99.97% efficiency, capturing microscopic pollutants including pollen and other allergens. In stages 2 & 3 activated charcoal absorbs harmful gases like carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide. The final stage uses advanced antibacterial micro technology to reduce bio fueling by suppressing the growth of algae, mold, mildew, fungi and bacteria on the filter.

• How does an activated carbon (charcoal) cabin air filter work?

  Cabin filters designed with a layer of activated charcoal are treated with heat and chemicals (activated). This allows harmful gases like carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide to be absorbed into the charcoal.

• Are there filters that can remove exhaust fumes, smoke, or harmful gases?

  Yes, cabin air filters with a layer of activated charcoal absorb harmful gases like carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide.

• What is electrostatic filtration and how is it used in cabin filters?

  The fibers in the cabin air filter media (i.e., paper) are given an electrical charge during the manufacturing process. As dirty air goes through the filter, air borne particles stick to the charged fibers in the cabin filter media. This process creates the ability for the cabin filter to capture very small particles.

• Are premium cabin air filters worth the extra cost?

  Purchasing a premium cabin air filter depends on your vehicle’s specific requirements and the health needs of your family. Ensuring your family is breathing clean air inside the vehicle’s cabin and that your car’s HVAC system operates efficiently and effectively may well be worth the additional expense of a premium cabin air filter.

• What’s the best cabin air filter brand for my vehicle?

  There is no specific brand of cabin air filter that is best for a particular make and model of vehicle. What is important is to purchase a cabin filter that meets the quality specifications required by the vehicle manufacturer. Brands like PUREFLOW, which offer multi-layer filtration and OE-level performance, are a reliable choice for drivers looking for consistent protection.

• Does using ahigh-efficiency filter affect HVAC performance or fuel economy?

  Yes, a high-efficiency cabin air filter can affect your HVAC performance. High-efficiency cabin filters can become clogged faster, forcing your HVAC system to work harder. This could also have a very small effect on fuel economy.