Are you experiencing allergic reactions like sneezing or coughing when sitting inside the car? Are your car’s ventilation and conditioning systems making a lot of noise? Well, then let me tell you: It is not the car that is aging but rather your cabin air filter that has reached its shelf life and now needs a replacement.
People often get confused amidst confusing cabin air filters with the engine air filters. So, before moving ahead let’s find out what is a cabin air filter:
What is a Cabin Air Filter?
A cabin air filter is a useful feature found in the heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. It helps filter and cleans the air that you breathe inside the car. It traps allergens, air pollutants, and other harmful materials that can affect your respiratory system while driving or sitting inside a car.
These allergens and air pollutants enter the in-car atmosphere through the air conditioning, heating, and ventilation system. Thus, the cabin air filters are placed inside these systems to restrain pollutants even before entering the car.
Signs that you need to replace the Cabin Air Filter
1. Reduced Airflow from the Systems
Does your ventilation and conditioning systems not supply a sufficient amount of air? If you are experiencing this in your air, it clearly indicates that the filter is clogged and is limiting the airflow. The filter might get clogged up with dirt. This results in restricting the amount of air reaching the cabin and also, making you kick over the AC higher than usual.
A blocked cabin air filter can put a strain on the AC system. This leads to increased energy consumption and can also damage the motor due to overloads. It usually happens when you increase the airflow by increasing the speed of the AC system blower.
Hence, restricted airflow from the systems is a prime warning that you need to get your cabin air filter replaced.
2. Unwanted Smell from Systems
How long has it been since you replaced your cabin air filter since you got your car from the factory setup? You must be experiencing unusual dusty, moldy, or musty odors coming from the ventilation and conditioning systems. The odor increases when you crank up the AC system.
Usually, a layer of dirt deposits on the filter which further leads to the growth of mold and bacteria. Thus, it produces a musty smell which causes discomfort in the cabin. It becomes unbearable, especially to allergic people. If the cabin is left in that condition for long, it can make the filter mushy and damaged.
Thus, if you notice any unwanted smell in your car, get your cabin filter replaced as soon as possible.
3. Lounder Fan Noise
Did you know that a blaring fan noise can damage your filter? This is primarily caused by large natural debris and materials entering the ventilation systems. Thus, when you increase the flow of air, you experience high noise coming from the AC blower.
Remember, a dirty air filter makes the AC blower motor work harder. This can lead to burnout of the motor. Besides the inadequate ventilation, you may notice that the temperature rises slightly and is out of control.
Such experiences are to be considered as warnings to get your cabin air filter replaced.
4. Declining Fuel Mileage
Is your car asking for very frequent stops at the pump to fuel up? Do not confuse your frequent trips to the gas station with the aging of your car. Your car’s engine compensates for the insufficiency of oxygen by using more fuel to produce power. This ultimately results in an overall decrease in your car’s fuel mileage.
The inadequate supply of oxygen is a result of your cabin air filter’s clogging. Consider getting your cabin air filter replaced and you will not have to be subjected to constant stops at the pump.
On to you…
Until now, you might have either neglected it or might not be aware of it but now that you know, get going. Visit the nearby car repairing store and get your cabin air filter replaced.