A cabin air filter is essential to your car’s HVAC system. The filter is responsible for ensuring that dust, pollen, and other kinds of contaminants do not circulate through the cabin. However, in the long run, this specific filter gets dirty and clogs up, leading to a decline in air quality and the vehicle’s performance. Knowing when to replace cabin air filters and keep the space healthy and comfortable is essential.
What’s A Cabin Air Filter?
A cabin air filter is a passenger compartment air filter part of an automobile’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. Its job is to ensure that when the vehicle is started, and air circulates the cabin, loads of people inside do not get invaded with pollution, dust, pollen, and more allergies.
Every part of the HVAC system and even the cabin air filter works hand in hand to provide a comfortable atmosphere; therefore, keeping the inside air quality clean is of utmost importance. Moreover, sitting in a poorly ventilated car with a clogged air filter can lead to breathing difficulties and an unpleasant scent being emitted from the vehicle. Due to this, the auto repair shop specialist recommends regular maintenance and replacement intervals.
As for the construction of the cabin air filter, it is most commonly located at the fresh air inlet to the passenger section of the vehicle. It has a typical frame comprising folded paper.
A few of these filters may look like a rectangular mesh to a combustion air filter, while others have a specific shape designed to sit onto a particular car’s outside air intake duct.
Significance of Changing Cabin Air Filter
The purpose of a cabin air filter is to prevent unwanted components from breaching the interior of the vehicle. Eventually, as all the particles begin to foul up the filters, it indicates it is overdue for the filter to be changed.
Failing to change an air filter is needed while dealing with real-life problems, but it creates serious health-related issues. For example, the misting of windows tends to occur with higher frequency since the filter cannot effectively extract all the contaminants that flow into the vehicle through the vents.
More concerning are the health implications, such as recurring headaches, asthma, allergies, and bronchitis due to the layer of dander and dust on the air conditioning filter. Such conditions make the driver uncomfortable, which makes the driver an unpleasant experience. The dander and dust can also increase the likelihood of being nauseous and fatigued, pushing the chances of dangerous accidents.
In addition, there may be frequent malfunctions in cooling and heating systems, leading to a higher rate of condensation. This moisture will create an excellent environment for developing all sorts of bacteria, which can cause other health complications.
Also Read: Why My Car AC Not Cooling But Fan Is Running?
Signs Showing You Need To Replace Cabin Air Filters
Generally, an average air and cabin filter replacement is required once or twice a year based on the driving condition, environment, and other factors like dust, humidity, fire, etc.
However, other cabin filter replacement signs make you realize that you need to get it replaced slightly earlier.
1. Sound Emitted from the Air Intake Grills
The whistling sound from the air vents indicates debris, like a leaf or litter, trapped in the cabin air filter. This way, once the debris is set, it will collect in the airstream and whistle, signaling it is time for the air filter.
2. Allergy and Breathing Problems while Driving
The cabin air filter is superb since it filters allergens and pollutants. Still, if your cabin air filter isn’t working well, you might experience watery eyes, sneezing, and coughing when driving. This is a good time to change the cabin air filter because it determines your health.
3. Restricted Airways & Heating
While diminished airflow is an indicator of the filter being dirty. If your HVAC works hard or takes a long to heat or cool your home, the filter hinders air circulation. This issue should clear once the air filter is replaced, allowing the air to start pumping quickly and uninterruptedly.
4. Foggy and Icy Windows Take Time to Clear
When your cabin air filter is dirty or loaded, the quantity and quality of air that can pass through the filter will be poor. If the glass is foggy or icy and it takes a very long time for that film to clear once the air blows on it, then the chances are high that your air filter is running at a lower efficiency.
5. Sweating and Odor of Disinfectant Agents in the Cabin
The filter causes bad smells in the vehicle’s cabin, usually packed with dirt, debris, and mold. At this point, the filter becomes a problem, and mold begins to form on the filter, causing the riders of the vehicles to fall sick.
When Should the Cabin Air Filter be replaced?
The frequency of car cabin air filter replacement depends on various factors:
1. Recommendations by Manufacturer
Car manufacturers should replace cabin air filters every 12000 to 15000 miles. However, it is always recommended that you consult the best car service Perth solutions.
2. Driving Environment
High concentrations of polluted air, dusty rural tarmac, or regions with high pollen count will reduce the filter’s shelf life. Replacing the filter every 6,000 to 10,000 miles of travel is necessary.
3. Seasonal Considerations
The car cabin filter should be replaced either in the spring or in the autumn. Much pollen may mark springtime in the air, and fall can add other things, such as leaves, to the mix.
4. Visual Inspection
Although you may not have driven enough to warrant a change in the filter, setting a personal routine check will assist in determining if the filter requires replacement.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement Cost
The cabin air filter replacement cost varies depending on the type of car, the brand, and the car air conditioning specialists in Perth may cost about $45- $77 for the service. You can buy a new cabin filter from the local automotive store if you prefer to change the filter. When purchasing a filter, ensure the filter you are buying is specific to your car’s brand and model.
Advantages of Changing the Cabin Air Filter
1. Cleaner Air:
A new cabin air filter provides cleaner air for passengers inside a vehicle than outside the car.
2. Odor-Free Environment:
Filter free of trapped mold, mildew, and bacteria reduces or deletes terrible smells such as mold.
3. Efficient HVAC Performance:
A blocked filter tends to restrict the airflow in the HVAC system and thus expose the blower motor to increased stress and strain. Change the filter for proper flow and efficiency of the heating and cooling system.
4. Better Health for Passengers:
The filter located inside the car extinguishes allergens and respiratory diseases such as asthma by ensuring that the car’s internal spaces contain fresh and clean air.
Also Read: Signs Indicating That Your Car AC Compressor Needs Replacement
Conclusion
Cabin air filter replacement is the easiest thing for drivers to maintain a pleasant and safe interior environment for themselves and their passengers. If you observe the symptoms of a clogged filter and follow the standard replacement time recommendations, you will be protected from extra costs and, therefore, contribute to extending service of your car’s HVAC system and interior ventilation.
Even if you want to replace it on your own or invite a car service in Perth, being as vigilant as possible about this small part can significantly improve your car’s performance and drive.
FAQs
1. Is it possible to drive without replacing the cabin air filter?
Well, driving a car can have a dirty cabin air filter impact on air quality, the performance of the HVAC system, and rider comfort. Failure to address the system for extended periods increases the risk of expensive HVAC repair work.
2. How much is the price of changing a cabin air filter?
The cabin air filter replacement costs for the filter may go for as low as $20 and can rise to $50. Professional service may cost an extra $30 up to $100 based on the car type at the client’s request.
3. Can blocked cabin air filters impact fuel efficiency?
Although it doesn’t have a straight bearing on fuel efficiency, a blocked filter hampers the efficiency of the heater and air conditioning unit, which may affect the engine’s efficiency.
4. Can you wash a cabin air filter and use it again?
Some filters are one-use only, and some are cleaned with water or compressed air. However, most of them are consumable and should be replaced, as stated by the manufacturers.
5. What are the consequences of not replacing the cabin air filter?
The consequences of not paying attention to the filter include a decrease in the quality of the air in the cabin, deterioration of the functioning of the HVAC system, appearance of different smells, and potential health issues among passengers.
