If you're not sure when to replace your cabin air filter, you're not alone. Many people don't realize that these filters need to be changed regularly in order to keep the air in their vehicles clean.
Breathing clean air is important for your health, and replacing your cabin air filter is one way to ensure that you're doing just that. In addition, replacing your filter regularly will put less strain on your vehicle HVAC system, which can save you money in the long run.
So how often should you replace your cabin air filter? Read on for 10 signs that it's time to get a new one.
Breath clean air
Cabin air filters are designed to remove contaminants from the air inside your vehicle. Over time, these filters can become clogged with dirt, dust, and other debris, making it difficult for passengers to breathe clean air. Here are 10 signs that you may need to replace your cabin air filter:
1. You notice a musty smell when you turn on the heat or air conditioning.
2. You see dust or other particulates blowing out of the vents.
3. Your allergies seem to be worse when you’re in the car.
4. You notice increased condensation on the windows.
5. The defrost function isn’t working as well as it used to.
6. The car is taking longer to cool down or heat up.
7. You hear strange noises coming from the vents.
8. The airflow from the vents is weaker than usual.
9. You see smoke or fog coming from the vents.
10. The check engine light is on.
Less strain on hvac system
If you're like most people, you don't think much about your cabin air filter – that is, until something goes wrong. A clogged or dirty cabin air filter can cause a number of problems, including lessening the efficiency of your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system.
Here are 5 signs that it might be time to replace your cabin air filter:
1. Your HVAC system isn't working as efficiently as it used to. If you've noticed that your HVAC system isn't blowing air as forcefully as it used to, or that it's taking longer to cool or heat your car, a dirty cabin air filter could be the culprit. A clogged filter restricts airflow and makes it harder for your HVAC system to do its job.
2. You're starting to see dust on your dashboards and other surfaces in your car. If you notice a thin layer of dust on surfaces in your car, especially around the vents, it's a good indication that your cabin air filter is due for a change.
3. You're sneezing or coughing more when you're in your car. If you find yourself sneezing or coughing more when you're in your car than when you're outside of it, it's possible that you're allergic to something in the cabin air – namely, dirt and dust particles that have built up in the filter.
4. You can see the dirt on your cabin air filter. Take a look at your cabin air filter next time you have the chance – if it's covered in dirt and dust, it's time for a new one.
5. It's been more than 12 months since you last changed your filter (or longer). Even if you can't see any dirt or dust on the filter itself, it's still important to change it every 12 months (or as specified by your car's manufacturer). Over time, filters can become less effective at trapping particles, which means they need to be replaced more frequently. Additionally, if you’ve been driving in dusty conditions or through construction sites, your filter may need to be changed more often. If you live in a high-traffic or industrial area, it's important to check your filter every six months to make sure it's still efficient. If you're unsure when to replace your filter, it's always best to consult your car's manual for more information.
When to replace
Assuming you would like me to continue with the tips:
It is typically recommended that you replace your cabin air filter every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, there are a few other circumstances where you might need to replace it sooner.
If you live in an area with a lot of dust or pollen, you may need to replace your filter more frequently. If you do a lot of off-roading in your vehicle, you may also need to replace it more often.
If you notice that your HVAC system isn't working as efficiently as it used to, or if you start seeing dust on surfaces in your car, it's a good indication that your cabin air filter is due for a change.
A clogged or dirty cabin air filter can cause a number of problems, including lessening the efficiency of your HVAC system and making it work harder than necessary. This can lead to premature wear and tear on the system, and could eventually lead to costly repairs.
If you're not sure when the last time your cabin air filter was changed, it's probably time to schedule an appointment for one of our techs to come inspect and replace. Better safe than sorry!
