Changing your cabin air filter is important for maintaining the air quality inside your vehicle and keeping your HVAC system running efficiently. A dirty or clogged filter can reduce airflow, cause bad smells, and aggravate allergies and asthma. A clean filter can improve air quality, reduce allergens, and save money on fuel costs. It is recommended to change the cabin air filter every 12,000 miles or 12 months, or as recommended by the vehicle's manufacturer. To change the filter, locate it behind the glove compartment or under the hood, remove the old filter from its housing, insert the new filter making sure it's properly seated and oriented, replace any panels or covers, turn on the air conditioning to ensure proper function, and repeat the process regularly
Reasons to change your cabin air filter
There are several reasons to change your cabin air filter, including:
- Improved air quality: A dirty or clogged filter can reduce the air flow into the vehicle, making the air inside the cabin smell stale or musty. A clean filter can improve the air quality inside the vehicle and make the ride more comfortable.
- Increased HVAC efficiency: A clogged filter can impede the flow of air through the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, making it work harder and less efficiently. A clean filter can improve the efficiency of the HVAC system and reduce wear and tear on the system.
- Allergen reduction: A dirty filter can trap allergens such as dust, pollen, and mold spores, which can aggravate allergies and asthma. A clean filter can help to reduce the amount of allergens in the cabin.
- Cost savings: A clogged filter can cause the HVAC system to work harder and use more energy, which can increase fuel consumption and lead to higher fuel costs. A clean filter can help to reduce fuel consumption and save money on fuel costs.
- Longer lifespan of the HVAC system: A dirty filter can cause the HVAC system to work harder, which can lead to increased wear and tear on the system. A clean filter can help to prolong the lifespan of the HVAC system.
- Preventing bad smells: A dirty filter can trap bad odors such as cigarette smoke, pet odors, and other unpleasant smells. A clean filter can help to remove these odors and keep the air inside the vehicle smelling fresh.
How to change our cabin air filter
- Locate the cabin air filter. This is typically located behind the glove compartment or under the hood, near the blower motor. To find the exact location, consult your vehicle's owner's manual or do a quick online search for the make and model of your car. Some vehicles have the cabin air filter located inside the vehicle, usually behind the glove box or dashboard.
- Prepare to replace the filter. To access the filter, you may need to remove a panel or cover. Depending on the location, you may need a screwdriver or pliers to remove the cover. Once you have access, carefully remove the old filter from its housing.
- Install the new filter. Carefully insert the new filter into the housing, making sure that it is properly seated and oriented. The filter should fit snugly into the housing and should be in the correct orientation for airflow. Some filters come with an arrow on them, indicating the direction of airflow. Make sure to align the arrow with the airflow direction.
- Replace any panels or covers that you removed to access the filter. Make sure all the screws or clips are securely fastened.
- Start the vehicle and turn on the air conditioning to ensure that the new filter is working properly. If the airflow is stronger or if the air coming out of the vents smells fresher, the new filter is working properly.
- Repeat this process every 12,000 miles or 12 months, or as recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer. It is important to keep your cabin air filter clean, so that it can filter out pollutants and allergens, and keep the air inside your vehicle fresh and clean.
