Can a Dirty Air Filter Affect Your Car's AC Performance?

Believe it or not, your cabin filter can have a strong impact on the power of your vehicle and its air conditioning system. If the filter is clogged, you may need to turn up the air conditioner, which will cause the engine to work harder. Not all vehicles are equipped with cabin air filters, but those that do need a clean, unobstructed surface to allow air to move freely. A dirty air filter can prevent the air conditioner from cooling down and, over time, could cause unnecessary strain on the entire system.

It can also cause the air conditioner fan motor to work harder and burn out, as well as consume more energy and put pressure on the alternator. In addition, a clogged cabin air filter works less efficiently and can cause smoke and unpleasant odors to be emitted when you turn it on. You may also experience a change in the quality of the air conditioner; it will start to get hot even if the air conditioner has been on for quite some time. A dirty air filter also means that the cabin may get dirty and smell bad, making driving or riding in the car an unpleasant experience.

The lack of adequate airflow affects cabin air temperature, which depends on whether air can pass through the heater core, evaporator, or both. While a dirty cabin air filter can affect the air conditioning system, a dirty engine air filter can cause engine performance problems. This is understandable, considering your car can use more than 10,000 gallons of oxygen for every gallon of fuel burned. Replacing the cabin air filter may seem simple, but it's a rapidly growing component of the manufacturer's scheduled maintenance services.

Increased fan noise may be due to air intake from large materials or dirt from the cabin air filter. If it's been more than a year since your air filtration system was last serviced, you notice a dirty or musty smell on the vents, or discover a loss in acceleration power, call to schedule an air filter inspection. Alternatively, take your car to a nearby Firestone Complete Auto Care to have a professional technician ensure that the cabin air filter is clean and fresh. To keep your car's HVAC system functioning properly and free of contaminants, it's important to replace your cabin air filter periodically.

When you increase the airflow, what you get is a big noise coming from the air conditioner fan and little improvement in the airflow. Let's take a look at some useful tips about car air conditioning filters in Chino, CA, and the dangers of not changing your cabin air filter.