Believe it or not, the 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 on the air conditioner, which can cause the engine to run harder. Many vehicles are equipped with cabin air filters that capture dust, insects, leaves and other debris. A dirty air filter can hinder the cooling capacity of your air conditioner and, after a while, could cause unnecessary strain on the entire system.
This would occur especially when you have to increase the air flow by increasing the fan speed of the air conditioning system. You'll notice that the air conditioner starts emitting unpleasant odors once you turn it on and you will also experience a change in the quality of the air conditioner; you will start to feel hot even if the air conditioner has been on for quite some time. Not only that, but a dirty engine air filter can cause engine performance problems. This is understandable, considering that your car can use more than 10,000 gallons of oxygen for every gallon of fuel burned.
If your auto mechanic only checks the air conditioning system or cooling system without first evaluating the condition of the cabin air filter, you could pay the cost of unnecessary repairs. If your electricity bill is higher than usual (other summers), a clogged air filter could be the cause. Dirt and dust accumulated on the oven air filter will restrict airflow, causing heat to build up in the heat exchanger. Failure to replace the filter immediately can lead to additional breakage and serious maintenance issues.
A faulty filter can mean inadequate cabin air, affect air quality, and cause the AC system to consume more energy, among other effects. One of the first and surest signs that a cabin air filter needs to be replaced is reduced airflow in the ventilation grilles. If you are an installer, make sure your customer understands the most serious risks by refusing cabin air filter service.
