30 Nov Is A Clogged Cabin Air Filter Bad For My Car Heater?
Since the weather got chilly, I’ve been running my car heater pretty much every time I get in the car. But I’ve noticed it is taking forever for my car to warm up, and the windows stay foggy. Has this ever happened to you? Well, if it has, I’ll let you in on a little secret. Chances are good that your cabin air filter is clogged, restricting airflow from the HVAC system and reducing the effectiveness of your car heater. Keep reading to find out why this happens and how to fix it.
How Your Car Heater Works
Your car heater is part of the HVAC system and is important for both your personal comfort and safety, especially during cold weather. In addition to keeping the cabin warm, your car heater helps defog and defrost windows for increased visibility. It does this by blowing warm air through vents inside the car, no matter how cold it is outside. Click here for more information on the HVAC components and how they work.
What Does The Cabin Air Filter Do?
The cabin air filter cleans air in the vehicle’s HVAC system. It removes dust, pollen, and other harmful pollutants before they enter your car’s cabin. In general, you can find the cabin air filter behind the glove box (check your owner’s manual for guidance if needed). If your car’s interior smells musty, or your vents have less airflow, you should replace your cabin air filter.
Signs Your Cabin Air Filter is Clogged
A dirty, old, or clogged cabin air filter may restrict airflow, making your car’s HVAC system less efficient and may cause your car heater to malfunction. The cabin air filter in your car works much the same as air filters in your home or office. Over time, debris collected in the filter fibers can lead to several issues, such as:
- Allergies and asthma
- Mold or bacteria growth
- Reduced airflow
- Unpleasant odors
How Often Should I Change My Cabin Air Filter?
Most auto manufacturers recommend changing your cabin air filter every 12,000-15,000 miles. That works out to be once a year for the average motorist. However, if you drive in areas with high pollen levels, dust, or air pollution, you may want to change your filter twice a year to maintain air quality inside your car.
HVAC System Maintenance
Since your cabin air filter directly affects the efficiency of your car’s HVAC system (including the heater and A/C), be sure to follow the factory maintenance guidelines. At Plymouth Auto & Tire Center, our ASE-certified technicians can inspect, troubleshoot, and repair all parts of your HVAC system. If the airflow from your car heater seems restricted, let us replace the cabin air filter, check the coolant levels, and perform a systems check to ensure everything works as it should.
Make An Appointment
Call us at (610) 825-6558 or visit our website to make your next car heater repair service today. We look forward to seeing you soon!
AAA Approved Auto Repair Facility
Plymouth Auto & Tire Center is proud to be an AAA Approved Auto Repair facility. The AAA Approved Auto Repair program only approves facilities that meet the highest standards in:
- Cleanliness
- Competency
- Fair Pricing
- Overall Experience
- Reliability
- Vehicle Repair