Symptoms of a Bad or Failed AC Air Filter

Common signs of a clogged A/C air filter include reduced airflow from the A/C vents, reduced engine power, and excessive dust in the cabin.

An AC filter, also known as a cabin air filter, is an air filter whose purpose is to remove pollutants from the air passing through a vehicle's air conditioning system. They serve to make the cabin as comfortable as possible for passengers by removing pollutants such as dust, dirt and allergens. Like an engine air filter, they also get dirty and clogged with use and need to be replaced periodically. When a cabin air filter has become excessively dirty and needs to be replaced, it usually shows a few signs that it's time.

1. Reduced airflow from air conditioner vents.

One of the most common symptoms that indicate the need to replace the cabin filter is a decrease in airflow. Reduced airflow will show up as less air being blown out of the air conditioning vents. When the filter is dirty or clogged, less air passes through it, and the air that can pass requires more effort than usual. Not only will this cause the AC system to run less efficiently, but the motor will also run less efficiently.

2. Reduced engine power output.

If the cabin air filter is clogged, the AC blower motor will be put under extra stress. This extra load will not only force the fan motor to work harder and blow out less air than it is designed for, but it will also put extra stress on the motor due to higher power consumption. In more severe cases, the additional load will result in a noticeable reduction in power when the AC is turned on.

3. Increased dustiness and allergens in the cabin

Another sign that the cabin air filter needs replacing is that you may notice an increased amount of dust and possibly allergens in the cabin if you have allergies. When a filter is clogged, it can no longer filter the air effectively and the air passing through it may not be filtered properly. It could also be a potential sign that the A/C filter may have been damaged or torn in some way and is allowing unfiltered air into the cabin.

The AC filter is a simple but important part of an AC system. Making sure it's replaced when needed will go a long way in maintaining the comfort and efficiency of your vehicle's AC system. If you suspect that your cabin filter may need to be replaced, any professional specialist, for example from AvtoTachki, can help you quickly and easily.