ecogard engineer shows dirty cabin air filter vs. clean cabin air filter

What'due south the Nigh Serious Consequence of Neglecting to Change the Cabin Air Filter?

Last weekend, we all gained an hr of sleep by setting clocks back 1 hr to conclude the daylight-saving fourth dimension menstruation for 2019. And, at ECOGARD we always say that the beginning and cease of daylight-saving time are good times to consider changing a car'south cabin air filter. Unfortunately, many people don't act on this recommendation and will neglect the motel air filter for far longer. This is probable because they don't sympathize the real dangers of doing so – partly because of the way motel air filters have been marketed. If it doesn't odor bad, why go through the trouble of changing it? Please, allow united states of america to explain.

Beyond Clean Air and Fresh Scents

Today, many brands are selling motel air filters on the notion that no one wants to spend time in a smelly car if they can assistance it. The approach makes sense. I retrieve virtually of us would agree that if a simple filter swap can remedy bad odors in the motel, we'd be willing to try a change for a reasonable price. It's an like shooting fish in a barrel trouble to solve for customers and their passengers because it's something they can directly chronicle to and understand.

Reduced Climate Control Airflow Leads to Unsafe Driving Conditions

But what about the dangers that can't exist seen and the effects that might simply be noticed gradually or during certain modes of operation? The reality is that a foul-smelling cabin is not the most pressing trouble drivers volition face if they never alter the motel air filter or don't change it oftentimes enough. Sure, the musty smell of a wet gym sock with a hint of mildew and a bear upon of mold would definitely bother me on my daily commute, simply a windshield that won't defog or defrost quickly would be even more than prohibitive. Depending on the flavor or weather conditions, a clogged motel air filter can be downright dangerous. All of a sudden, a clean cabin air filter is less about comfort and more than almost safety.

foggy windshield demonstrates the importance of clean cabin air filter

Harm to the Car's Climate Control System

With a clogged cabin air filter, the lack of airflow tin exist felt at the dashboard vents and volition result in lackluster defrosting and defogging performance as well as reduced air conditioning and heating functionality. While these issues can definitely create dangerous driving conditions, there is another trouble that customers should be aware of – and that problem is the added stress put on the system's blower motor. In extreme cases, the clogged filter tin completely obstruct the flow of air – either causing the blower motor to fail or suck the filter out of the housing along with all of the debris information technology's filtered out. This is the most serious gamble for anyone neglecting to alter their cabin air filter because the consequence is astute failure of an important vehicle safe arrangement which volition exist very expensive to set.

Illustration showing a car's climate control system and the components that can be damaged

You Know What They Say About Procrastination…

Changing the cabin air filter isn't just about air quality – it'south both a safety business organization and a climate command arrangement maintenance requirement. It's very easy to forget about this seemingly insignificant office, but please don't procrastinate when information technology comes time to supplant it. Not but volition you be exposing yourself and your passengers to unnecessary airborne contaminants and possible disease, but y'all're also putting the long-term health of your vehicle in jeopardy. If yous're an installer, make sure your client understands the most serious risks in turning downwards motel air filter service. We believe information technology's a very small toll to pay to ensure the longevity of a car's climate control organization and its critical components. ECOGARD recommends changing cabin air filters in both spring and fall. We've already prepare the clocks alee, so what are you waiting for?