Choosing between engine air filters and cabin air filters for your car is an important decision. Choosing the right type of filter can impact the efficiency of your HVAC system, as well as the cost of maintenance.
What is an Air Filter?
Basically, an air filter is a device that removes particles and contaminants from the air. It is often used in industry or public buildings where air pollution is a problem. It may also be used in homes to keep indoor air clean.
An air filter is made of a frame and filter media. The filter media is a mesh or paper-like material that is folded into pleats. When the filter is unfolded, it covers about 75 square feet. Filters come in different price ranges. The most affordable are disposable pleated filters.
What is a Cabin Air Filter?
Generally speaking, a cabin air filter is a device that helps prevent harmful air contaminants from entering the passenger compartment. These contaminants include particulates, dust, smoke, and allergens. These pollutants can be a health hazard for children and adults who are allergy-prone. It is important to keep your cabin air filter clean and to work properly to prevent health issues and other problems.
The cabin air filter is a small, pleated unit that filters the air that enters the vehicle. It is typically made from a combination of paper and engineered material. It also includes an activated carbon element, which absorbs physically harmful elements by chemical absorption.
Engine air filter vs. cabin air filter
Whether you are considering a new vehicle or are just checking out the latest model, it’s important to understand the difference between an engine air filter and a cabin air filter. They are not the same but are designed to do similar things.
While the engine air filter is designed to keep contaminants out of the engine, the cabin filter is a more sophisticated system that also prevents contaminants from affecting the HVAC system. The cabin filter also has the ability to clean the air before it enters the passenger compartment.
Cabin filters are designed to capture fine particles such as pollen and mold spores. They are also designed to block contaminants from getting into the HVAC system and the defrosting system. The cabin filter is located under the dashboard on the passenger side.
An engine air filter is a bit simpler to install and requires no tools. It helps to keep the air inside your vehicle clean and fresh, which helps your engine to perform well. A clogged engine air filter can cause major breakdowns. Clogged filters also reduce the performance of the engine and can cause your vehicle to use more fuel.
While a cabin filter is supposed to clean the air before it enters the vehicle, it’s not as good at it as an engine air filter. Cabin filters are also prone to clogging, which can cause musty smells and inefficiencies in your AC system.
Cost of Maintenance
Changing your air filters and cabin filters can be expensive. The cost of maintenance can vary depending on the model of the vehicle as well as the technician performing the work. Some vehicles can require more frequent filter replacement.
If you are unsure of the cost of maintenance of air filters and cabin filters, you can check with the manufacturer. Each manufacturer recommends a different amount of time between replacements. You can also check with your maintenance manual for specific checks to ensure that you are not missing out on important maintenance.
