A clogged air filter can have a significant impact on your car, HVAC system, and home. It restricts air flow and reduces oxygen in the mixture, causing your engine to consume more fuel to produce enough power. An HVAC system that is not properly maintained can reduce overall comfort levels in your home and cause chronic allergies. In addition, a dirty air filter can reduce oxygen flow and cause slow driving performance in a modern car.
To prevent this from happening, automotive experts recommend replacing filters every 12,000 miles or 12 months. One of the best and easiest improvements you can make to your vehicle is to buy a reusable air filter, such as a K&N filter. Make sure your mechanic checks the air filter when you leave your car for service and follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding replacing the air filter. Just like replacing your car's engine oil and air filter every 3,000 miles, a clean HVAC air filter protects your heating system from being damaged and ultimately completely failing.
If the filter becomes too clogged with dust, dander, and debris, then the blower has to work harder to get air through a clogged filter. Note that the inner layers of filter paper inside the air cleaner may have no visible debris or dust and dirt, even in bright light. It is important to understand the consequences of not changing your air filter regularly. A bad or dirty air filter will drag you down as an energetic driver, reduce engine performance, and cause your HVAC system to work harder and operate less efficiently. It can also negatively affect your home's humidity levels and be dangerous for people with asthma or other respiratory conditions.
