When Is the Right Time to Change Your Car and Home Air Filters?

Most car manufacturers suggest changing air filters at regular intervals, usually between 15,000 and 45,000 miles. Replacing a blocked air filter can boost fuel efficiency and enhance acceleration, depending on the make and model of the vehicle. To comprehend why this is so essential, it's important to understand how an air filter works. A dirty or damaged air filter restricts the amount of air that enters the engine, causing it to work harder and thus consume more fuel.

Since the engine needs more than 10,000 liters of oxygen to burn each liter of fuel, it's important not to impede this air flow. Of course, the air filters must be changed if they are damaged. However, to maintain the maximum possible performance of your car, it is recommended to replace air filters at least every 12,000 to 15,000 miles (19,000 to 24,000 km). This interval should be reduced if you often drive in dusty conditions.

Children are more sensitive than adults to indoor air pollutants, such as mold, dust mites, dandruff and pollen. To keep your home's air clean and healthy for your family, use quality air filters and change them before they get too clogged and dirty. If you have young children at home, it's a good idea to use high-quality pleated air filters and change them as often as two months. The only way to be sure how often your air filter should be changed is to visually inspect the filter every month.

Outdoor air quality can have a major impact on how often the air filter gets dirty and needs to be changed. Fiberglass air filters are the more affordable of the two, but they are less effective at capturing dust and particles from the air. Pleated air filters are more expensive initially, but they're also more efficient at trapping particles and can last up to 90 days, depending on use. Dirty or damaged air filters reduce air flow to the engine and alter the car's air-fuel balance.

After a period of smoke-filled days and poor outdoor air quality, inspect the air filter to see if it needs to be changed. To guarantee that only clean air comes out of the air conditioning system, replace the air filter before it clogs so you can breathe better.