Can you tell the difference between an air conditioning filter and an air filter? How often should it be changed?

As the seasons change, after a summer of use, the air conditioning filter of a car needs to be checked to see if it is too dirty. If it is, the air conditioning filter should be replaced regularly.

So the question arises: What is an air conditioning filter element? Where is it? How to tell if it's dirty or not? Do you want to change it? Is an "air filter element" the same as an "air conditioning filter element"?

Is the "air filter element" and the "air conditioning filter element" the same thing?

Although the names are very similar, the two are not different. Although both the "air filter element" and the "air conditioning filter element" serve to filter air and are replaceable filter elements, their functions are quite different.

Air filter element

The air filter element of a car is unique to internal combustion engine models, such as gasoline vehicles, diesel vehicles, and hybrid vehicles. Its function is to filter the air needed for the engine to operate and burn. When the car engine is working, fuel and air mix and enter the cylinder for combustion, driving the vehicle forward. This air is purified and filtered by the air filter element, so the position of the air filter element is at the front end of the intake pipe in the car engine compartment. Pure electric vehicles do not have air filters.

Under normal circumstances, the air filter element can be replaced every six months. When there is a high incidence of smog, it should be replaced every three months. Or it can be checked every 5,000 kilometers: If it is not dirty, just blow it with high-pressure air. If it is obviously very dirty, it needs to be replaced in time. If the air filter element is not replaced for a long time, its filtering performance will deteriorate. Particulate pollutants in the air will enter the cylinder, forming carbon deposits, which will lead to a decrease in power and an increase in fuel consumption. If this continues for a long time, it will shorten the engine's lifespan.

Air conditioning filter element

Since almost all family car models are equipped with air conditioning systems, both fuel-powered and pure electric models will have air conditioning filters. The function of the air conditioning filter element is to filter the air blown into the cabin from the outside, providing a better driving and riding environment for the occupants inside the vehicle. When the air conditioning system of a car is turned on, the air entering the cabin from the outside is first filtered through the air conditioning filter, which can effectively prevent sand, dust or particles from entering the cabin.

The ordinary filter paper type is the cheapest, but it can only filter out dust and larger foreign objects. The activated carbon air conditioning filter core can not only filter out dust but also adsorb pollen, formaldehyde and other harmful gases.

If the air conditioning filter is replaced frequently and the driving environment is good with little smog, you can also choose a regular air conditioning filter or an activated carbon filter.

Maintenance and replacement

The replacement of the car air conditioning filter element has clear standards in the maintenance manual. Generally, it should be replaced every 10,000 to 20,000 kilometers or every 1 to 2 years. Car owners can strictly follow this rule or make slight adjustments based on the driving environment and driving habits. Meanwhile, during the summer when air conditioners are frequently used, it is recommended that car owners develop the habit of using natural wind to dry the air conditioning pipes before parking.

When conditions permit, it is recommended to check the air conditioner filter every spring and autumn. If there is no unpleasant smell and it is not too dirty, just blow it with a high-pressure air gun. If mold or obvious dirt occurs, it should be replaced immediately. If the air conditioning filter is not replaced for a long time, dust will accumulate on it, mold and deteriorate in the humid air, and an unpleasant smell is likely to occur inside the car. Moreover, the air conditioner filter core adsorbs a large amount of impurities and loses its filtering effect. Over time, this leads to the breeding and reproduction of bacteria, which is harmful to the human body.