CN95 Cabin Filters: C represents the “Car”, reached the medical representatives N95,N95 masks level filtering effect. Like masks, car cabin filters also have different levels of filtration efficiency. The filtration efficiency for particles ≥0.3μm has reached 95%, which means it has reached the “CN95 level” protection effect, which can quickly purify the air in the car, besides the conventional step-by-step filtration of dust, harmful gases, PM2.5 particles, etc. Especially for droplets with a diameter of more than 0.74μm, which are often attached to the new coronavirus, it has a better filtering effect and can effectively isolate the new coronavirus(COVID-19). It is like wearing a “CN95 mask!”.This means that fine dust particles, bacteria and virus aerosols can be blocked. It should be noted that the higher the filter efficiency level, the easier it is to accumulate dust, and the ventilation and service life are relatively low. This is the same reason that we feel suffocated when we wear N95 masks.

Cabin air filter purifies the air we breathe inside the car. Just like the AC filter at home, cabin filters are a pleated filter with various shapes and sizes for different cars and models. Most new cars are equipped with a cabin filter as part of the HVAC system to enhance the quality of air inside the car for drivers and passenger.

The cabin air filter, often referred to as “Particulate Filter” or “Pollen Filter”, is designed to trap pollen and dust.  Other filters include activated charcoal to adsorb harmful gases and undesired smells, often referred to as “activated charcoal filter.” Advanced cabin filters include an anti-bacterial layer that prevents the buildup of mold on the filter.

Obviously not all filters are equal. Some would offer higher filtration efficiency in terms of their ability to trap fine dust. Filters also differ in their life span before it clogs.

Ideally, a cabin air filter should block out all debris, dust, pollen, allergens, mold, and mildew, as well as pollutants such as carbon monoxide and sulphur dioxide. When looking for a new cabin air filter for your car, those features are the gold standard and should be carefully considered when you make your purchase. Imagine that your mouth and nose are at the front of your car, the level of your grill: everything that is blowing right into that spot, the exhaust, the dust, the particulates, the pollution–it’s all coming right into the cabin through the HVAC. Having a cabin air filter in your vehicle can prevent much of that from entering the cabin (and entering your lungs).

The most common placement of the cabin air filter is behind the glove compartment. Close to 70% of new cars, the cabin filter is located behind the glove box. Replacing filter is as simple as dropping the glove box, finding the access door to the filter, unlock it and remove the old filter.

In other models the filter is located under the cowl just in front of the windshield on the driver side. Other models may have it under the glove box or under the hood.

Yes! If your cabin air filter system is clogged it will impact the ability of the cooling and heating systems (HVAC) in your vehicle to do their jobs adequately.  A clogged filtration system will lead to poor air flow.  So, if you want your AC to work at optimum and healthy capacity it is imperative that you change your cabin air filter on a regular basis at least once or twice a year.

One of the most common indications that it is time to replace the cabin filter, is a moldy or musty smell when the heat or air conditioning is on. The musty odor would smell like a wet towel left in the car for days. This is because pollutants, dust, mold and grime build- up on the filter and turns the filter to a source of pollution inside the car. A dirty cabin filter can make the air inside the car even more polluted than the air outside.  

The other most common sign that it is time for a new cabin filter, is a weak air flow out of the ventilation system. Often drivers confused reduced air flow in the AC with a mechanical problem in the car’s AC system, while it is likely a simple and inexpensive cabin filter replacement.  Clogged cabin filters add more pressure on the AC blower motor which can impact the blower.

Often consumers confuse engine air filter with cabin air filter. While the former is to protect the engine, cabin filter protects the driver and passenger. Engine air filter cleans the air before it enters the combustion chamber in the engine, where flow rate is critical to ensure optimal performance and fuel economy. It is mostly designed to remove dust particles larger than 3 microns.

Protecting the driver and passengers is a different task. Cabin filter are designed to eliminate find dust as small as 0.3 micron and others are also designed to remove harmful gases like carbon monoxide and sulfur-dioxide to name few.  More advance technologies for cabin air filtration like PUREFLOW., have the ability to weaken or inactivate viruses, germs and bacteria.  Such premium products have the capacity to eliminating odors and undesired smells.

There are two criteria to consider when buying cabin air filter “Fit” and “Function”.

Finding the right size and shape that Fits your car is the first step.  It is a simple Search by the year, make and model of your car.

Next, is choosing the quality and performance of cabin filter you want. While there are many choices, it is important to know that not all filters are equal and there is a great variance in performance and quality.  Although some filters may appear similar, premium filters, offer a higher efficiency in capturing fine dust, as well as coarse dust (10 microns or larger), while economy filters primarily filter out large particles. So, it is critical to verify the performance of the filter. Premium filters also include quality activate charcoal to adsorb harmful gases, as well as an anti-bacterial layer to prevent mold buildup on the filter.

You should not run without the cabin air filter. Not only does it prevent all those particles from being breathed in by you and your passengers, but it also prevents particles from getting into and damaging the fan and ducting mechanisms in your HVAC system.