You can expect an average total replacement cost of $79 for an AC air filter, with $24 for parts and $54 for the mechanic’s labor. The exact price will depend on your vehicle.

How long does it take to change an AC air filter?

In general, it only takes a few minutes for a certified mechanic to replace your AC air filter. Your mechanic will perform a preliminary inspection to determine if a replacement is necessary, then follow through with the full replacement.

Here’s an overview of AC air filter replacement costs for different vehicles:

AC air filter replacement cost for various vehicles

Estimate Date	Customer	Car	Fair Cost Estimate	Parts Cost	Labor Cost	Labor Time
November 17, 2024	Miguel, 21 Boston, MA	Mercury Cougar	$57	$20	$38	0.4 Hours
November 14, 2024	Linnie, 25 Westfield, MA	Chevrolet Cobalt	$141	$25	$116	1.0 Hours
November 14, 2024	Sue, 26 North Pole, AK	Alfa Romeo Giulia	$146	$25	$122	1.0 Hours
November 10, 2024	Nell, 32 Providence, RI	Audi A7	$65	$20	$45	0.4 Hours
November 6, 2024	Martha, 40 Madison, TN	Nissan Sentra	$58	$20	$38	0.4 Hours

How did we estimate these prices?
Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.

Get a free fair cost estimate for my car

See fair price estimates for popular cars

What parts do I need for my AC air filter replacement?

You will need a new AC air filter to replace your old one. Replacement cabin air filters for cars will on average cost you $19.67–$24.04. You can check your owner’s manual or ask your mechanic for the precise specifications of the air filter you require.

Some reputable brands we recommend include Fram, Bosch, and ACDelco for reliable and quality AC air filters. You can typically purchase these brands from retailers such as AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, O'Reilly Auto Parts, and Amazon. However, like price, recommended brands may also vary depending on your vehicle's specific year, make, and model.

Should I buy an OEM or aftermarket AC air filter replacement?

Aftermarket AC air filter replacements reportedly provide better air flow and stronger performance than OEM filters. Bonus: they’re more affordable, too.

Where can I buy a new AC air filter replacement part?

AC air filter replacements can be purchased at auto body shops and online auto parts shops like AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, and O'Reilly Auto Parts. You can also find them on Amazon. Your vehicle’s owner manual will list the specs for a replacement and usually include a part number, which you can then use to find the proper AC air filter.

Find out what parts are recommended for my car

Where can I get my AC air filter replaced?

Finding the right place to get your AC air filter replaced can be tricky—especially if you don’t have a trusted mechanic to turn to. Luckily, Jerry's

GarageGuard™

can help you compare costs for the services you need from over 2,500 reputable repair shops across the country.

Jerry's GarageGuard™ compares fair price estimates from shops using their actual hourly labor rate. GarageGuard™ will also let you know if you need to budget for diagnostic fees and show you reviews from real customers to help you choose the best service.

Check out some of our vetted shops below and download the app to compare car repair quotes in your area.

186 Reviews

Eastchester Service Station

600 White Plains Rd, Mount Vernon, NY

AC Air Filter Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$136

(Parts - $22, Labor - $114)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$125

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (914) 337-3799

162 Reviews

Meineke Car Care Center 2913

23035 Douglas Court, Harvey, IL

AC Air Filter Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$136

(Parts - $22, Labor - $114)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$65

Compare this shop for free with Jerry 708) 954-0458

106 Reviews

Lee Myles Transmissions

1110 Dorchester Ave, Boston, MA

AC Air Filter Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$137

(Parts - $22, Labor - $115)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$140

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (617) 282-0488

113 Reviews

Kwik Kar Ridgmar

6510 Westworth Blvd, Fort Worth, TX

AC Air Filter Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$131

(Parts - $22, Labor - $109)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$120

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (817) 806-2000

How did we vet these shops?
Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.

How will a mechanic replace my AC air filter?

If your car’s AC air filter is clogged, dirty, or otherwise damaged, your mechanic will replace it by following these steps:

Locate the cabin air filter (in most cars, the AC air filter is located behind the passenger glove box, but it may be behind the dash or in the engine bay)

Remove the glove box (some glove boxes are held in place by plastic tabs, while others are secured with screws)

Slide the AC air filter out of its housing

Identify the orientation arrows on the new filter and slide it into place

Replace the glove box

Start the car and turn on the AC to ensure the airflow is strong and no smells are present

What happens if I don’t replace my AC air filter?

While your AC air filter is not necessary to drive, it is an essential component of your car’s AC system. A failing AC air filter can lead to the following issues:

Lower engine power, overheating engine, misfires, or complete engine failure

Broken valves

Damage to your camshaft or cylinders

Piston damage

Oil leaks

Belt slippage (resulting in engine failure)

Your vehicle’s AC air filter is a critical component of the AC system that filters out debris, dust, and other particles from the air that enters your car’s cabin. If it clogs or fails, the air quality will suffer, and the air may stop flowing entirely.

What is an AC air filter?

An AC air filter is a component of the HVAC system that captures and removes airborne particles, improving indoor air quality. It's essential to regularly change or clean the filter to maintain system efficiency and prevent respiratory issues.

How do I know when my AC filter needs replacing?

Your car may need an AC air filter replacement if the airflow is weak or you notice a strange smell coming from the vents. Your mechanic will inspect the filter for damage and clogs before replacing it if necessary.

The most common sign of a faulty filter is weak airflow from the vents. Other symptoms include a foul odor coming from the vents and strange noises coming from the AC system.

How long do AC air filters last?

You should replace your AC air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, and your mechanic should inspect the filter for damage and debris each time you take your car in for an oil change.

Outside of your regular service intervals, you should replace the AC air filter if it’s damaged or clogged with debris.

Can you change your own AC filter?

Replacing the AC air filter is usually a simple job that you can do right in your driveway. However, if your car’s cabin air filter is located in the engine bay or behind the dash, it may be wise to hire a mechanic to replace it for you.

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FAQs

What if I never change the cabin air filter?

A car AC air filter—more commonly known as a cabin air filter—keeps the air you breathe fresh by preventing dust, debris, pollen, bacteria, and other particles from entering your car’s cabin. If you don’t replace the air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, your lungs may be affected.

A faulty AC air filter can also lead to a number of serious car problems, including engine failure, oil leaks, and broken valves, among others.

Are expensive air filters worth it?

For most drivers, a simple low-cost AC air filter will be sufficient. But if you have allergies to dust or pollen, you may want to pay a premium for a HEPA air filter made of fiberglass, which can catch more allergens and contaminants than a cardboard filter.

Likewise, if you’re easily bothered by smells or have sensitivities to certain chemicals, you may want to invest in a charcoal air filter. Charcoal can absorb unpleasant odors and gasses like sulfur dioxide, helping drivers to breathe easier.

Can you drive a car without a cabin air filter?

It is possible to drive a car without an AC air filter, but it may damage your engine, valves, camshaft or cylinders, and pistons. It could also result in oil leaks and belt slippage. And without a filter, poor-quality air may flow into your car, possibly affecting your lungs and those of your passengers.

What happens if you put the wrong air filter in a car?

If you put the wrong-sized AC air filter in your car, your health and safety could suffer. Dust, pollen, soot, and other contaminants won’t be filtered out. Not only could this irritate your lungs, but it may damage your car’s engine, cylinders, and pistons.

Luckily, it’s easy to find the right-sized AC air filter. The part number can usually be found in your vehicle owner’s manual, and you can go to an auto body shop or shop online for the correct air filter.

Meet Our Experts

John Davis

Car Expert

Certified mechanic with 10+ years of experience

John Davis is an expert automotive writer and former automotive mechanic. John's work spans multiple categories, and he relishes the opportunity to research a new subject and expand his area of expertise and industry knowledge. To date, John has written more than 200 articles covering car maintenance and care, car advice, how-to guides, and more.

Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, John worked as a mechanic and freelance writer, creating content for clients including HotCars and SetPower.

Jessica Barrett

Car Expert

Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit.

Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.

Kathleen Flear

Car Expert

Kathleen Flear is an expert insurance writer and editor who heads up Jerry’s editorial team as director of content. Kathleen empowers drivers to make smart car ownership decisions through best-in-class articles on insurance, loans, and maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry in 2021, Kathleen served as managing editor for a team of SEO content marketing professionals at Article-Writing.co and worked as a freelance writer and editor for a range of digital publications, including Chicago Literati magazine and Golden Words. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Queen’s University, and a master’s degree in creative writing and fiction from Sierra Nevada University.

*The price information provided on our car repair webpages is intended for general informational purposes only. Actual prices for car repair services may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to the make and model of your vehicle, the extent of repair required, and the prevailing market conditions. All prices for real repair shops are estimations based on our research only. Therefore, the prices listed on our webpages should not be considered as final quotes or binding offers.