Risks of Running Your AC Without a Filter

It’s important for Bay Area homeowners to know how to properly care for their property and all systems. An air conditioner is one of the most expensive investments in a home. It is vital to you and your family’s comfort as well. This is why you should ensure that your AC remains in top condition. A poignant way of doing this is ensuring the air filter remains clean. A lot of homeowners ignore this important step.

This post will highlight the importance of an air filter and why you should keep it clean.

Use of an Air Filter

An AC filter is made from spun fiberglass material, cloth or pleated paper held within a frame. This is usually located in the return air duct but can also be near the bottom in the front of the furnace. The main purpose of an air conditioner’s filter is to clean circulating air within the air conditioning system.

The material of the air filter is designed to capture various contaminants and particles which may otherwise find their way into your house. The air filter traps the particles within fibers and keeps then outside the HVAC system. This helps in protecting your family and AC equipment.

Some common types of contaminants trapped by AC air filters include:

• Pollen and other allergens
• Dust and dirt
• Fibers and lint
• Mold and mold spores
• Hair and animal fur
• Bacteria and microorganisms
• Plaster, metal, and wood particles

Can I Use my AC Without a Filter?

While you can run an air conditioner without the filter, it is strongly recommended that you don’t. It is possible that you may not have an air filter at hand to replace the current one. However, it is safer to run an air conditioner with a dirty air filter than with none at all. Instead, you should get to the store as quickly as possible to get a replacement. You are leaving your air conditioner at risk of expensive and severe problems without an air filter.

Risks of Running an Air Conditioner Without Filter

Running an air conditioner without filter can result in permanent damage to the system and decreased comfort. It can also lead to hefty repair bills. These are a few other risks:

• Motor or compressor issues: Debris or dirt are the main culprits behind motor and compressor malfunctions. Without a proper filter, contaminants can get inside the compressor and motor.
• Poor IAQ: Indoor air quality is improved when the filters are doing their job. You will see a significant drop in air quality inside the house when you run the air conditioner without a clean filter. This can affect the health of your family as well.
• High utility bills: Motor or compressor issues because of a lack of air filter can cause the system to work harder. This can result in higher energy bills as the system will need more power to run.
• Water damage: The condensate drain can become clogged if you don’t have an air filter to capture debris. The drain is helpful in getting rid of extra humidity. A clogged drain may cause water to back up and damage the system.
• Dirty ducting system: Without air filters, dust and debris will move through the system freely. Debris may build up inside the ductwork resulting in inadequate airflow and other concerns.