An air filter is an essential component of a furnace, and it cannot work without one. A furnace must always be equipped with a clean and functional filter in order to function properly. While it is technically possible to operate a furnace without a filter, it is not recommended as it can cause serious damage to the system and the health of your family. An air filter's primary purpose is to filter out airborne contaminants.
It does this for the furnace itself, not for air quality directly. Running a furnace without a filter for an extended period of time puts it at risk of future damage. Gravity pulls pet dander, bacteria, and other particles to the ground. They are in the air for a while, but eventually settle.
When the furnace draws in the air, it agitates the particles and then moves them into the furnace. Ovens are often placed in dusty areas, so if you were to use your furnace without an air filter, all that dust and debris could get stuck in your system and cause a large build up over time. This build-up can clog and damage the system. To protect and extend the life of your system, it is recommended that you only operate the furnace with an air filter. While things like dust and allergens can be very small, they can accumulate in a furnace over time if not for the filter.
While the filter helps with air quality, its true purpose is to prevent those particles from accumulating on furnace machinery. Running a furnace without a filter for long periods of time has almost the same side effects as using it with a dirty one. If you notice that your furnace is not performing as expected but your bills are rising, it could be due to a clogged filter. These filters are easy to change, making it a quick and painless home maintenance task that dramatically improves airflow. The most common problem that arises from operating a furnace without a filter is poor indoor air quality. An overworked furnace can easily overheat and break down, so inserting a new, clean air filter regularly will help protect its integrity.
In addition to all the problems you can cause with your HVAC, not running your furnace with a filter can also increase allergies and household dust. Basically, servicing the furnace filter and changing it every 1-3 months will help avoid system failure. If you choose to operate the furnace without a filter installed, a number of potential problems can arise and lead to its breakdown. Yes, you can run a furnace without a filter for a short period of time without damage, such as an hour or less. However, it is best to invest in an advanced air filter such as Air Beast which has 65% more filter media to provide greater airflow to the system with a large filtering capacity. Contrary to popular belief, the first and foremost purpose of an air filter is to protect your HVAC equipment.
To ensure optimal performance of your furnace and keep your family safe from airborne contaminants, make sure you always have an air filter installed.
