When it comes to air conditioning systems, it's always best to have a filter in place. Without a filter, the system will suck in debris-laden air and return the same dirty air to the indoor environment, contributing to health problems. In a short time, the system will be flooded with dirt and debris, which can cause malfunction and consume more energy, shortening its service life. Although the answer to this question is yes, your air conditioning system will continue to work without a filter, you should never try to do so.
We understand that you may not always have a new replacement filter on hand when you want to replace your current one, but it's best to wait until you have a replacement filter. Running the air conditioner without a filter is worse than running it with a dirty one. Instead, go to the store as soon as possible for a replacement or call an HVAC professional to have it replaced. Without a filter, your air conditioner risks serious and costly problems.
Follow our advice and never run your system without one. That said, a day or two of unfiltered operation may cause no damage depending on the current air quality and environment. Once again, running your air conditioner without a filter for any amount of time is ALWAYS a risk to the system. When considering this risk, some environmental factors must be considered that can change the amount of time the system can remain undamaged. Other homeowners have reported that running it overnight without an air filter should be OK, but they warn that they only do so if absolutely necessary.
At most, you can run it for two days without a filter. The preferred option is to run the filter for a day without it. Before we talk about WHEN the air filter should be changed, let's start with the WHY. Because air filters typically trap dirt, dust, hair, and other contaminants, operating the air conditioner without a filter will cause debris to recirculate throughout the home. This is perhaps a little more obvious, but without the air filter to filter the dust, your air conditioner will now throw dust all over your home. Air filters typically have a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Report Value) that determines the type and size of contaminants against which the filter will act.
The only type of filters that trap allergens and spores are HEPA, or high-energy particulate air filters. If your current air filter is broken or dirty, it is essential to get a replacement air filter as soon as possible. Next, let's see how the air filter works and the negative effects of running the air conditioning system without a filter. As you may have noticed, many have emphasized the importance of not running an oven without its air filter. Although most residential air filters have a MERV rating of only 1 to 4, these are usually not enough to filter out the smallest particles. The purpose of your air filter is to clean the air in your home and keep your air conditioning system free of dust and dirt, so it's important to run your air conditioner only with a filter installed.
It's important to know before you buy what size filter you need, what level of protection you'll need, and if you'll need a custom air filter. Not only does an air filter trap particles and protect the air conditioner, but the filters also keep debris out of the air ducts.Using an air filter with a MERV rating higher than recommended by the manufacturer of your oven or air conditioner may impair its performance. The Minimum Efficiency Report Value (MERV) rating for an air filter measures how effectively the filter prevents dust and other contaminants from passing through the filter into the air stream. The general consensus is that you should replace your home's air filter every 3 months or 90 days. But what happens if you let that time go by a little? It's essential to understand that operating an HVAC system without an adequate or functioning air filter can cause serious damage over time.
To ensure optimal performance from your HVAC system and keep your family safe from airborne contaminants, make sure you replace your home's air filters regularly.
