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No, you should never run your AC without a filter!
While your HVAC unit will run, it should never run without an air filter. Dirt is the number one cause of air conditioners breaking down, so running your unit without an installed air filters can cause serious damage. The purpose of your air filter is to clean your home’s air and to keep your AC system dust- and dirt-free, which is why it’s important to only run your AC with a filter installed.
Although there are specific situations when this may be acceptable for a very short time, in most situations running your AC without a filter could be disastrous. Generally, anytime you run your air conditioning system without an air filter you are taking a major risk. To save you from any potentially permanent damage, we will dive into the deeper concepts and implications of running your AC without a filter.
What Does an Air Filter Do?
The broader purpose of your air filter is to clean your home’s air and to keep your AC system dust- and dirt-free. Since dirt, dust, dander, and other particulates in the air can cause damage to an air conditioner, air filters are needed to act as a barrier for the AC.
To optimally serve this purpose, most filters are made with a unique material like fiberglass or special cloth that will trap particles in the air within it. Air filters are rated on the level of filtration of the particulates in the air, commonly using the MERV rating system or other equivalent systems like MPR and FPR. Depending on the air quality and the environment that the air filter is used in, different levels of filtration may be required to optimally protect air conditioners from damage.
Although it is important to pick the right filter for your specific situation, using no filter at all is the worst option and can lead to long-term damage.
What Causes Damage to an AC Without a Filter?
Dirt is the number one cause of air conditioners breaking down, so running your unit without an installed air filters can cause serious damage. Aside from dirt though, there are many kinds of air particulates that can lead to damage. Contaminants in the air that could also harm an air conditioner include:
- Dust
- Pollen
- Pet dander
- Hair
- Dirt
With the proper air filter in place, these contaminants and more can be kept from ever reaching the air conditioner. Depending on the rating of the air filter purchased, the level of contaminant filtration may vary though. Again, though it is important to select the appropriate MERV rating for your specific situation, running your AC without a filter altogether poses more serious risks that may lead to breakdowns or extra repair costs.
Risks/Problems that Occur from Running Your AC Without a Filter
Can you run an AC without an air filter? Yes. However, you need to know what happens if you don’t have an air filter in your AC. Anytime you run your AC without using a filter, you are taking a serious risk with your AC’s health which could lead to needing repairs or a replacement. The following are all potential negative implications of running AC/HVAC systems without a filter:
Dust and Debris Get all Over the House
Since air filters normally trap dirt, dust, hair, and other contaminants, running your AC without a filter will lead to the recirculation of debris throughout the house. This contributes to generally poor indoor air quality and can aggravate allergies or affect the health of you and your family.
Issues in Your Ductwork
Not only does an air filter trap particulates and protect your AC, but filters also keep debris out of your air ducts. Without a filter in place, these contaminants are free to travel throughout the ducts and may settle there, again possibly negatively impacting health due to the worsened indoor air quality.
Clogging of the Condensation Drain
Another effect of running your AC without a filter is the clogging of the condensate drain, which serves to remove extra liquid accumulated during the dehumidifying process. The extra dirt and debris that pass into the AC system due to the lack of an air filter can make its way into the condensation drain (where it isn’t supposed to be) and clog the drain. As the drain becomes more and more clogged, condensation will instead accumulate on the Freon tubing and cause water damage.
Issues with Freon Tube
Air conditioners cool air by blowing it across tubes filled with the cooling agent Freon. These Freon Tubes are essential to the function of the AC and when blocked or covered in debris are unable to work correctly. As stated above, when the condensation drain is blocked and water instead coats the Freon tubes, debris and dirt can stick to the tubes and prevent proper function.
Higher Energy Bills
Not only can any of the previously mentioned damages cost you money in expensive repairs, but higher energy bills may also come as a result of harm to the AC system. An inefficient or damaged system has to work harder just to operate at the same level. This in turn requires more power to drive the motor or compressor which may be blocked or slowed down by contaminants.
How Long can an Air Conditioner Run Without a Filter?
As a general rule, it is never a good idea to run your air conditioner or HVAC system without an air filter in place. Any amount of time spent doing so can lead to permanent damage and the possibility of needing expensive repairs.
With that said, one to two days of running without a filter may not result in damage depending on the current air quality and environment. Again, running your AC without a filter for any amount of time is ALWAYS a risk to the system. When considering this risk, some environmental factors should be considered which may change the amount of time the system can go without damage.
Special Situations to Consider
Nearby Construction
If construction is taking place in your area, chances are that the dust and debris in your air may be higher than usual. Construction can stir up contaminants in the air and reduce the overall air quality, both indoors and outdoors. An increase in the circulation of particulates in the area could mean quicker damage to your AC when running without a filter.
High Amounts of Dust
For houses or buildings with a larger amount of dust inside, there is an increased risk of damage to systems that aren’t using an air filter. Without the filter to capture this excess dust, it can travel directly into the system and wreak havoc on the main mechanical components.
Poor Air Quality
Generally, poor air quality from pollution, excess dirt, or mold can also lead to damage faster for HVAC systems. It is important to at least consider the quality of air in your home, apartment, or building before risking the long-term health of your AC by running it without a filter. Indoor air quality testing is available and can help you better understand your particular situation.
Pet Dander
For households with pets or buildings that house animals, there will obviously be an increased presence of animal dander in the air. While air filters are generally good at filtering out this dander, running your AC without a filter poses an additional risk of harm to the mechanical components of your HVAC system and to the health of your pets.
How to Get a New Replacement Air Filter Fast
Now that you understand the different types of damage that can occur, hopefully you see the importance of proper air filter use. If your current air filter is broken or dirty, is crucial to get a replacement air filter as fast as possible.
Filterbuy offers a wide range of filters fit for almost any situation. It is important to know before purchasing what size filter you need, what level of protection you will need, and if you will need a custom air filter. Once your specific needs are determined, you can get your replacement filter quickly and easily.
With your new knowledge and the best resources on finding a high-quality filter, you will no longer have to risk damage to your air conditioning system or risk the health of you and your family by running your AC without a filter.
To access a full listing of all of our products, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I need to replace my current filter but don’t have a new air filter? Can I still run my AC?
Running your AC for any time without an air filter is not recommended due to the permanent damage it can cause to the HVAC system. Dirt and dust that is normally absorbed by the filter can make its way into the AC system and wreak havoc on the mechanical components, often leading to expensive repairs. We highly recommend replacing your air filter as quickly as possible.
What MERV filter rating is appropriate for normal air quality?
Although most residential air filters have a MERV rating only between 1 to 4, these are not typically enough to filter out smaller particles. Filterbuy exclusively sells higher rated air filters too ensure that small contaminants like mold, pet dander, and aerosol do not pass through. There is no standard rating for normal air quality, since there are many factors to consider like household environment, the health needs of inhabitants, and budget.
Can I run my air conditioner without a filter for a couple of days safely?
No, running your AC without a filter is not recommended and is generally dangerous to the health of your air conditioner. Any amount of time that an air conditioner is run without a filter could cause damage to the system and shorten its life span. It is best to get a replacement filter as fast as possible.
Is no AC filter better than a dirty one?
No. A dirty filter will slightly protect against some dust particles that will damage your AC system. Its better to have a dirty filter than having no filter. Check out our wide selection of air filters by clicking here.
My air filter is dirty/broken, can I run my air conditioner still?
Dirty or broken air filters have lessened abilities to filter out contaminants from the air. Dirty filters specifically have less surface area to absorb debris and thus will not function as well as a clean filter. Broken or torn filters could allow debris or contaminants to pass into the air conditioner and cause damage to the machine. It is best to get a replacement filter as fast as possible to minimize the risks to your health or to your air conditioner.
