What happens if you run air without filter?

Without a filter, the condensate drain will not be able to drain moisture from the air conditioning unit. This will result in condensation building up in the Freon tube. Condensation will begin to drip down the tray, causing water damage to the entire system. Wait a moment and try again.

A common problem if you use your air conditioner without a filter is that indoor air quality deteriorates. As dust and dirt penetrate the interior of the air conditioner, this contaminant will recede repeatedly and remain suspended in the air. The most common problem with operating an air conditioner without a filter is the decrease in indoor air quality. Without a filter in place, these contaminants can travel freely through the ducts and can settle there, which can also negatively affect health due to worsening indoor air quality.

The function of the air cleaner, together with the compressor motor and evaporator coils, is to prevent air pollutants from entering the air conditioner. That said, running your air conditioner without a filter for more than 6 to 8 hours can cause serious damage to your air conditioning system and significantly reduce the air quality in your home. According to popular belief, the more you use your air conditioner, the more often you should change the air filter. Running the air conditioner at any time without an air cleaner is not recommended because of the permanent damage it can cause to the HVAC system.

All residential and commercial HVAC systems use a filter to remove impurities that are present in the air, so that they do not return them to indoor spaces and contribute to indoor air pollution. Depending on the quality of the air and the environment in which the air filter is used, different levels of filtration may be required to optimally protect air conditioners from damage. A clean air filter is vital to keeping the system in good condition, helping it last longer, and helping the air stay cleaner. The longer you leave your air conditioner running without a filter, the more likely you are to have problems with indoor air quality.

The air cleaner is the barrier to the return ventilation of the air conditioner (the ventilation that draws air into the system). Research has shown that many homes and commercial spaces have air that is more polluted than air from the outside environment. One of the manifestations, when the filter is clogged, is the improper distribution of cold air in the surrounding area. 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.

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. Next, let's see how the air filter works and the negative effects of running the air conditioning system without a filter.

Elisa Michocki
Elisa Michocki

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