Is it possible to run my air conditioner without a filter? For a limited time, you can run your air conditioner without a filter without causing damage to your system.
Running your air conditioner for over 6-8 hours without a filter can do substantial damage to your air conditioner and dramatically impair the quality of the air in your home.
Let's look at how your air filter works, what happens if you don't have one, and why you'll need Chandler AC maintenance sooner rather than later.
How Does My AC Filter Work?
Its primary purpose is to keep dirt and debris out of your air conditioning system and your home.
Your air conditioner removes heat from the air in your home before recirculating it. The filter protects the return vent of your air conditioner. This gadget keeps dirt and debris out of your air conditioning system.
Dirt and debris enter the system without an AC filter. Some of this debris flies inside your home and settles in your HVAC system. This could dramatically improve your home's air quality and reduce debris and dust damage to your system.
Air conditioning pulls in "dirty" air, circulates it throughout your home, and then recirculates it. There are two problems:
- Instead of breathing filtered air, you're inhaling debris-laden air.
- The air conditioner is circulating through your home, causing dust and other debris to accumulate on surfaces.
Evaporator Coils Get Frozen
Dust gets sucked into your indoor AC unit and settles on the evaporator coils if you don't use a filter.
If there is dust on the evaporator coils, your home is more likely to have frozen coils.
You'll have problems like this if your evaporator coils are frozen.
- Increased energy bills: If your evaporator coils freeze, your air conditioner will have to run for more extended periods to keep your home cool. Over time, there will be a lot of bills.
- If your evaporator coils are frozen and you keep running your system, your AC compressor is at risk. The AC compressor on your outdoor unit is commonly referred to as the system's "heart." The compressor in your air conditioner is called a "pumper," and depending on the air conditioner model you have, replacing it might cost several thousand dollars.
- Your AC system will use less conditioned air if the evaporator coils are frozen. A frozen or clogged AC evaporator coil will allow very little air to pass through the vent, yet the air will be cooler than usual.
Find Your Chandler AC Replacement Experts
Air conditioning systems do not break down for no reason. For example, if you don't maintain your air conditioner and run it running for extended periods without a filter, it may break down sooner.
Contact Rescue One Air for quality AC maintenance and repair. Schedule maintenance or learn more about the best AC maintenance for the best indoor air quality available.
You can check out our customer reviews or browse through the Rescue One Air video library to see our AC repair crews in action for further information.
