As previously discussed above, failing to change your filter means debris and dirt will soon clog your unit, causing it to overwork. This in turn raises your energy bills. It takes longer to cool your home. With an old air filter running, you'll notice that it takes so much time for your AC to cool you home.
If you don't change your air filter, it can quickly become clogged with dust and debris, preventing proper air filtration. This leads to a variety of issues for your HVAC system including system inefficiency, higher energy bills, inadequate air quality, and ultimately failure.
How Often Do I Need to Change Out My Air Filter? Generally, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing your air filter every 90 days, or 3 months. That can change based on where your home is located (ex. dusty, dry climates), if you have any pets, and the age of your system and equipment.
There is no question that a dirty filter will affect the efficiency of an air conditioner and eventually cause it freeze up, which will result in little or no air flow through the cooling coils. That can also cause damage to the coils, overheat the blower motor or damage the compressor.
Dirty filters can cause many problems, from decreased efficiency to ice build-up. But even if those things don't happen, the debris can still damage the delicate components of your AC unit over time. This will lead to premature wear and tear, which can shorten the lifespan of your system.
You might wonder about the risks of running your AC without a filter, even temporarily. The simple answer is: not for long. Ideally, your AC should never operate without a filter for more than 6-8 hours. Going beyond this can negatively affect both your system's health and your home's air quality.
Many disposable air conditioner filters should be replaced rather than cleaned, as cleaning with water can lead to possible mold issues. Clean the coils and fan of the AC regularly, using a canister of condensed air to blow away dust and buildup.
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.
If you let this happen for long enough, the filter could break, releasing all of the pollutants it has accumulated. The pollutants will then float freely though your HVAC system, your house, and eventually your lungs. This can lead to your home's air supply feeling stuffy and dirty, and you could get sick as a result.
Yes. After a while, the extra strain on your cooling system can cause it to break down. A dirty AC air filter can exacerbate minor mechanical issues or cause rapid wear and tear to machine parts. Eventually, the damage adds up to a broken air conditioner that needs professional AC repair.
When you forget to change your air filters on an often and regular basis, dust and other particles can start to build up, creating a clogged or dirty HVAC air filter that will have negative consequences on your home's indoor air quality.
As previously discussed above, failing to change your filter means debris and dirt will soon clog your unit, causing it to overwork. This in turn raises your energy bills. It takes longer to cool your home. With an old air filter running, you'll notice that it takes so much time for your AC to cool you home.
A new, clean new air filter keeps your HVAC unit running smoother and running longer, extending its useful life.
Most manufacturers recommend changing basic fiberglass filters every 30 days. Higher-quality pleated filters should generally be changed every 90 days, though they can potentially last up to six months.
Moisture and mold: Even high-quality HEPA filters need to be cleaned and replaced. If not, moisture can accumulate in the duct system and moisture is where mold thrives. If the ducts become too moist, mold infestations can result.
Dirty air filters can restrict airflow and put tremendous stress on the air conditioner. The additional, unnecessary stress leaves your AC unit more prone to malfunctions and can even cause it to break down on excessively hot days.
You may notice a significant decline in HVAC performance, increased energy bills, and decreased comfort in your home. Additionally, delaying filter changes can lead to more extensive damage to your HVAC system, requiring costly repairs or replacement.
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, dirty AC filters may contribute to increased difficulty with allergies or asthma while inside. Your air conditioning filter is designed to catch particles such as allergens, dust, and dander.
Reusable filters can be washed and replaced. However, the disposable filters you use in your HVAC system aren't made to shed water after they get wet. The moisture the filter retains can encourage mold growth over time, and your HVAC system might spread the mold spores throughout the rest of your home.
But you might wonder, is it better to have a dirty air filter or no air filter? Without an AC filter, dirt and debris are drawn into the system. In addition to blowing back into your home, some of the debris remains in the HVAC and builds up and can damage your home's system, requiring costly repairs.
First, check your filters and coils for dirt and debris that may be impeding airflow. Once you've cleaned the filters and coils, run the air conditioner with just the fan so that the ice accumulation can melt off. If the AC still doesn't blow cold air, it could be that refrigerant levels are too low.
Is my AC not working because of the filter? Potentially, yes. While there are a whole host of issues that could cause problems with your air conditioning system, a dirty air filter should be the first thing to check if your central air conditioning unit isn't working as properly as it should.
In a deep sink or outdoors using a garden hose, rinse the filter gently and thoroughly, and allow it to dry. If you need to provide a deep clean, soak the filter in a flat bin with 1 part white vinegar and 1 part warm water for an hour, and then rinse it gently with the hose.
Make sure to turn off your air conditioner once you're ready to replace the filter. This is important for two reasons. First, having the power on while working on appliances is not safe. Second, you don't want the system to suck in dust and debris while you're in the middle of changing the filter.