What happens if you don't get a new air filter?

Author: Dalton Veum  |  Last update: Sunday, August 17, 2025

Your health is at risk. The contaminants can end up back into the indoor air that you breathe. This can cause health issues such as dizziness, headaches, irritable eyes or throat etc. Long-term side effects of this could be respiratory infections, heart problems or even cancer.

What happens if I don't replace my air filter?

If you don't change your cabin air filter, it can become clogged over time and restrict the airflow into the car. This will lead to reduced fuel efficiency, increased emissions, and possible problems with the engine. In worst case scenarios, this could result in a failed engine or even an accident.

Can your AC stop working if you don't change the filter?

As the system is working harder to get around clogged air filters, it can cause the entire system to overwork and eventually break. If this happens, you'll need to replace the entire system, which can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $12,000.

Can you get sick from not changing the air filter?

Yes, a dirty air filter can potentially make you sick. Here's how: Dust and Allergens: A clogged air filter can allow dust, pollen, mold spores, and other allergens to circulate in the air. Breathing in these particles can trigger allergies or asthma symptoms.

How long can you go without changing air filter in car?

It's recommended that you change your car's air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, depending on how often you drive and the type of environment you live in. During normal driving conditions, changing the air filter every 20,000 miles will usually suffice.

The ULTIMATE Air Filter Test [Engineer Tested]

Can I drive with a dirty air filter?

One of your vehicle's most important yet often overlooked components is its air filter, which helps keep dust and dirt out of the engine. Unfortunately, a dirty or clogged air filter can cause major damage to your vehicle if left unchecked.

What happens if you wait too long to change air filter?

If you don't change your AC filter, it will begin to fail. It will no longer be able to filter the air properly, letting dust and contaminants get into the HVAC system. Dust jams the moving parts of an AC such as fan motors and valves. Airflow is restricted which creates a strain on the system.

What damage might occur without an air filter?

Without an air filter in place, the engine may also be sucking dirt and debris in at the same time. This can cause damage to internal engine parts, such as valves, pistons and cylinder walls. The result is excessive oil consumption, poor engine performance, and eventually engine failure.

What happens if your air filter is bad?

When the engine air filter is dirty, the engine may not receive the proper amount of air for efficient combustion. This can lead to decreased fuel efficiency, causing your vehicle to consume more fuel than usual.

Can not changing air filter break AC?

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.

How long can you go without changing AC filter?

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.

Will my AC be ok without a filter?

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.

Should I turn off AC when changing air filter?

Turn the unit off. Turning this off prevents the air from blowing dust and grit into your system. Open up your vent and remove the used filter. Make sure the Air Flow Arrows are pointing toward the HVAC Unit.

Can I clean my air filter instead of replacing it?

These effects can result in impurities entering the combustion chamber which can damage piston rings, bushes and cylinders. Repairing these damages repeatedly exceeds the cost of a new air filter, so it is certainly not worth taking the risk by cleaning the filter. Cleaning the air filter only improves its appearance.

What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the air filter?

If it's restricted by contaminants, you'll begin to notice these symptoms of a dirty air filter.
  • Dirty filter. ...
  • Weird noises. ...
  • Check Engine Light. ...
  • Black smoke from exhaust. ...
  • Unburned fuel smell from exhaust. ...
  • Fuel economy is noticeably lower. ...
  • Hesitation or stumbling on acceleration.

Does a dirty air filter cause your car to jerk?

Your engine does not work well with contaminated air. The engine does not put out enough power or performance when it is dirty. If your car jerks when you try to accelerate, it may not be getting enough oxygen. The horsepower in your vehicle is dependent entirely on the amount of oxygen the engine receives.

What happens if you don't change air filter?

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.

Will a dirty air filter throw a code?

A dirty air filter can cause your vehicle to throw a Check Engine code. During this instance, the Check Engine Light of your vehicle will turn on. The light turns on because your vehicle is sensing that its engine isn't receiving enough air.

Can a bad air filter cause poor acceleration?

A clogged air filter blocks air from entering your engine, preventing it from achieving the correct air-to-fuel ratio. It starts to function inefficiently, using up more gas while increasing pollution. Engine power diminishes, the throttle does not respond as quickly, and acceleration becomes weak.

Can you get sick from not changing air filter?

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.

Is it OK to run no air 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.

Can a bad air filter cause no AC?

A dirty air filter can be to blame if your central air conditioning unit hasn't been working the way it should lately. A host of problems can occur with this filth and, in the most extreme case, the complete breakdown of your AC.

What happens if you haven't changed the AC filter in a year?

Air filters that are overdue for a change are a common cause of HVAC system failure. Over time, dirt builds up in the heating and AC filters, causing components such as the motor to go into overdrive, which may eventually overheat your unit.

Can a dirty filter cause fire?

One of the biggest hazards caused by a dirty furnace filter is a fire in your furnace or ducts. In severe cases, if a furnace filter gets so clogged that air can no longer pass through, it can get sucked into the vent. This is a serious fire hazard that could damage your furnace system and your home.

How long can you go with a dirty air filter?

A typical air filter lasts between 12,000 and 15,000 miles before it collects too much dirt and needs to be replaced. Some might suffer minor damage that requires replacement sooner. And if you drive in a rainy or a dusty climate, the air filter could go bad sooner than 12,000 miles.

Previous article
What is the best plant to propagate?
Next article
Can Miracle-Gro go bad?