Can Furnaces Work Without Filters?
Heating and cooling units are designed with air filters to trap particulate matter. Without this filter, substances such as dust, dirt, pollen, allergens, and pet dander are sucked up and circulated throughout your home. These pollutants are not only harmful to your health but also the health of your furnace system.
People with allergies should be highly worried about the status of their home furnace filter as it helps trap harmful agents. However, a higher number of users that are not allergic often wonder why they cannot just run their furnaces without a filter. A more in-depth look on the subject will help answer this question.
HVAC Maintenance: Can Furnaces Work Without Filters?
Contents
Located between the blower fan and furnace of your heating system is an air filter. The fan is responsible for drawing in air to the system which is then directed to the furnace for heating. However, the air is forced through a filter which cleans it before it circulates in the system. Different manufacturers use different materials but paper, fiberglass, and woven cloth filters are common.
As time goes by, particulate matter including dust and debris build up on the filter, clogging it in the process. It is recommended to replace the filter as often as possible, typically within three months. However, it is best to check it on a monthly basis and replace when necessary. All homes are different and have different requirements. Although replacing the unit’s filter is meant to be easy, you can hire a professional HVAC technician for the job if you are uncomfortable with it.
Failing to replace your air filter regularly may lead to;
- Poor air flow
- Overheated furnace
- Expensive utility bills
- Worn-down HVAC system
- Costly Repairs
- Poor temperature regulation even with the unit turned on
The Role Of Air Filters & Your Heating System
In essence, your home heating unit will still run even without an air filter. However, you should resist this temptation for two major reasons. First, you put your health at stake by allowing the unit to circulate unfiltered air around your home. Much of the allergies you experience may be reduced by simply keeping the furnace filter clean.
Secondly, your furnace unit can easily be damaged if you run it for a long time without an air filter. As polluted air circulates within the system, the particles are trapped within and affect the normal functioning of the unit. You may have to deal with expensive repairs or a total breakdown of the system if the filter is not in place.
Consequences Of Running An HVAC Unit Without An Air Filter
In essence, your home heating unit will still run even without an air filter. However, you should resist this temptation for two significant reasons. First, you put your health at stake by allowing the unit to circulate unfiltered air around your home. Much of the allergies you experience may be reduced by merely keeping the furnace filter clean.
Secondly, your furnace unit can easily be damaged if you run it for a long time without an air filter. As polluted air circulates within the system, the particles are trapped within, affecting the normal functioning of the unit. You may have to deal with expensive repairs or a total breakdown of the system if the filter is not in place.
- Effects On The HVAC Unit: The primary function of the filter is to keep the furnace in excellent working condition. If you decide to run the heating system without the filter, the evaporator coils and blower motor may be spoiled easily. Poorly cleaned air filters also lead to many problems.
- Poor Air Quality: The air circulated within your home is the first to be affected if the filter in your heating system is not in good condition. As the furnace fan circulates air, dust is stirred, and debris sucked within the system. The polluted is circulated around the system and later ejected only to be inhaled by the home’s occupants.
- Contaminated Ductwork: Some of the air pollutants sucked up by the blower fan get trapped somewhere within the ribbed aluminum tubes of the heating unit. Since moisture is also present within the system, it creates an ideal condition for the growth of mold. This mold is circulated whenever the heating unit is turned on. Accumulated dirt not only lowers the efficiency of the unit but also poses a health risk to the home occupants.
Conclusion
Replacing the air filter of your home heating system regularly has a lot of benefits. First, it prevents harmful contaminants from being circulated around the home. It also protects the unit from damage and prevents clogged ductwork. Replacing the filter not only saves you from paying for costly repairs but it also improves the efficiency of the system. Although the heating system can run without a filter, you should always avoid running it without one.
R.F. Ohl only employs NATE certified technicians to help with the repair and maintenance of HVAC systems. Contact us for professional service whenever you want the air filter replaced or for any other maintenance work.
We provide reliable HVAC services within the area. We not only repair heating systems when they break down but also inspect to prevent breakdowns before they happen. Our services can significantly improve the performance of your system and lower your utility bills. Give R.F. Ohl a call today to schedule an appointment.
Contact us today or give us a call at (610) 377-1098 if you have any questions.