Is it possible to continue running furnace without filter? Yes, it is possible. However, you also risk causing your HVAC system to break down due to excessive wear and tear. Additionally, using your furnace without a filter allows all of that dust, debris, and pollutants to circulate freely throughout the interior of the home, irritating allergies and requiring more frequent cleaning.
In other words, replacing a furnace is far more expensive than replacing a filter. To extend the life of your furnace and protect your health, replace your furnace filter as soon as you possibly can.
Is It Possible Running Furnace Without Filter?
Many homeowners have questions as to whether running furnace without filter is possible. Technically, you can, but you really shouldn’t. All furnaces include air filters for several good reasons.
Preventing dust and other airborne particles from building up on the internal parts of your furnace is one of the main purposes of the air filter. A steady flow of air through the furnace can quickly accumulate airborne particles, which can lead to component failure because of the buildup. Your furnace may then need expensive repairs or a full cleaning to perform again. Maintaining a clean filter at all times is the best way to avoid this internal accumulation, which could also result in fires if it gathers next to electrical or hot components.
Furthermore, if you don’t have a filter, the air will still flow around the home for everyone to breathe. Those in your household who are extremely young or very old may get allergies and other respiratory ailments as a result. It will also produce a lot of dust on floors and furniture, which means you will need to vacuum and clean more frequently.
Risks Of Running Furnace Without Filter
The following hazards can arise from running furnace without filter:
Furnace Failure
In the absence of a filter to prevent the flow of dust and debris, these particles can build up on your furnace’s internal components and occasionally result in costly issues. Buildup on the blowers and evaporator coils can strain the belts and motor, resulting in a system failure that requires a repair visit or possibly the purchase of a brand-new furnace.
Health-Related Problems
Health problems like headaches, wheezing, coughing, irritation, shortness of breath, and allergies are brought on by low-quality air. Running furnace without filter could even spread germs through the air if someone in your house is unwell.
Low-Quality Air
Even with an air purifier plugged in, the quality of the air inside your home will deteriorate if you don’t have a filter. The cooking smells from last night’s meal and all the dust that naturally accumulates in a house starts to accumulate in the air.
Unclean Air Ducts
Particles could stick to interior surfaces as they travel through your home’s air ducts, accumulating a coating of sooty filth that provides the ideal environment for mold growth. The flowing air carries mold spores, which can spread and cause illness as they move through your house and land on other surfaces. The unclean air ducts may also be a desirable habitat for insects.
How Frequently Should My Furnace Filter Be Changed?
In addition to enhancing the quality of the air in your house, a furnace filter will prolong the furnace’s lifespan. However, neither you nor your appliance will benefit much from a dirty furnace filter. What is the average frequency of furnace filter replacement? Several factors will determine the answer.
Type Of Filter
Certain filters may be cleaned, so once they have completely dried, you can put them back in. Others, such as HEPA filters, need to be changed because they are disposable. Disposable filters come in different thicknesses and have varying lifespans. Make sure you adhere to the instructions that the manufacturer of the furnace or filter has provided.
Early or more regular filter replacement is not harmful, but waiting too long may cause problems. Add this task to your list of things you need to accomplish. It’s a simple and reasonably priced method to extend the life and functionality of your furnace.
Usage
Try to change your filter once a month if your heat pump runs frequently throughout the colder months. Think about changing the filter even more frequently if you have pets or respiratory problems.
During the warm season, when cold air is escaping from the vents, you should also replace the furnace filter at the same rate if your central air conditioning unit is connected to your furnace. But, if you don’t use your air conditioner frequently and don’t have any pets or respiratory problems, you might replace that filter once every three months.
Conclusion
Running furnace without a filter will cause numerous problems for your family, your health, and your life. Airflow is restricted by even a dirty filter, which makes your HVAC system work harder and may possibly cause damage. Dust and dirt can quickly build up and affect the longevity and function of your system, necessitating costly repairs or system replacement.
Especially in the winter when your furnace has been working hard to keep your house warm, you ought to inspect your furnace filter once a month. To check if the light is shining through, take off the filter and hold it up to the light. You can keep using the filter if it is still translucent. Nevertheless, you should replace your filter every three months for 1-inch filters and every six months for 5-inch filters, regardless of how they look. You should replace the filter if light cannot pass through it. Also, the collection of dust and dirt on the filter will be visible to you, and based just on the look, you can decide whether to replace it.
