Which Is The Better Option: Having A Dirty Air Filter Or No Air Filter?

The air filter in your AC acts as a barrier between your AC’s return vent and the outside world. 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.

Consequences on running your AC without a filter

• Rising energy costs
• Damaged compressor
• Air quality deterioration
• Frozen evaporator coils
• Insufficiently conditioned air
• Increased dust in the environment

Let’s take a closer look at the most pressing issue, like frozen evaporator coils. ACs without filters draw in dust, and they can’t absorb heat from your home when they’re covered in dust, which leads to them freezing. Frosted coils can’t absorb as much heat, so your AC has to run for more extended periods to cool your home. With time, this will lead to higher energy bills.

Also, if your evaporator coils freeze and you continue to run your AC, it could cause damage to the compressor. Because the compressor is essential for AC, replacing it can be costly. Evaporator coils that are frozen will produce less conditioned air.

Consequences on running your AC with a dirty air filter

• A clogged air filter can cause more harm than good. During the day, your AC should cycle on and off, but a dirty air filter can make those cycles more frequent than they should be. Cycling is not only noisy, but it also wastes energy.
• ACs lose efficiency when their filters are clogged, resulting in a buildup of cold air that lowers the temperature inside the AC, which can eventually cause ice to form on the coils if left for long enough, and you have to call professionals like Air Conditioning Replacement Near Me.
• A lack of airflow can cause uneven cooling, even if it isn’t enough to cause ice to form. Inconsistent cooling with hot and cold spots results in lower comfort levels at a higher price tag.
• Allergens can accumulate in your duct system for months. Airborne allergens will be released into the air whenever a forced-air system is running. A mold problem in the ducts is possible as well.
• A dirty filter will use more energy to cool your home, which will result in higher utility bills.

You can run your AC without a filter for a short period of time. In spite of this fact, HVAC specialists like Air Conditioning Tune-Up company will suggest that running your AC without a filter for more than 6-8 hours can cause serious damage to the system, as well as lowering the quality of the air in your home significantly.

Are you still confused about whether to have an air filter or not? Call us at 2817190722.