It's never a good idea to run an air conditioner (AC) without a filter. Without a filter, the condensate drain won't be able to drain moisture from the AC unit, resulting in condensation building up in the Freon tube. This can cause water damage to the entire system. Even if your AC will continue to operate without a filter, you should never attempt it.
If you don't have a new replacement filter on hand, it's best to wait until you have one. Running the AC without a filter is worse than running it with a dirty one. Instead, go to the store or call an HVAC professional for a replacement. Without a filter, your AC is at risk of serious and costly problems.
When you don't have a filter, dirt and debris are sucked into the air conditioning system and transported back to your home, remaining and accumulating in the HVAC ducts. This can reduce air quality and potentially damage the HVAC system, resulting in costly repairs or replacements. The longer you run your AC without a filter, the more likely it will need repairs. You may also experience increased symptoms of allergy, respiratory problems, eye irritation, or irritation of the nose and throat due to poor air quality.
The air cleaner is usually located in the return air duct, but it could also be near the bottom of two systems that share the same ducts. Its main purpose is to clean the air circulating in the AC system. If you don't know where to look or what type of filter you need, it's best to let an experienced HVAC technician do the work for you. While some homeowners can clean or replace their AC filters on their own, there's no shame in letting a professional do it for you.
It's important to maintain your AC regularly so that it doesn't run for more than 8 hours without a filter. If this is how your cooling system normally operates, you may need an AC repair much sooner than expected. Obstructed airflow due to the lack of a working filter can cause an increase in energy consumption between 5% and 15%. In conclusion, running an AC without a filter can cause serious damage to your system and reduce air quality in your home.
It's best to get a replacement filter as soon as possible or call an HVAC professional for help.
