Can Furnaces Run Without Filters?
The primary function of your furnace’s air filter is to trap particulate pollutants including, dirt, dust, pet dander, allergens, and pollen. By doing this, it lowers your risk for certain health problems including, among others, asthma attacks, sinus congestion, bronchitis, and allergies.
At the same time, it prevents dirt and debris from damaging your heating unit. It helps your system to run more efficiently, reducing your home heating costs.
Overall, although it may not look like much, your air filter performs a number of essential tasks that benefit you. With that in mind, here is some more information on this topic.
Importance Of Furnace Filters Red Bank NJ
Contents
Your heating system has an air filter located between the blower fan and the furnace. The blower fan pulls in cold air from outside and sends it to the furnace for heating. However, before the air reaches the furnaces, it passes through a filter, which typically consists of tightly woven cloth, paper, or fiberglass elements.
The primary function of the air filter is to ensure particulate matter does not get into the furnace. This means that over time, dirt and other debris will build upon the filter. Therefore, to prevent filter clogging, you should inspect and replace your unit’s air filter regularly. However, if you do not feel comfortable doing this, hire a qualified HVAC technician.
A clogged air filter can cause several furnace problems including:
- Malfunctioning furnace
- Poor airflow
- Higher utility bills
- Worn-down HVAC system
- Overheated furnace
Can You Operate Your Furnace Without An Air Filter?
In essence, you can operate your heating system without an air filter. However, you should not do that because of two main reasons. Firstly, if you run your heating system without an air filter for an extended period, dirt and debris will accumulate inside your unit’s inner mechanisms.
Over time, this will potentially cause extensive damage to your heating system. Consequently, this may lead to expensive repairs or even force you to replace your entire heating system. Secondly, without a filter, your furnace would circulate particulate matter in your home, leading to poor indoor air quality.
Risk Of Running Your Furnace Without An HVAC Filter
The primary function of your furnace’s air filter is to keep your heating system in excellent working condition, especially the evaporator coils and blower motor. For this reason, if you operate your heating system without an air filter, your furnace will likely develop common furnace problems, causing it to breakdown regularly. In turn, this will not only lead to an expensive repair but also shorten your unit’s lifespan significantly. Some of the other problems of running your furnace without an air filter include:
- Poor Air Quality – Without a filter in place, your HVAC system will circulate particulate pollutants in your home, leading to poor indoor quality. According to health experts, exposure to such pollutants can lead to myriad health problems including respiratory problems such as asthma. What’s more, these pollutants can get into the inner mechanism of your heating unit, causing it to malfunction.
- Contaminated Ductwork – Without an air filter, air toxins and particulate pollutants such as pollen will travel throughout your ductwork. Over time, these pollutants will accumulate on the ribbed aluminum tubes inside your ductwork, creating an ideal environment for mold growth. Eventually, your HVAC unit will circulate the mold spores throughout your home. Unfortunately, mold exposure is a risk factor for a variety of health problems including allergies and respiratory problems.
Conclusion
Although you can run your heating system without an air filter, you should not do it.
Without an air filter, debris and other particulate pollutants will get into your heating system, causing it to fail or malfunction. In turn, this will lead to expensive repairs or even worse, cause you to replace your entire HVAC system. You will pay more for your home heating expenses. At the same time, without a filter, particulate pollutants will circulate throughout your home, compromising your indoor air quality.
Lawes Company employs only NATE-certified technicians to help you when you are in need of HVAC maintenance or repairs.
We provide affordable and reliable HVAC services in the area. These services can improve your HVAC system’s efficiency, comfort, and the indoor air quality in your home. When your system is properly maintained, it can perform reliably during extreme weather. To schedule an appointment, give Lawes Company a call today.
Some of the areas that we service include Fair Haven, Little Silver, Red Bank, Shrewsbury and these zip codes 07704, 07739, 07701, 07702 as well as all surrounding areas in Monmouth County, New Jersey.
Click here to contact us now or call us at (732) 741-6300 to find out more!