Can Furnaces Run Without Filters?

HVAC air filter The primary function of the air filter on your furnace is to trap particulate pollutants effectively. These pollutants include pollen, allergens, pet dander, dust, and dirt. Doing this reduces your risk for many health problems which include, among others, allergies, bronchitis, sinus congestion, and asthma attacks.

It also prevents debris and dirt from causing damage to your heating unit. A clean filter helps your system run much more efficiently, which reduces the heating costs for your home.

Although it might not look like a lot, several essential tasks are performed by your air filter to benefit you. With this in mind, the following is some useful information on this subject.

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Can Furnaces Work Without Filters: The Importance Of Filters

There is an air filter located in between the furnace and blower fan on your heating system. The blower fans pulls cold air in from outside and then sends it over to the furnace to be heated. However, before reaching the furnace, the air passes through the filter, which usually is comprised of tightly woven fiberglass, paper, or woven cloth elements.

The air filter’s primary function is to ensure that no particulate matter gets inside your furnace. That means that over time, debris and dirt build up on the filter. So to prevent the filter from getting clogged up, you should inspect the air filter on your unit regularly and replace it when necessary. However, if you aren’t comfortable doing it yourself, you can hire a qualified, and experienced HVAC technician do it for you.

There are several furnace problems that a clogged air filter may cause, including:

  • Overheated furnace
  • Worn-down HVAC system
  • Higher utility bills
  • Poor airflow
  • Malfunctioning furnace

Can Your Furnace Be Operated Without An Air Filter?

dirty furnace filterTheoretically, your heating system operates without using an air filter. However, its design requires you to have one in place.

There are two main reasons why you shouldn’t do it. First of all, if you run your heating system without an air filter for an extended period, debris and dirt will accumulate inside of the inner mechanisms of your unit. Over time, that will severely damage your heating system. That might result in expensive repairs or require you to replace your whole heating system.

Second of all, your furnace without a filter will circulate particulate matter inside your house, which will lead to very poor air quality indoors.

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Risk Of Operating Your Furnace Without Using An HVAC Filter

The primary function of the air filter on your furnace is to keep your heating system in excellent working condition, particularly the blower motor and evaporator coils. That is why if you operate your heating system without an air filter, most likely, your furnace will develop common furnace issues. These issues will cause it to breakdown regularly. It not only will lead to expensive repairs but significantly reduce the lifespan of your unit as well. Some other problems of operating a furnace without using an air filter include the following:

  • Poor Air Quality – When you don’t have an air filter in place, it will result in your HVAC system having to circulate particulate pollutants within your home, leading to poor indoor air quality. Health experts state that exposure to these pollutants can result in numerous health problems. Some of them include asthma and other respiratory problems. Also, those pollutants may be into your heating unit’s inner mechanisms, which causes it to malfunction.
  • Contaminated Ductwork – When there is no air filter, particulate pollutants like pollutants and air toxins will move throughout your ductwork. Those pollutants over time will accumulate within the ribbed aluminum tubes that are inside of the ductwork, which creates the perfect environment for mold to grow. Your HVAC unit eventually will circulate mold spores all through your house. Mold exposure is, unfortunately, is a risk factor for various health problems which include respiratory problems and allergies.

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Conclusion

Although your heating system can be run without an air filter, it is something you shouldn’t do.

Without an air filter, particulate pollutants and debris can get inside of your heating system, which causes it to malfunction or fail. In turn, that can result in expensive repairs, or what is even worse, it can require a premature HVAC system replacement. Your home heating expenses will be higher. Also, without a filter, there will be particulate pollutants circulating throughout your house, which compromises the air quality inside of your home.

McAllister Energy employs NATE-certified technicians to assist you whenever you require HVAC repairs or maintenance.

We provide reliable and affordable local HVAC services. Those services can help to improve the comfort and efficiency of your home, as well as improve your home’s indoor air quality. When your system receives proper maintenance, it can provide reliable performance even during extreme weather. Call McAllister Energy today to schedule your appointment.

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Contact McAllister Energy today, and we will be happy to assist you. Contact us now at (856) 665-4545 to find out more!