Is it OK to run a central air unit without the filter?

Question

Why is it bad to run it without a filter?

Answer 1

NO NO NO!!! shut it off and put the filter in because things can get caught in the AC unit because there is no filter and bad things can be spread throughout your house because there is not filter... a filter for 20 bucks is better than replacing the whole AC unit because you didn't want to spend the money on a filter. If you are REALLY strapped for cash take the old filter and have someone put an air hose to it to clean it out and then replace it. But def put the filter in!

Answer 2

Well it is an air filter-so you will have dirty air running through your house & if you have allergies or get headcolds often like I do -it is a bad idea
Also it is bad for the environment..You should have one and change it often -now I don't know much about A/C units but I'm willing to bet that it is no good for your a/c unit either-and you want that thing to work at all times....
We used to buy the cheapest a/c filter, but as we learned more & read more about it - we started getting the better more expensive air filters.

Here's some stuff I found out on Wikipedia about A/C filters
As much as half of the energy used in houses goes to heating and cooling. So making smart decisions about home's heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can have a big effect on utility bills.

Energy Star advises air filters be checked every month, especially during heavy use months (winter and summer). If the filter looks dirty after a month, it should be changed. The air filter should be changed at least every 3 months. A dirty filter will slow down air flow and make the system work harder and use more energy to warm or cool. Improper air flow can cause air conditioning components to freeze. A clean filter will also prevent dust and dirt from building up in the system which can lead to expensive maintenance and/or early system failure.

Answer 3

The outside temperature doesn't determine how long the unit runs--it's the temperature at the thermostat. Your thermostat should show both the 'set' temperature and the actual room temperature (if not, put a thermometer next to it). If the air conditioner is running until the requested temperature is met, it's doing its job. As has been pointed out, the thermostat should be somewhere of average temperature, not near a window or a stove, for instance. You can give your AC a boost by using window fans to let in cool air when it's 68 degrees out. Also, don't set your thermostat too high during the day, because it wastes energy to cool it back down. You might consider setting your thermostat higher--80 doesn't feel too bad when it's really hot out.

Answer 4

Always better to use a filter....not only for health reasons(dust, germs, virus, etc spreading about), but for the longevity of your a/c unit. Filters can cost anywhere up to $20....if you really don't have cash, they even have some for $1.

Answer 5

filters are cheap. running just a dollar or so. if you run without one, it moves dust etc though the system and then back into your house. This leads up to unhealthy problems for you and your family, and a danger of the dust getting into the wireing and control area of the unit which then becomes a fire hazard.

Answer 6

Let me expand on what the others have said. NO it is not OK. Filters don't cost that much. Buy some and put them in. NOW!

Answer 7

not unless you like being thought of as an A/C Murderer

Answer 8

NO! Bad move!

Answer 9

no