Can You Run a Furnace Without a Filter in Ransom Canyon, TX?
An air filter keeps your furnace running properly and helps to ensure clean indoor air. Call us to learn more.
Your furnace, like any other equipment in your Ransom Canyon home, needs routine maintenance to work efficiently. But when you have a busy schedule, critical maintenance tasks like filter replacement can easily slip through the cracks.
Perhaps a random inspection, say in the middle of a cold winter day, reveals that your furnace filter needs replacing. In such a case, can you run a furnace without a filter? Will the furnace work safely?
As the go-to contractor for furnace installation in Ransom Canyon, TX, the On the Double Heating & Cooling crew delves deeper into operating a furnace without a filter and HVAC system filter importance.
The Purpose of a Furnace Filter
All furnaces come equipped with air filters for various reasons. These filters play a crucial role in how a furnace operates. A furnace filter does more than merely purify your air; it also keeps the inner mechanisms of your furnace working properly.
As your furnace pulls air in, it attracts airborne contaminants that would otherwise collect on the internal components and coils of your furnace. A clogged filter restricts air flow into your furnace, forcing it to work harder than it should to keep your home comfortable.
Consequences of Running Your Heater Without a Filter
Running your furnace without a filter comes with several drawbacks. That said, it helps to understand the impact of a missing furnace filter.
Poor Indoor Air Quality
Without a filter, your furnace will recirculate air containing dust, dirt, dander, and other pollutants that a filter would have otherwise removed.
Risk of Furnace Damage
Air filters primarily protect your equipment from buildups that can clog and damage your system. Running your furnace with an air filter protects and extends your system’s lifespan.
Potential Ductwork Contamination
Left unfiltered, indoor air contaminants can build up in your ductwork. When combined with the heated air, these contaminants create a conducive environment for mold to grow and thrive.
So, can you run a furnace without a filter? Technically, you can run a heating system without an air filter, but you really shouldn’t.
The Air Filter Replacement Process
While some filters can last up to six months or even a year, most need replacing every three months to keep the furnace in optimum shape. During winter, your furnace works harder, so you should check the filter at least once a month and replace it if necessary.
Fortunately, you can replace the filter yourself with the following easy steps:
- Turn off your furnace, locate the filter, and check for dirt.
- Establish the exact type of filter your system needs.
- Dispose of (most models) or wash (some models) the filter.
- Insert the clean filter into your furnace.
Forgetting to change your filter can cause just as much damage, if not more, than furnace operation without a filter. If you need help replacing your filter, call your local Ransom Canyon HVAC professional. Our experts at On the Double Heating & Cooling will gladly lend a hand.
Air Filter Tips and Tricks
When winter comes around, and your furnace puts in the extra effort to keep your Ransom Canyon home warm and cozy, you can easily forget to change the filter. The following tips should help you stay on top of furnace filter replacement:
- Schedule a phone reminder to notify you to check your filter often
- Mark filter inspection dates on a calendar or anywhere else you’ll see them often
- Stock a few replacement filters in the house to make replacement seamless
Overall, a preventive approach proves useful, especially during winter when you rely on your furnace the most. If you have anyone in your home with asthma or allergies, consider adding an extra layer of protection, such as investing in a HEPA or MERV filter.
Call On the Double Heating & Cooling for Premium Heating and Cooling Services in Ransom Canyon, Texas
Can you run a furnace without a filter? While possible, filterless furnace operation can compromise your indoor air quality and potentially damage your system. Remember to replace your furnace filter every three months to keep it working optimally and maintain indoor air quality.
We can also help you replace your furnace filter and maintain your furnace to improve energy efficiency, air quality, and overall performance. Reach out to learn about the most common HVAC problems we handle.
Call On the Double Heating & Cooling at (806) 203-7483 for top-tier heating and cooling services in Ransom Canyon, Texas.
