Without an air filter, condensation will build up in the Freon tube of your air conditioning unit, leading to water damage. This can cause a range of health issues, such as allergy symptoms, respiratory problems, eye irritation, and nose and throat irritation. Additionally, dirt and debris can accumulate in the unit and clog the parts, causing it to overheat and turn off. This can lead to permanent damage to the engine and a decrease in air quality.
It's important to use an air filter and change it regularly to keep your air conditioner in good condition and prevent any damage. Dirt is the number one cause of breakdowns in air conditioners, so running your unit without a filter installed can cause serious damage. The purpose of the filter is to clean the air in your home and keep your air conditioning system free of dust and dirt. When you operate your air conditioner without an air filter, contaminants can travel freely through the ducts and settle there, which can also negatively affect health due to worsening indoor air quality.
Additionally, dirt and debris that passes into the system due to the lack of an air filter can reach the condensate drain and clog it. Running your air conditioner without a filter for more than 6 to 8 hours can cause serious damage to your air conditioning system and significantly reduce the air quality in your home. It's best to get a replacement filter as quickly as possible to minimize risks to your health or your air conditioner. Dirt that accumulates in your system due to not using an air filter restricts the flow of cold air.
It's important to understand what happens if you don't use an air filter in your air conditioning unit or if you go months without changing it.