So, you’ve found yourself in a situation where you don’t have a fresh filter to put inside your furnace. However, the current filter is covered in dust bunnies and other fuzzy materials that give you the ick. “How long can I run my furnace without a filter?” you wonder, anxious to discard the filthy filter in the trash.
Don’t toss the filter just yet! Leith Heating & Cooling performs furnace repair in Inverness, IL, and can attest to how damaging going filter-free can be. We’ll outline what you should know about changing the filter.
What Do Furnace Filters Do for My Inverness HVAC, Anyway?
If you know a little about how furnaces work, you understand that the filter removes unwanted particles from the circulating air. Over the next weeks, the clean, new filter will gather a coating of dust, mold, pet fur, and other substances until it becomes covered in those materials.
This leads to furnace airflow problems that can strain components beyond their capabilities. “How long can I run my furnace without a filter, then?”
Put the dirty filter back in its place for now, because it’s not as simple as running the furnace without the HVAC filter.
How Long Can I Run My Furnace Without a Filter?
The short answer is that you shouldn’t run your furnace without a filter for any period. While cycling the heating system with a filthy filter stresses the components, doing so with no filter lets too much debris into it. So, what are the risks of no furnace filter?
- Pollutants get everywhere… and we mean everywhere! Where do you think those bits and pieces will go? They’ll get inside the ductwork, heating equipment, and everywhere in between.
- The grit settles inside of different components. Fine dust and dirt will land on internal machinery once the cycle ends and stops disturbing the debris.
- Contaminants readily travel to new areas of your building in Inverness, Illinois. If you had pet dander secluded in one room, you now have it infiltrating all the rooms.
- You’ll budget for repair costs much sooner than you think. “How long can I run my furnace without a filter?” Not for very long before the coils, motor fan, and other parts become coated in filth.
“But there’s a snowstorm brewing, and I can’t get to the store for a new filter. What should I do now?”
We’re so glad you asked! There is a way to prolong the service life of your disposable filter until you can purchase a new one.
What Should I Do When I Don’t Have a Filter?
Until you fully understand furnace filter importance — you can’t enjoy safe, efficient heating without one. But sometimes you don’t have access to fresh replacement filters. Find out what to do under such circumstances below.
Check Your Current Filter and Return Register
The return register houses your dirty furnace filter. You’ll typically find it in a central location, like a hallway or common area. Open the return register to see how the filter looks.
You’re likely to see some furnace dust buildup coating the filter. Remove and wipe the excess debris from its receiving panel. You might use a soft broom or a damp microfiber cloth to cling to the dust.
“How long can I run my furnace without a filter that’s clean and fresh?” You’ll replace it soon enough. Wipe any clinging dust from the return register and reinsert the old filter.
Run Your Furnace Sparingly
Now that you’ve tidied up your old filter, you might get an extra day or two of service without compromising your furnace. Set your thermostat to a slightly lower setting to prevent the furnace from working too hard. Break out the space heaters to keep separate rooms a bit warmer while you wait.
Find Time To Purchase Numerous Filters
When you can get to a store, don’t stop at one filter; buy at least a few. The average filter lasts about three months, so it’s easy to forget regular changes.
If you have several on hand, you can recognize the signs of a bad furnace filter and immediately change it. Otherwise, simply set an alarm on your mobile device or mark your calendar to stay on track.
Leith Heating & Cooling Can Help You Remember Filter Changes With Furnace Maintenance in Inverness, Illinois
“How long can I run my furnace without a filter?” You shouldn’t run your furnace filter-free. In fact, neglected filter changes might be one of the signs your furnace needs maintenance. Contact Leith Heating & Cooling about furnace tune-up service in Inverness, Illinois.