LS Aircon Servicing Singapore

aircon without a filter

Can You Run an Aircon Without a Filter: An Easy Guide

If you run an aircon without a filter, you will soon experience unhealthy air being spread into the room. Air conditioning is a vital part of life in Singapore, where the tropical climate demands efficient cooling systems to enhance comfort. To keep your aircon in good condition, it’s important to understand how all its parts work, particularly the air filter.

Some people may wonder if they can run their aircon without a filter. This article will explain why the air filter is crucial and why operating your aircon without one can cause major problems.

The Role of Air Filters 

An aircon filter is designed to trap dust and other small particles. Therefore, it keeps the air inside your home clean and protects the internal components of the aircon from debris. This protection helps maintain the efficiency and longevity of the aircon unit.

What Happens if You Run an Air Conditioner Without a Filter?

If you run an AC without a filter, you may not notice the consequences immediately, but you will see them ultimately.  Even brief periods without a filter can have several negative effects. Without a filter, dust can accumulate quickly on the evaporator coils and reduce their ability to cool the air effectively. This can cause the coils to freeze or overheat. Therefore, after some time, the aircon will completely shut down. 

In addition to mechanical issues, if you run an aircon without a filter, it can massively degrade the air quality in your home. Dust particles that the filter usually traps can circulate freely in the air. This causes respiratory issues and can harm those already affected by different allergies. 

run aircon without a filter

Impact on Energy Efficiency and Costs

If you are wondering how to run an aircon without a filter, we recommend you never think about it for even a short while. Besides other concerns, energy efficiency is major if you run an aircon without a filter. 

When the evaporator coils are clogged with dirt, the aircon has to work much harder to cool your home. This increased workload results in higher energy consumption and ultimately causes higher electricity bills. Over time, the extra workload on the system can cause more wear and tear. This results in costly repairs or the need to replace the entire unit earlier than your expectation.

How to Properly Maintain Your Aircon Filter?

To avoid these problems, it’s crucial to maintain your aircon filter properly. Regular cleaning is essential. Depending on the filter type and the dust level in your environment, you should clean the filter every two to four weeks. Simply remove the filter, wash it, and let it dry completely before you place it back.

If your aircon has a disposable filter, you should replace it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. In Singapore, where the weather is hot and humid, it might be necessary to replace or clean the filter more often to prevent mold and mildew buildup.

What to Do If Your Aircon Is Missing a Filter?

If you discover that your aircon does not have a filter, it’s crucial to replace it immediately. If you run your aircon without a filter, it can cause massive issues, which are explained in detail. You can find replacement filters at local hardware stores, aircon service providers, or online. Ensure you buy the right size and type of filter for your aircon model to avoid any fitting issues.

how to run aircon without a filter

The Importance of Professional Servicing

Regular cleaning and maintenance keep your aircon in good shape. Therefore, it’s important to schedule professional servicing at least once a year. A professional technician like LS Aircon Servicing Singapore, who can offer a wide range of services like aircon chemical wash, aircon chemical overhaul, and aircon general services, can thoroughly clean and inspect the unit. This cost of hiring a professional can save you big replacement costs later on.  

Conclusion

In conclusion, running an aircon without a filter is not advisable. The filter plays a critical role in protecting the internal components of your air conditioning system. Therefore, its role is so crucial that you cannot omit it briefly. If your air filters are in good condition, you can ensure that your aircon operates efficiently and effectively. 

Frequently Asked Questions

The system will build up a large amount of debris and contaminate the air. It will also put stress on other air conditioning components to work extra hard to maintain the temperature. This will increase energy consumption and reduce the air conditioner's lifespan.
Running an aircon without a filter is risky, even for a short time. Therefore, we do not recommend this practice.
Yes, when you clean and wash the aircon filters, you should make sure that they are dry before you place them in. This helps prevent mold growth inside the unit.