The filter usually fits in
a slot on the air return side of the unit
. These systems are usually found in smaller basements or crawl spaces where space is limited. The filter typically slides into a slot above or below the HVAC unit.
Are there AC units without filters?
Your air conditioner will run without a filter
, but you shouldn't try it! Without a filter, you leave your system wide open to all types of dirt and debris that will damage the HVAC system and lead to expensive repairs.
Do all home AC units have filters?
All central heating and cooling systems should have an air filter
, but the filter can be harder to locate on some HVAC units than others. The air filter is usually located in the return air duct or blower compartment before the return air reaches the air handler.
How do I know if my AC filter is dirty?
One clever way to determine if the air filter is dirty is to do
the “white sheet test
.” This involves hanging a clean white sheet approximately 5 inches away from one of the vents for at least one hour. If the sheet turns gray, you've got a filthy air filter. The grayer the sheet, the dirtier the filter.
How often should you change your AC filter?
You should replace these about every 90 days, if you have no allergies, but AC pros typically recommend
every 45 days
for max efficiency. Be sure to replace them with the right size and type of air filter. If your AC was working properly, you could remove the filter and buy one that is identical to it.
Can a dirty AC filter cause allergies?
A
dirty filter can cause allergens to build up in your duct system
, and they'll linger there for months. Whenever you have a forced-air system running, those allergens will be released into the air you breathe. You might even end up with a mold problem in the ducts.
Is no air filter better than a dirty one?
Running your air conditioner
without a filter is worse than running it with a dirty one
. … Without a filter, your air conditioner is at risk for severe and expensive problems. Take our advice and never run your system without one.
How many filters does an AC unit have?
Depending on the size of your home, you may have more or fewer intake vents, but for most dwellings, the central air system is served by
2 air filter
-covered intake vents. Let's dig a little deeper into why you might find 2 air filters in your home's HVAC system.
Why does my AC filter get dirty so quickly?
One-inch pleated filters quickly get dirty
because they're designed to catch more airborne contaminants
. Think of 1-inch pleated air filters as a fine fish net with a very small gaps: it catches everything from big to small fish, but that also means the net fills up with fish faster (say that 3 times fast).
What happens if you put an air filter in backwards?
By installing your filter backwards,
air will have a harder time flowing through the filter and your air handler will have to work harder to make up for the loss of airflow
. This could lead to higher utility bills and possibly damage your furnace or air conditioner.
Why are my AC filters black?
If you've recently changed out your air filter and noticed it was black, you're experiencing something called “black soot deposition. Essentially, black soot deposition is
just an excess build-up of soot
, which is typically the result of: A gas appliance or fireplace that isn't burning fuel properly. Scented candles.
Can I run my AC without a filter for one night?
The short answer:
You can get away with running your AC without a filter for a short amount of time without hurting your system
. That being said, running your AC without a filter for longer than 6-8 hours can cause serious damage to your AC system and significantly lower the quality of the air in your home.
What happens if you dont clean AC filter?
Dirty filters
restrict the flow of cold air which can cause it to build up inside the air conditioner
. The final result could be the formation of ice on the coils. … Clogged filters can cause allergens to build up in the duct system and then release into the air you breathe each time the system kicks on.
What happens if you run your AC without a filter?
Without a filter,
the condensation drain will fail to drain the moisture from your AC unit
. This will result in condensation accumulation on the Freon tubing. The condensation will then start dripping down the pan, causing water damage to the whole system.
Can a dirty filter cause AC not to work?
Your AC system is blowing warm air or shuts down completely – A clogged filter can cause the air conditioning coils to ice over which affects the compressor, thus resulting in restricted airflow to the unit. Your AC system is
not blowing cool air
– Dirty coils on the outdoor and indoor units can cause this issue.
Does a dirty AC filter affect performance?
Many people wonder, “Can a dirty air filter cause my AC not to cool?” The simple answer is
yes
– a dirty filter can create several problems that can hinder your unit's effectiveness. Not to mention, a dirty filter can also lead to premature failure of your system.
