Is a Dirty Filter Better Than No Filter?

A dirty filter can cause allergens to build up in the duct system and will stay there for months.

Dirty air filters

are better than having no air filter at any time. But what if they're not dirty? Keep reading to find out what to do. A dirty filter forces the HVAC unit to work harder than normal because it finds it more difficult to draw air.

A unit that works too much consumes more energy and is more likely to break down prematurely. Therefore, as the filters become clogged, you can get better filtration, but it cannot be quantified and at the same time force the HVAC system. If your boss has pollen problems in the lab, you should switch to higher performance filters with a smaller pore size in microns, more CFM, or talk to maintenance about the HVAC system. The proper solution to this problem would be to replace filters with a small pore size in microns and more often, since the higher CFM in the system would remove pollen from the air faster. Leaving dirty filters in place will only worsen the pollen problem.

Will a dirty filter prevent the air conditioner from cooling down? Yes, that's why you should never let your air conditioner work without an air filter. Otherwise, it will allow all dust and dirt to pass through and clog the internal components of the air conditioning system. Particulate capture efficiency increases as the filter becomes dirty; accumulation in the fibers reduces openings for air to pass through and allows the filter to capture more particles. Pleated filters made of disposable nonwoven fabric have smaller pores, and the pleats increase the surface area of the filter so that it can contain more particles than a flat surface. If your air conditioning system produces warm air instead of cooling cold air, the main problem could be a dirty filter.

After washing the air filter, rinse it with clean, warm water and shake it to drain excess water trapped in the filter. According to the EPA, yes, air filters can help remove and reduce airborne particles in your home, including those of greatest health concern. If there is excess dirt on the air cleaner, the air conditioner will strive to cool the entire room or house. Because your HVAC system relies on a filter to remove impurities before indoor air is drawn into the system and then expelled back to the room, you need the filtration system to be clean and efficient so that hot or cold air can make your commercial space or home comfortable. The constant movement of air also meant that dust rarely had time to settle, especially since the system was forced to move air through fewer vents, causing it to come out much stronger in the available vents, which in turn caused the filter to clog more fast. Unless you want your system to blow dirty air into your home or office and you also risk damaging the unit, it is not advisable to run the system without a filter. But if your electricity bill is higher than usual (other summers), a clogged air filter could be the cause.

EPA reports that air filters with MERV between 7 and 13 are their best option for removing some of the airborne particles that cause the biggest health problems. In recent years, this air cleaning function has become more important for homeowners, and manufacturers have designed filters that use their heating and air system to remove microscopic particles such as dust, pollen, pet dander, bacteria, plant spores and mold, and even smoke from the air of their home. But if the air filter becomes clogged, dirt will prevent cold air from flowing through the evaporator (cooling coil).If your air conditioner uses a reusable air filter, you don't have to buy a new filter every time you maintain the air conditioner. Regardless of why it happens, you may wonder if forgetting to regularly change your air filter is really that important.