Is it ok to run A/C without a filter (temporarily)??

Question

I don't understand *why* my A/C hasn't been able to keep up with the heat today! It's never had a problem before today, but I've had it running since yesterday [set on 70*] and the temp in the house just keeps creeping UP! It's currently 76*!

The filter *does* need to be replaced, so I took it out thinking it may make it easier for the cool air to pass through... but I was thinking... is it SAFE to operate the A/C overnight with no filter?? I know it's not good to do so with the heat, but would it be okay with the A/C?? I'm roasting and it's midnight and I don't really want to run out for another filter right about now.

Answer 1

Put  ONLY the fan on for 30 minutes and turn cool off.Clean or replace the filter during this time.After running the fan only for 30 minutes put the filter back in and put the t-stat back to cool and the fan back to auto.I bet it will start cooling now because it was probably froze up.Hope this helped.

Answer 2

It is better to have the filter. If you can go shake out the filter outside and get most of the dust off it. If you can see light through the filter than you can put it back in over night.

Answer 3

The filter is there for a reason, so as not to clog the rest of the machine.

My filter is made out of a plastic type material.

I rinse it in the tub with the shower nozzle about 2-4 times a year.

I do not even let it dry, just stick it back in and shazzam! Works fine.

Answer 4

i am a qualified hvac tech.  Vacume the filter and replace.  presto, a lifetime supply of filters!

Answer 5

It's not a good idea to do for the long term, but overnight or even for a couple of days won't hurt it.  But definitely replace the filter as soon as you can.  If you ran without a filter for a long time eventually dust would clog your AC coils and they would stop working.

There might be other reasons your AC can't keep up, though.  For example, maybe some of the coolant has leaked out, or maybe the coil has frozen solid because there's so much humidity.  Assuming it's not, like, 95 degrees where you are (in which case some AC can't keep up no matter what you do!) I would ask a repair person to look at it.  He or she will check the "temperature drop" to make sure the AC is working okay.

Answer 6

It's ok to run the unit without a filter for a short time, but I wouldn't go more than a couple of days.  What I used to do if I couldn't get to a store right away to get a new filter is I would tap the filter outside and try and get as much dirt off of it as possible, then, spray the face of the filter with furniture polish.  It stays moist for quite awhile and actually increases the efficiency of the filter.  While you have the filter off though, be sure that the evaporator coil  is clean.  Also be sure that there is no frost on the coils.  If you see frost, turn the thermostat down to where you hear the compressor kick out.  Let it run like that until all the frost and/or ice blockage melts away.

The frost may have been caused by the dirty filter.  If the coil is clean when you start the unit up and it starts to frost up again, then you most likely need refrigerant (R-22 until next year).   Most people refer to refrigerant as freon which is like calling an open end adjustable wrench a crescent wrench.  Crescent is a company name.  So is DuPont, which is the company that makes freon.  Isotron and genetron are two other brands of refrigerant.

Anyway, if you need refrigerant, let a qualified technician recharge it for you.  He'll want to find and repair the leak before recharging it.