A dirty air filter is better than having no air filter at all. Running without an air filter can cause lasting damage to the engine, while a dirty air filter will only cause low mileage for the time being. If it seems that your vehicle is slow to respond when you press the accelerator, this may be an indication that the engine is not getting enough clean air. A dirty filter reduces the amount of clean air that reaches the engine, which decreases its power and performance.
Replacing the dirty engine air filter with a new, clean one can improve engine acceleration and fuel efficiency. An HVAC system can work without a filter, but this is not recommended. Without a filter, the system will suck in debris-laden air and return the same dirty air to your indoor environment, contributing to health problems. In a short time, the system will be flooded with dirt and debris, which can cause a malfunction and consume more energy, which will shorten its lifespan.
The air cleaner is positioned at the point where the air is introduced into the system and traps airborne particles that are absorbed by the air and prevents them from blocking the blower and clogging the coils. Clogged coils cannot heat or cool the air passing through them and can damage the system. Therefore, the air filter helps your heating and cooling system do its job, keeps it running efficiently, and protecting it to last longer. If an air filter doesn't work as it should, it could be letting dirt, dust particles, and other contaminants into the engine, which could cause damage. If you drive an older carburettor vehicle, a drop in fuel economy is a common sign that the air filter is dirty. To change the temperature of your home, your heating and air conditioning system draws air from one room, passes it through coils to heat or cool it, and then blows warm air through ducts to the other rooms in your house.
The particulate removal efficiency of the filter is inversely related to the energy efficiency of your heating and air system. In addition, the air filter should be inspected frequently, whether it is clogged or not, every 3 months or every service cycle. Just as outdoor air quality affects your health, there is growing evidence that indoor air quality can too. All captured dust, grease and other contaminants eventually clog the filter so much that it blocks the flow of clean air to the engine. The air conditioner draws air from the indoor environment and removes heat from it before returning it to the room.
Research has shown that many homes and commercial spaces have air that is more polluted than air from the outside environment. A dirty filter forces the HVAC unit to work harder than normal because it finds it more difficult to draw air. MERVs range from 1 to 16, with a higher number indicating greater cleaning efficiency because they can filter smaller particles from the air. Unless you want your system to blow dirty air into your home or office and also risk damaging the unit, it is not advisable to run the system without a filter. Most residential homes can accommodate air cleaners up to MERV 13, but you may want to consult with a professional HVAC technician before using any product other than MERV 9.Changing your home's air filters regularly is one of the simplest yet most powerful and effective ways to protect and preserve expensive systems that heat and cool your home and keep your family comfortable during hot summers and cold winters.
Given all of this information about how important an air filter is for both health and energy efficiency reasons, not changing them regularly simply doesn't make sense.
