My apartment's furnace has run without a filter for at least 6 months

[jumpr]

I dropped by my apartment office today to pick up a new furnace filter as I just started using the heat this month. When I got home, I opened the furnace closet and discovered that there was no furnace filter already installed. I've lived in this apartment for about 6 months and have not had any climate control problems during that time, but I'm wondering what could go wrong with any furnace if it runs without a filter for an extended period of time.

 

[DainBramaged]

You have probably been breathing toxic fumes from the furnace. Prepare to die.

 

[meltdown75]

i think the worst thing would be a bunch of dust and crap in your ducts - stuff that usually gets "filtered".

 

[SarcasticDwarf]

Probably not any significant damage unless you have been doing construction. The blower wheel ALWAYS builds up gunk on it (reducing airflow) which is one of the reasons you should service it/have it serviced at least every few years.

 

[Ronstang]

If you have AC then the coils will be dirty and partially blocked. When this happens not only do you get reduced airflow which results in higher energy usage you also end up with mold growing in the dust which presents a health hazard.

 

[Midlander]

I wouldn't worry about it. The old furnace filters didn't do much anyway, so running without one won't cause major harm. It just means you were blowing dust through your ducts. :beer:

 

[SarcasticDwarf]

Originally posted by: Ronstang
If you have AC then the coils will be dirty and partially blocked. When this happens not only do you get reduced airflow which results in higher energy usage you also end up with mold growing in the dust which presents a health hazard.

Actually, that will happen regardless of what filter you have.

 

[drnickriviera]

Originally posted by: Ronstang
If you have AC then the coils will be dirty and partially blocked. When this happens not only do you get reduced airflow which results in higher energy usage you also end up with mold growing in the dust which presents a health hazard.

And if it get's worse. you'll eventually clog up the a-coil, causing it to freeze up. Then you'll be wondering why you don't have A/C on the hottest day of the year.