Running air conditioner without filter

[Tiger]

Got one of those Toshiba wall air conditioners in our lounge room. It's been there for 15 years but we've only just noticed that it is missing the filters. We only use it sparingly and some summers not at all but it's going to be 41 here tomorrow so I was planning on using it. How much damage does it cause by running the air-conditioner without a filter and anyone know best place to pick one up from?

[BobL]

One of the main reasons for using filters is so the cooling fins don't gum up with sticky crap.
Humans emit a fair bit of ammonia in their breath. this combines with other stuff in the air to form a sticky substance that condenses out on cooling coils. In places like kitchens there is always some cooking and other oil vapours in the air which can also be quite sticky ie check out a rang hood filter. This sticky stuff attracts dust and before you know it the cooling coils are blocked and the air conditioner won't work at its optimum rate.
To decide if you need the filters take a look at the cooling fins and see how blocked up or sticky they are. If they are clear then don't worry about it, but if they are not clear then they should be cleaned and filters fitted. Any air conditioning place will sell you then thin washable foam type filter or will know where to get it from.

[Tiger]

Thanks Bob, I don't know much about air conditioners, I'll try an air-conditioning place for some filters.