When you discover a damp air filter, remove it and dry the area. Check the drain for debris or algae and make sure the condensate tray is not corroded or cracked. Turn off the air conditioner immediately so as not to spread moisture all over the house. Next, fit a new fresh air filter.
A wet air filter usually indicates that the condensate tray or condensate drain lines are clogged. Water is a natural by-product of a working air conditioner. As the system draws warm air from your home to cool it, moisture from the air condenses on the evaporator coils and then drips into the drain pan. When something prevents water from draining, it overflows and the air filter can absorb that moisture.
The most likely reason the air cleaner is damp is a clogged condensate drain pipe. The most common reason an air conditioner leaks water is because a frozen evaporator coil has started to thaw. Clogged air filters are often the main cause of evaporator coil freezing, so it's important to replace the air filter at least once every 90 days. Both air conditioners and high-efficiency gas ovens produce moisture during normal operation.
Now, normally, that moisture drains safely to the outside through a white PVC drain, called a “condensate drain line”. If you find a damp air filter, the first thing you need to do is remove it and dry the surrounding area with a towel or absorbent cloth. Next, make sure the condensate drain is not obstructed by debris or algae growth. Also, make sure the drip tray is not cracked or corroded.
Don't forget to check condensate drain pipes for signs of cracks or loose fittings. Then install a fresh air filter. Just as it's important to check and change your HVAC air filter every month, it's also important to keep it dry. If you see frozen coils, turn off the system and allow enough time for the coils to fully defrost, then replace the air cleaner.
Professional maintenance by a trained and trusted HVAC technician can also help prevent wet air filter problems. And when the ice starts to melt, it can overflow the drain pan and leak, causing the air filter to get wet. With nowhere to go, condensate returns to the drip tray until it overflows, resulting in a wet floor or, in some cases, a soggy air filter. The function of an air filter is to trap debris circulating in the air of your home and prevent it from entering the air conditioning system.
So what is it that causes the air filter to get wet? Well, it's most likely a clogged condensate drain pipe. If you are replacing the air filter and notice that it is damp or even damp, there is likely to be a water leak coming from the indoor air conditioning unit or condensate drain line. And because most air conditioning and oven filters are located right next to the condensate drain lines, any excess water will quickly reach and soak into the air filter. The air filter is essential to prevent dust, pet dander, mold spores and other harmful particles in the air from entering your home's HVAC system in Columbia, MD.
In addition to reducing the efficiency of the air conditioner, a humid air filter can also become a breeding ground for microorganisms such as mold and bacteria. George Brazil air conditioning and heating provide the Phoenix area with high-quality, long-standing, professional customer service to create comfortable, healthy, safe and energy-efficient places to live and work. Think of your filter as a rebounder that only allows good things (clean air and small particles) to enter your HVAC system and prevents bad things (large dust particles and harmful contaminants) from entering your HVAC system. An air conditioning adjustment helps you avoid blockages, build-ups, and other unnecessary damage that can be caused by a damp air filter.
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