Possible Causes A damp 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. Possible Causes of Wet Air Filters Air filters could be damp for several reasons.
One of the most common reasons air filters get damp is that the condensate tray or condensate drain line is clogged. Water could also be leaking from evaporator coils. This is less typical, but it happens from time to time. The most likely reason the air cleaner is damp is a clogged condensate drain pipe.
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”. Wet air filters are often common in areas with high humidity. Condensation leaks are often the cause of a damp air filter.
When humid, hot air loses its latent heat after passing over the evaporator coils, condensate drips from the coils and enters a drip tray located underneath. Condensate typically flows out of the pan through a drain line, where it ends up outdoors or inside the home's sewer system. Preventing Wet Air Filters There are several steps you can take to prevent air filters from getting wet. Changing air filters regularly helps prevent this problem by minimizing the amount of debris that enters the drain pipes and the trays that clog them.
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. 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. What to do when you discover a wet air filter When you discover a wet air filter, remove it and dry the area. A clogged, dusty, and dirty air filter in your central air conditioning unit is a common problem most homeowners face.
A wet air filter in your home's central air conditioning system is something you need to watch out for. 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. In addition, a damp filter in the heating and air conditioning unit is likely to develop mold, which can cause a variety of health problems, such as nasal congestion, wheezing, and redness and itching of the eyes. If you have this problem with your unit, be sure to call M & M Heating & Air Conditioning Service Co.
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 the 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. 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.
However, you should also occasionally check the air filter to make sure it doesn't get wet and the condensate drain system to make sure it doesn't recede.
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