The air cleaner in your HVAC system has an important role to play. It prevents dust and other particles from settling on the equipment and improves indoor air quality. But when a wet air filter is present, it can be a sign of a potential problem that shouldn't be ignored. There are several possible causes of wet air filters.
One of the most common is a clogged condensate tray or condensate drain line. Water could also be leaking from the evaporator coils, although this is less typical. Most homeowners know that a clean air conditioner filter is an essential part of their HVAC systems. If the filter is wet or feels damp and soggy when you go to change it, there's likely an issue with the system itself.
A wet filter won't be able to remove dust and debris from the air and keep it out of the air conditioner. Most units need to have their filters changed every 30 to 90 days. If none of the above steps help you resolve the problem, you should contact AND Services for all of your HVAC repair needs. If the air filter becomes clogged with moisture, it makes it harder for the air conditioning system to “breathe”.
The filter can also get wet if the air conditioner hasn't been properly installed or maintained, or if the filter was inserted incorrectly. A damp filter in the heating and air conditioning unit can also lead to mold growth, which can cause nasal congestion, wheezing, and redness and itching of the eyes. The only way to fix this is to replace the filter and repair the underlying cause of the wet air filter. The wet filter will also restrict the airflow needed for cooling and air distribution.
When properly installed and kept cool, clean, and dry, an HVAC air filter will remove unwanted particles from domestic air, such as pet dander, mold spores, pollen, bacteria, and more. When the filter gets wet, mold and mildew can form on the filter media, making indoor air quality difficult. A wet air filter in your home's central air conditioning system is something you should be aware of. Air filters need to be replaced at least every three months, and if not replaced, significant air conditioning problems and poor air quality can result.
A wet air filter can cause a lot of problems, but there is only one thing that wets the filter in the first place.
