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. 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.” Possible Causes of Wet Air Filters Air filters could be damp for a number of 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 the evaporator coils.
This is less typical, but it happens from time to time. Most homeowners know that a clean air conditioner filter is an integral part of their HVAC systems. If the air conditioner filter is wet or feels damp and soggy when you are going to change it, there is a problem somewhere in the system itself. Also, if you don't get to the root of the problem, the wet filter won't be able to remove dust and debris from the air and keep it out of the air conditioner.
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 primary cause of evaporator coil freezing, so it's important to replace the air filter at least once every 90 days. Condensate leaks are a common cause of wet air filters. As the HVAC system cools the air in your home, it also condenses indoor moisture, from water vapor to liquid form. Condensate normally falls into a drip tray where it is channeled to a drain away from the HVAC system.
Preventing Wet Air Filters
There are several steps you can take to prevent air filters from getting wet.First, make sure that your HVAC system has been properly installed and maintained by a professional technician. This will help ensure that all components are working correctly and that there are no blockages in any of the lines. You should also regularly check your air filter and replace it when necessary. A dirty or clogged filter can cause your evaporator coil to freeze up, which can lead to water leaking out and making your filter wet.
What To Do When You Discover A Wet Air Filter
When you discover a wet air filter, remove it and dry the area. 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.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. Professional maintenance by a trained and trusted HVAC technician can also help prevent wet air filter problems. An air conditioning adjustment helps you avoid blockages, build-ups, and other unnecessary damage that can be caused by a damp air filter. The air conditioner effectively cools your home by moving warm, moist air through a series of evaporator coils.
If you notice that the air cleaner is wet, this indicates that there is a problem with your HVAC system that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. We even have an air filter subscription service, so you'll never have to worry about forgetting your air filters. If the air filter becomes clogged with moisture, it makes it more difficult for the air conditioning system to “breathe”. And when the ice starts to melt, it can overflow the drain pan and leak, causing the air filter to get wet.
