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 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. Like a clogged condensate drain, a faulty condenser (also known as a compressor) can be the culprit for wet air filters.
If the condenser does not work, it will not condense moisture in the refrigerant properly. If the refrigerant does not condense properly, it will not evaporate completely and will instead return to the air cleaner. 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 the air filter. When the filter gets wet, mold and mildew can form on the filter media, making indoor air quality difficult.
The air filter can also get wet if the air conditioner has not been properly installed or maintained, or if the filter was inserted incorrectly. What to do when you discover a wet air filter When you discover a wet air filter, remove it and dry the area. Preventing Wet Air Filters There are several steps you can take to prevent air filters from getting wet. Avoiding damp air filters translates to the same thing as keeping up with routine maintenance.
If you ensure the proper operation of your HVAC, you'll never find a wet air filter.
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