Is your HVAC system failing to keep you comfortable? Call CREW Heating & Cooling’s AC repair professionals in Humble, TX, at 832-402-1681.
Have you ever walked near your air vent only to discover a puddle of water close to it? When you open it up, you might find an unpleasant surprise waiting for you. A wet air filter causes concern for many homeowners who aren’t sure how all that moisture got there.
Our team at CREW Heating & Cooling listed some common causes for, and ways to prevent, soggy air filters in your home’s HVAC system. Discover why this happens in your home below!
Clogged or Leaky Condensate System
Your condensate system consists of a drain line and a drip pan. The drip pan sits just beneath your evaporator coil, collecting the condensation that drips from the coils. The drain line is connected to the drip pan. It directs the liquified condensation away from the machinery.
Sometimes, the drain line develops a clog or springs a condensation leak. Debris can fall into the drip pan and drain into the line along with the condensation. It may wash into the drain and get stuck.
The clogged drain can’t allow any water to move through. The pan continues collecting condensation until it overflows. Often, overflow lands on the air filter, soaking the materials.
Other times, the drain line cracks or incurs a hole, causing condensation. Like an overflowing drip pan, the condensation escapes the line and drips onto the air filter.
Faulty Installation Practices
On rare occasions, a technician or contractor may install an air conditioning system incorrectly. If the condensate system and coils are placed incorrectly, they can drip condensation onto an air filter without sustaining damage. In such cases, the evaporator coil may release condensation directly onto your filter.
An HVAC technician should look at your system to find a solution. They may correct any previous mistakes or install a solution that fixes the issue.
How to Handle a Wet Air Filter
What should you do after discovering a wet air filter in your return vent? Follow these steps until you can secure services from a trustworthy HVAC technician:
- Take the filter out of the vent and clean up the surrounding area.
- Check the condensate system for clogs, ruptures, and other damage that allows water to escape.
- Eliminate any blockages preventing condensation flow. If you observe damage allowing liquid to escape, contact an HVAC technician.
- Once you’ve resolved the problem, wait for the entire area to dry.
- Replace the condensate system and enjoy your conditioned air.
Can You Prevent a Wet Air Filter?
After you’ve applied the above solution, you might want to know how to keep your air filters dry for good. Soggy filters are off-putting and inconvenient. They also reduce airflow throughout your home and HVAC system, forcing the motor and other components to work much harder than they should. Explore a few simple solutions below.
Change the Filter Regularly
Air filters collect a plethora of debris during the time you use them. The more particles they trap, the more they restrict airflow. Flow restriction places stress on the entire HVAC system.
Although the filter instructions recommend changes every 90 days, you may need to change your filter more frequently. Consider filter replacement every month or two if:
- You have pets
- You use candles or incense
- You have an indoor fireplace
- You smoke or vape
These lifestyle choices warrant more frequent filter changes.
Choose the Correct Filter for Your HVAC System
Many homeowners opt for what they perceive as cost-effective filters. However, cheaper filters allow more particles to make it through the fibers. These particles can build up inside the drip pan and drain line, forming clogs.
Look over your owner’s manual to find the best MERV rating for your system. You can also contact an HVAC professional for a recommendation.
Schedule Bi-Annual Maintenance
You should schedule HVAC maintenance twice yearly: in early spring and in late autumn. A technician will change your filter and check on your condensate system during a routine maintenance call. Air conditioners are historically complex systems that require professional treatment to operate optimally.
Call CREW Heating & Cooling to Solve Your HVAC Problems
Have you discovered a wet air filter in your return vent but can’t identify the problem? Leave it to our crew at CREW Heating & Cooling. Our technicians will prioritize your comfort.
Find permanent solutions to common HVAC problems with our technicians at CREW Heating & Cooling. Schedule a service appointment at 832-402-1681.