What Causes a Wet Air Filter?

Tasked with keeping dust, debris and other particulates at bay, the air filter plays an important role in keeping your HVAC system in good condition. However, the air filter’s work can only be done as long as it remains dry. A wet air filter can easily compromise this role and prevent the filter from doing its job effectively.

A wet air filter usually highlights a more serious underlying cause. The most common cause is overflowing condensate caused by a damaged drain pan or clogged drain line. Condensate is a byproduct of the air conditioning process and as warm air flows through the cooling coils, the moisture within the air condenses into liquid form and falls into the drain pan. If the drain pan has a crack or a pinhole leak or if the drain line is clogged with debris, the condensate can overflow the pan and make its way towards the air filter.

Your HVAC system can also be more susceptible to condensation forming inside the ductwork if the unit is located in the attic. On a hot summer day, the difference between the cold air flowing inside the ducts and the hot air outside can cause condensation to form. Excess frost buildup on the cooling coil may also cause the air filter to become wet if the frost is allowed to melt.

All it takes to keep your air filter from getting wet is to have your HVAC system maintained on a regular basis. You should have your HVAC technician regularly inspect the condensate drain pan and drain lines for blockages and other problems that could cause your air filter to become wet.

At Sobieski Services, Inc., our goal is to help our customers in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey learn more about energy and home comfort issues — especially HVAC and plumbing issues — so that they can save money and live in healthier, more comfortable homes.