When it comes to maintaining your HVAC system, the number one piece of advice from your HVAC contractor in Marlborough, MA, is to change the air filter frequently. Whether you’re on a schedule in which you replace the filter once a month or you wait up to three months before the filter changes, you never want to discover a wet air filter.
Moisture buildup in filters can occur for several preventable reasons. Although they aren’t a cause to panic and are typically easy to fix, you still need to act quickly to prevent damage to your HVAC equipment, air quality issues, and further water damage.
The Most Likely Reasons for Air Filter Moisture Issues in Marlborough
There are two reasons that you might end up with a wet air filter in your Marlborough HVAC: a clog in the condensate drain line or pan or moisture from the evaporator coils dripping onto the filter.
The first issue is typically the result of a lack of maintenance. Air conditioners create condensation when they cool warm air, which drips down into the condensation pan and then outside via a drain line.
However, if there’s something blocking the water from flowing from the pan into the drain, the water will back up and potentially cause a wet air filter. The overflow from the clogged condensate lines can also cause the unit to leak, which can cause water damage.
Clogs occur when dirt, algae, and mold accumulate inside the drain lines. When you schedule professional HVAC system maintenance for your HVAC system, the technician will check for these blockages and other damage, and clear the lines to prevent problems.
The other potential reason for a wet air filter is an issue with the evaporator coils that are causing condensation not to drip into the pan but rather onto the filter. This is rare and the result of improper unit installation. However, if the condensate lines are clear, the evaporator coils are the most likely cause of the HVAC filter water damage.
Why You Need to Address a Wet Air Filter Immediately
Most Marlborough homeowners only discover that they have air filter moisture issues when they go to replace an old filter. However, water damage can cause issues similar to clogged air filters symptoms, like poor indoor air quality, reduced efficiency, and mechanical problems with the equipment.
Any amount of water in the air filter is a cause for concern. Air flows through the filter before it enters the HVAC unit, preventing contaminants from entering the system. When the filter material gets wet, that airflow can also pick up moisture, which then blows into your home and supports the spread of mold and mildew.
In addition to damp air filtration problems and poor air quality, a waterlogged air filter impedes airflow. This forces your equipment to work harder, driving up energy bills and causing excess wear and tear. In fact, the unit may work so hard that the motor fails or the evaporator coils freeze over, which leads to additional repairs.
Even if the wet air filter doesn’t cause a major mechanical malfunction, a clogged condensate drain is a cause for concern. It, too, can result in an overworked air conditioner, high power bills, and a shorter equipment lifespan.
What To Do When the HVAC Filter Gets Wet
You must determine the source of the moisture before you invest in wet filter replacement. Otherwise, the issue will continue.
The first thing to check is the condensate line and pain. Make sure that the pan doesn’t have any cracks, and thoroughly clean it to remove algae and dirt. You can also use a wet/dry vacuum or a drain snake to clear the line if you suspect a blockage is causing the wet air filter.
Another option is to schedule a maintenance visit and inspection from a Marlborough HVAC professional, who will be able to quickly identify the problem and clear any obstructions. In the unlikely event that the issue is due to improper installation, you’ll need a professional to address the problem and stop the moisture.
Let Marlborough’s HVAC Experts Keep Your System in Peak Condition
Again, the best way to avoid having to deal with a wet air filter in your HVAC is to invest in regular professional maintenance. Pro Comfort Control, the leading heating and AC installation contractor in Marlborough, MA, is here to help you keep your system working flawlessly with comprehensive installation, maintenance, and repair services. Call to schedule an appointment and avoid the hassles of water damage and a broken-down HVAC system. Reach out now.
Author Bio:
Ryan McKernan
Founder
Passionate about delivering outstanding craftsmanship and superior customer service. Offering our customers the absolute best selection of heating, cooling, hot water and plumbing equipment and top-quality installation materials with industry-leading installers. Brings over 25 years of invaluable experience to every project.