Why Is My Furnace Filter Wet?

It’s relatively normal to find out that your furnace filter has become clogged, but being wet is a different matter. This indicates that there is a problem with your HVAC unit, and you’ll need to reach out to a professional in Riverside, CA, for assistance. A wet filter is a symptom of a much bigger problem, after all, and it needs to be taken very seriously.

What Makes Your Furnace Filter Wet?

The number one culprit for a wet furnace filter is a condensation leak. If everything were working properly, the moisture in your system would fall onto your drip pan. Next, your unit would funnel the liquid into a drain, which would pull it away from your HVAC system.

In your particular case, however, your drain line has probably become clogged with debris, dirt and maybe even algae growth. Once this happens, the moisture has nowhere to go. Instead of draining normally, it will get stuck on the drip pan. Over time, the drip pan will become so full that it overflows. This, in turn, will cause water to either soak your furnace filter or leak out onto your floor.

What Are the Other Possible Reasons for a Wet Furnace Filter?

In rare cases, the issue won’t be caused by a clogged condensate line. There are two other primary causes for your wet filter in Riverside. Regardless of the exact cause, however, you’ll need to reach out to an HVAC expert to solve the problem.

Evaporator Coil Leak

Your evaporator coils could be dripping water onto your filter. This isn’t very common, but it does happen from time to time. When this happens, it’s vital to have a professional investigate the problem. After all, only an expert knows how to properly fix an evaporator coil leak.

Installation Problem

If your furnace was recently installed, it could be that either the air filter or the furnace itself wasn’t set up properly. For instance, your furnace filter may not have a snug fit, or it could have a faulty compressor. Regardless, any installation problems need to be addressed immediately by an expert. Otherwise, your wet furnace filter may be just one of many issues.

What Problems Will a Wet Filter Cause?

You already know that your wet filter is a problem, but are you aware that it can also cause several other issues?

Mold and Mildew

Your furnace filter exists to help filter out particulates from the air. When it becomes wet, though, mold or mildew could appear. This means that the air you’re breathing will also be contaminated with mold or mildew, which can lead to:

• Wheezing
• Red, itchy eyes
• A stuffy nose
• Sinus and nasal congestion
• Irritated throat
• A cough
• Headaches
• Difficulty breathing
• Skin irritation/rash

If you start to feel sick or like you’re having an allergic reaction after spending time indoors, you should check your furnace filter right away.

Poor Indoor Air Quality

As the furnace in your Riverside home continues to blow through your wet filter, it can also cause your indoor air quality to dip significantly. Not only will you be breathing in mold, but you could also become susceptible to several other issues such as:

• Sneezing
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Forgetfulness
• Irritability
• Nausea

Decreased Efficiency

When it’s properly operational, your filter allows air to pass through the system, but it traps air pollutants. However, once your filter becomes wet, it will have a harder time letting the air through. As time passes, this will cause your furnace to work overtime, resulting in higher energy bills. Even worse, your furnace may end up needing additional repairs due to your motor having to work so hard.

How Do You Know When Your Furnace Filter is Wet?

When your furnace filter becomes wet, it will let you know through several little issues. First, you might notice that you’ve developed a breathing issue or that you’ve started sneezing constantly. Secondly, you might receive a much higher than usual energy bill. Finally, the water won’t stay contained to your furnace filter forever. Instead, you’ll begin to notice a leak around your furnace.

Before you notice any of the items listed above, though, you should have already noticed that there is a problem by merely checking your air filter. We recommend that you check and replace your air filter every 30 to 90 days. If you find that your air filter is wet, it’s beyond time to call a Riverside HVAC expert to come check it out.

How Can You Prevent a Wet Filter?

How can you prevent future occurrences of a wet filter furnace? By being proactive!

Annual Tune-Up

When you schedule an annual tune-up for your furnace, it gives a professional a chance to see what’s going on before small issues become a huge problem. One of the many things that a Riverside expert will do is verify that there aren’t any clogs in your condensate line. By checking this on an annual basis, you can reduce your odds of suffering from a wet filter to almost nil.

We understand that some people don’t prioritize their furnace or HVAC system, but it’s critically important that you do so. Even if you think you’re saving money on an annual inspection, it could come back to bite you with a much more expensive repair bill. Therefore, unless you want to take the risk of ending up with a damaged or broken unit, be sure to schedule regular tune-ups.

Check Your Filter Monthly

Another good way to avoid having a wet filter is by checking it every month. Of course, it’s still possible that you’ll discover a wet filter, but at least it won’t remain wet for very long!

How Can You Fix a Wet Filter?

If you discover a wet furnace filter, you need to reach out to a Riverside HVAC professional. Some people may decide to change their air filter themselves, but this will not fix your problem. Instead, you’ll merely be kicking this issue down the road a little bit.

Whenever you discover a wet filter, it’s merely a symptom of a bigger problem. By reaching out to an HVAC expert, you can get the actual cause of the wet filter repaired. Whether the cause is a clogged condensate line, an evaporator coil leak or improper installation, only the pros have the necessary tools, skills and knowledge required to fix your problem.

Let Sheldon's Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing in Riverside Help!

Sheldon's Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is Riverside’s HVAC expert. We’re properly equipped to handle any HVAC issue, including heating repair and installation, cooling repair and installation, indoor air quality, ductwork and more. We also have plumbers on staff to meet your plumbing needs. Plus, as a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer, we’ve proven ourselves to be in the top 5% of our field! Our team handles each service call with professionalism, expertise and efficiency.

Have you discovered a wet furnace filter? Turn to the pros at Sheldon's Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing today!