Most homeowners know that a clean air conditioner filter is an integral part of their HVAC systems. If your Air conditioner filter is wet or feels damp and soggy when you go to change it, there is a problem somewhere within the system itself. What’s more, if you don’t get to the root of the issue, your wet filter can’t remove dust and debris from the air and keep it out of the AC.

Is the Condensation Pan Clogged?

Your air conditioner effectively cools your home by moving humid, warm air across a series of evaporator coils. Because of all of the humidity in the air, moisture collects on the coils and drips down into what is known as a condensation pan. This pan typically drains into your home’s sewage system where it is carried away. If the condensation pan drain is clogged, this will allow moisture to back up and be absorbed by the air filter. It isn’t difficult to find out whether or not the pan is clogged, and if it is, a water and bleach flush may be all you need to get things moving again. If it does not, contact your local HVAC contractor for help with unclogging your condensation pan.

Is the Filter (and the AC Itself) Installed Correctly?

Before you worry that something is terribly wrong with your air conditioner, you should first check to make sure that the filter is actually installed correctly. Sometimes, an improperly installed filter can cause issues that are easy to remedy. If that doesn’t fix the problem, then you’ll need to consider the possibility that the entire unit was installed incorrectly. This can happen sometimes, unfortunately, and it’s not an easy fix. If you suspect that something is seriously wrong, you’ll need to contact your local HVAC contractor for help in resolving the issue. Unfortunately, resolving an improperly installed HVAC system can be a costly endeavor, but it is necessary for ensuring that things run smoothly and efficiently.

Prevention is the Best Medicine

Of course, the best way to protect your HVAC unit and extend its life is to prevent issues like these from happening in the first place. The best way to do this is to start at the beginning and make sure that your unit is professionally installed. If you already have an air conditioner and replacing it isn’t in the plans, then you’ll want to make sure that you hire a licensed contractor to come in and inspect it regularly. Though an annual checkup is often considered necessary, twice per year is often the best way to go because your technician can spot and fix small problems that may be even more troublesome down the line.

If you have a wet air conditioner filter and none of the above steps helped you resolve the issue, then you can contact AND Services for all of your HVAC repair needs. You can also feel free to schedule your annual maintenance and prevention checkups with us, too.