Why Is My Furnace Filter Soggy?

You have just inspected your air filter, only to find it is sopping wet! Thoughts begin to race through your head, and you ask yourself, Is my furnace breaking down? or Is this going to be expensive to repair? Fortunately, there is no need for panic. 

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugh!

The bad news is there is something wrong with your furnace. The good news is it can usually be repaired quickly. However, you should take care of the problem as soon as possible.

What Made My Filter Wet?

A clogged condensate line is the most common culprit for a wet filter. The condensate line is a pipe that expels your heat exchanger’s water condensation. Because the condensate water is warm, it can be especially attractive to mold and mildew. Over time, your drain can become clogged with these contaminants, leading to an overflow.

What Are the Risks of a Damp Filter?

A moisture-filled filter is a haven for mold and mildew. Leaving it this way for too long allows these specimens to grow. As a result, their particles will negatively affect your Germantown indoor air quality (IAQ).

If you or anyone in your Wisconsin house has allergies, symptoms may flare up almost immediately. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns against inhaling mold, as the mold spores can cause instant reactions.

Water that clogs your air filter is also detrimental to your equipment. Your furnace will have to work twice as hard to produce the same amount of heating. This leads to longer cycles and wears down the components. 

For all these reasons, you should find a solution to the issue right away. Talk to one of our Interstate Heating Co heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) professionals to determine if this is necessary in your case.

What Should I Do?

Here are a couple ways to address and solve this issue:

1. Replace your filter.

As previously mentioned, a damp filter is bad for your air and bad for your furnace. You should replace your filter right away. Or, if you prefer, you can have one of our HVAC professionals perform the task.

2. Schedule a repair.

Let one of our experienced and licensed experts take care of the repair. We will be able to diagnose the issue at hand, then promptly and efficiently fix it.

Interstate Heating Co Is Your Furnace Filter Expert

If your filter is filled with condensate, definitely do not hesitate to schedule a repair. Call us at 262-246-4772 or request service online now.

In addition to repairs, we offer routine maintenance visits. Routine maintenance is a great way to remedy issues such as a clogged condensate drain before they become a serious problem. All of us at Interstate Heating Co are proud to serve you and your neighbors in Germantown, WI, and surrounding communities.