As the temperatures rise in the greater Cleveland area, so does the humidity because warm air naturally holds more moisture than cool air. One of the auxiliary functions of your air conditioner is to remove excess moisture as it cools your air. If you’re having humidity problems, you may notice a wet air filter in your central air conditioner, which can lead to mold, mildew and airflow obstructions in your home.

The Condensate Drain

When moisture condenses out of the air in the cooling system, it’s usually disposed of through the condensate drain. If the drain becomes clogged, that moisture will remain within the air conditioner and re-evaporate, especially during periods when the air conditioner cycles off to maintain your temperature setting. That condensation can be trapped in the air filter medium, which can cause mold and mildew to grow. The condensate drain should be kept clear of any obstructions and cleaned with a dilute bleach solution once or twice a year.

Seasonal Maintenance

If your air conditioner is in poor repair, it may not function effectively when lowering humidity or draining it out. Having an annual HVAC inspection helps to catch any problems early, addressing them before you need emergency repairs. It also keeps your system in top operating condition so it can perform more effectively.

A Whole-House Dehumidifier

Some homes have more problems with humidity than others. If your home constantly has high humidity, you may consider installing a whole-house dehumidifier. Your air conditioner, after all, isn’t designed to manage humidity; it simply lowers the humidity level as a side effect of its cooling operation. If humidity in your home is too high, it can lead to moisture condensation in more than just your air filter.

To learn more about how to handle a wet air filter and other humidity problems, contact Stack Heating & Cooling today.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Cleveland, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about wet air filters and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Geo Martinez/Shutterstock”