Rinse it off with fresh water and let it fully dry before returning it to your AC unit. If the filter is too large to fit in your sink, you can also wash it with a garden hose outside. Do not use a pressurized setting on your hose because you might accidentally damage the filter.
After rinsing, you will want to lightly shake the excess water out of your filter to allow it to dry quicker. While you can proceed to the next step after allowing the filter to dry for 30 minutes to an hour, for optimal results you should let your filter dry overnight if possible.
Ensure that they are dry before placing them back in the unit to "help you avoid any mold issues when turning it back on,” according to Hollon and Essex. “Many disposable air conditioner filters should be replaced rather than cleaned, as cleaning with water can lead to possible mold issues," adds Hollon.
But, if your filter is wet, it gives those microorganisms a nice, damp place to grow, which can negatively impact your health and the health of your AC system. So, bottom line, if your AC filter is wet, replace it.
You can leave them out in the sun if it's not too hot, or you can run a hairdryer over them, or you can set them out to air dry - but whatever you do, don't put a damp filter into your HVAC system - this puts you at the risk of mold.
Place the filter in a safe spot and allow some time for it to air dry. Alternatively, you can use a hairdryer on the “cool” function to speed up the drying process. Make sure the air conditioner filter has dried completely before inserting it into the unit.
Water can displace and close off the pathways that air takes through the filter and into the engine. This disruption can cause the engine to run poorly and possibly damage it over time.
Rinse it off with fresh water and let it fully dry before returning it to your AC unit. If the filter is too large to fit in your sink, you can also wash it with a garden hose outside.
Put it in the sun for a few hours if you have the time. If you have an air compressor in your garage dry it out with low pressure air. Use your wifes hair dryer.
As a general rule, it is never a good idea to run your air conditioner or HVAC system without an air filter in place. Any amount of time spent doing so can lead to permanent damage and the possibility of needing expensive repairs.
A dirty air filter restricts airflow through the HVAC system making it harder to reach your desired indoor temperature at an increased cost.
As a general rule, you should clean your air conditioner filters within the indoor unit every two weeks. In more dusty or polluted environments you should clean your filters more regularly. Cleaning your filters is the most important maintenance task you can do to care for your air conditioner.
Is my AC not working because of the filter? Potentially, yes. While there are a whole host of issues that could cause problems with your air conditioning system, a dirty air filter should be the first thing to check if your central air conditioning unit isn't working as properly as it should.
Dry. Shake the filter to get rid of any excess water, then set it down to air dry. Make sure the filter is completely dry before oiling (if you have an oiled filter) and replacing it.
High temperatures: When the outside temperatures become extreme, your air filter might begin to experience dirt problems. This is because, during extremely hot weather, more air is pushed through the AC system by the blower motor. As a result, the filters will capture more dirt and clog faster.
Immersion in Warm, Soapy Water – Where stubborn air-borne dirt is present, the filter may be dipped in a solution of warm water and mild detergent. Then simply rinse in clear water, let stand until completely dry and free of moisture, and return to service.
Let It Dry
Let the air filter dry for at least eight hours before reinstalling it to the AC unit.
Choosing the Right Air Filter
However, dry filters tend to have a slight advantage in overly dusty, sandy, or silty conditions. Due to their low-micron media, dry air filters filter approximately 99 percent of contaminants, vs. oiled air filter's 98 percent; while a small advantage, an advantage nonetheless.
A wet air filter is not doing its job properly! Wet air filters result in less airflow and higher energy bills. They can also ultimately cause a blown motor or frozen evaporator. Lastly, they can cause mold issues and poor air quality, which can cause serious health issues.
After rinsing your filter, gently shake off excess water and allow the filter to dry naturally. Do not apply oil until the air filter is completely dry.
Clogged Condensate Drain
When you run the AC, condensation naturally occurs. The condensate drain allows that to flow out of the system and out of your home. If you have a clog in the condensate drain, then the water will get stuck in the system and make your air filter wet.
Airflow restriction caused by a dirty filter can strain engine components and lead to poor combustion. So, what happens? Your engine compensates by using more fuel to create the same amount of power. This is not only inefficient, but it also means you will notice reduced acceleration and less horsepower.