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.
And that's the job of an air filter–to provide clean air to the home. A wet air filter can spread moisture throughout the ventilation and HVAC system into the rest of the home–and if the filter remains wet for very long, it'll be a breeding ground for mold and mildew that will also spread quickly.
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.
1 Answer 1 It is not advisable to run the a/c without a filter in place nor to run the washable one while it is wet. Damp may be OK but not wet. The best practice would be to get another of the washable filters and rotate them. Alternatively get a disposable filter that you use while the washable filter is drying.
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.
If your filter is wet for a long time, your engine may choke or run rich. This might eventually result in water getting inside your engine, where it could mix with the oil and make a big mess.
DRY THE FILTER in an open space for 12 hours. DON'T use gasoline to clean a foam filter. It will harden the glue seams and dramatically shorten the life of the filter. DON'T wring out the filter when oiling.
You can safely use a hair dryer on a low heat setting on both the inside and outside of the filter to speed up drying.
A clean filter requires about 10 hours to completely dry. Once you remove it from the warm soapy water, place it on a surface with natural sunlight to let it dry. The filter will take a long time to dry since there are many components. Avoid using cloths and paper towels to try to speed up the process.
The short answer: You can get away with running your AC without a filter for a short period of time. However, doing so for longer than 6-8 hours can hurt your system and decrease your home's indoor air quality.
Generally, high-performance dry filters can catch up to 99% of the incoming contaminants due to the smaller micron size of the filter media, while oiled filters catch about 98% of what passes through - a minute difference, but a difference none-the-less.
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.
The simple answer is: not for long. Ideally, your AC should never operate without a filter for more than 6-8 hours. Going beyond this can negatively affect both your system's health and your home's air quality.
Regarding filtration, both dry and oiled air filters offer excellent protection against dirt, dust, and other contaminants. However, dry filters tend to have a slight advantage in overly dusty, sandy, or silty conditions.
First, Replace Your Air Filter
But if the filter is wet, it won't allow enough air through your return vent. If there isn't enough airflow to your AC, it can reduce your AC's efficiency, eventually increasing your bills and putting undue strain on your AC's internal parts.
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.
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.
Keeping Your A/C Maintained
Remove it from the unit, rinse it off with water and allow it to air dry completely before putting it back in. Sliding a wet filter back into your air conditioner is just asking for ice formation and other issues, and trying to wipe the filter dry is likely to damage its delicate surface.
How Often Do I Need to Change Out My Air Filter? Generally, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing your air filter every 90 days, or 3 months. That can change based on where your home is located (ex. dusty, dry climates), if you have any pets, and the age of your system and equipment.
Make sure that the filter has time to dry before reinstalling it in your unit. Give the filter 8-10 hours to dry completely.
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.
During normal operation, your air conditioner/furnace filter should always remain dry. A wet filter is inefficient and spreads moisture throughout your ductwork and home, creating the perfect breeding ground for mildew and mold.
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.
If the water remains in small quantities, most filters will not have any significant consequences. However, if the water amount rises beyond the saturation point, the negative effects on the lubricant and equipment will increase, impacting the filter's performance.
OIL THE FILTER. Air filter oil prevents water, mud, dust and sand from going into the engine by maintaining impurities on the air filter. A well-greased filter ensures more power and longer engine life!