Black Soot Deposition Black soot can quickly turn our air filters black. This is usually a result of burning candles. Candles are made of carbon-based materials that don't all combust when burned. They end up producing tiny soot particles which then get into our carpet, on our furniture, and in our air filters.
If there is a lot of dust, pet dander, or other particles inside your home, your air filter can get dirty very quickly.
The black you're seeing is dirt, dust and road debris that would have found its way into your intake. Wipe the excess oil off...
A buildup of debris in your vents can restrict proper airflow, leading to incorrect combustion of your furnace leading to brown or black soot and debris accumulating on your filter. You may also notice that the heat from your vents isn't as warm as it should be or blowing out as much air.
A black filter can be caused by candle smoke, soot from fireplaces or it can indicate that black mold is growing due to humidity and condensation in or around the furnace. Another cause of black filters is carbon monoxide which poses health risks and, in extreme cases, death.
Mold is a very concerning cause of black filters. The black appearance on filters can sometimes be black mold. This occurs when moisture from air conditioning condensation gets transferred to the air filter. Humid conditions and wet environments invite mold.
A brand-new air filter, or at least one in good condition, should be relatively clean. Fresh filters feature a white or off-white color, while older filters may be darker in color due to all the dirt and debris they've collected. If your filter looks dark or off-color, bring in a mechanic to check it out just in case.
One of the most common causes of an HVAC filter's black appearance is soot. This black substance can coat your filter, but it's actually a sign that your filter is doing its job. Soot can come from everyday household items, such as candles with long wicks or a gas water heater with an improper flame.
Extreme Temperatures Temperatures outside being hotter or colder than expected can cause your system to run longer, cycling more air through your furnace or air conditioner. When more air is being pushed through the system by the blower motor man, naturally the filter is going to capture more dirt and clog faster.
Though the appearance of mold will vary depending on what type it is, it shouldn't be too hard to identify. Watch for green, yellow, black, or white stains developing on your AC system's walls and air filter that display a fuzzy, velvety texture.
If the filter is newly installed or just recently changed, black particles may be noticed in the water. This is fine carbon particles left over from the manufacturing process. Flushing the system as outlined in the install instructions will eliminate this situation.
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.
A clean air filter is off-white in color and will have no dirt or debris caught in its folds. A dirty air filter, on the other hand, will appear gray or brown in color and you'll likely be able to see dirt trapped between the layers of fabric. This dirt is getting in the way of the flow of oxygen to the engine.
The most common problem you will face with a backwards facing filter is simple inefficiency. If your furnace is forced to blow air through the non-porous end of a filter, it will take more energy to do so. The blower will be overworked and you will pay more money for your heating.
When you leave an AC unit's air filter clogged for too long, you can experience a failure of the entire system. This is because the unit can only work for so long at twice the power before it finally breaks down.
Soil, sand, chemicals, and germs can enter your home from cracks in the doors and windows or from your clothes, shoes, and pets. While dusting is an easy chore to forget, a buildup of dust on surfaces can make your home look dirtier and affect your overall air quality and well-being.
When the thermostat's fan setting is set to “ON” the indoor blower will run 24/7, constantly circulating air over the air filter. So now the filter is constantly catching airborne contaminants, causing it to quickly get dirty.
Whether black or gray, any dark discoloration entails a dirty furnace filter and should be cleaned. On top of particle pollution, combustion can turn regular build-up into black soot and saturate the entire furnace filter. Pet dander, dirt, and dust don't cause black soot per se, but enough buildup can lead to it.
Yes, a blocked/dirty filter can increase the chance of fire hazards.
For most homeowners, black air filters aren't a cause for panic. They simply mean that you need to increase the frequency that you change your air filters, and that the filter is doing its job.
Contaminants in the Air: High levels of dust and debris put a strain on your unit, making your filters clog faster. An increase in the number of people in your home can also increase the amount of dirt being kicked up into your system.
On average, whole house water filters will last for the following lengths of time: Pre-Filter: Three- to Six Months. Carbon Filter: 12 Months. Post-Filter: Up to One Year.