Black air filter

[wsiegel]

Any ideas on why this air filter would turn black within a week. The air handler was recently inspected by a licensed AC and given the thumbs up. The coils are a little damaged but were not dirty. FYI - this is in a first floor condominium. There was / is a problem with the tub leaking upstairs. Instead of correcting the problem, they just stopped using the tub. There has been no recent construction or any open areas where dust could come in. All of the walls and ceilings were checked with both a thermal imaging camera and moisture meter and everything came up dry. There is a cat and a dog in the home but there were no hairs on the filter or coils. Ideas are appreciated.

[Jeffrey R. Jonas]

Hmmm...Chinese Drywall ??? (Just kiddin', maybe)

[wsiegel]

No, unit was built about 20 years ago. The only drywall that was changed in the the unit was the tub walls, and there are no other symptons.

[David P. Valley]

Is the furnace oil fired?

[Larry D. Kage]

Is the water heater in the same room?

Is it gas, etc? Is there soot rust on that burner? Does it ignite slowly?

[wsiegel]

This is Florida. There is no furnace. The water heater is located under the air handler. It is electric.

[Steven C. Waskewicz]

Perchance did you scratch it with a fingernail?
Did you smell it?
What did it seem like?

[wsiegel]

Stupidly I did not scratch it.
It did not have any smell
I did shake it, but nothing came out.

[Larry D. Kage]

Is the garage attached?

You may want to check around that entry door and other places like this:

http://www.your-leaking-house.com/si...ic,1055.0.html

[wsiegel]

There is no garage, this is a condo.

[Larry D. Kage]

Originally Posted by wsiegel

There is no garage, this is a condo.

Around here condos have garages, mostly.

Oh, well, out of ideas for you. Good luck.

[wsiegel]

I know. Thanks.

[David P. Valley]

Did you taste it?

[Wayne B. Wilson]

Is it a washable filter? and how close to the salt water are you

[wsiegel]

Wayne,

Its a disposable filter.