What is the “Dirty Sock Syndrome?”
Do you get a terrible smell when your air conditioner first starts? If so you may have an airborne bacteria living in the evaporator coil of your a/c unit.
”Dirty Sock Syndrome” is caused by bacteria from airborne contaminants that collect and grow on the indoor coils of air conditioners.
The bacteria or odor collects and grows on the coil during the off season and is released into the air when the unit is first started.
A Lot of customers describe the odor as a musky, dirty, locker room smell. Many car air conditioners experience the very same symptoms when started for the first time. This problem can be properly treated by emptying dirty drain pans holding water, clearing the units condensate drain line and trap, cleaning coils with a good non-acid coil cleaner, and adding an anti bacterial treatment to the condensate pan. If the odor persists, the last resort may be to replace the indoor coil altogether.
The bacteria or odor collects and grows on the coil during the off season and is released into the air when the unit is first started.
A Lot of customers describe the odor as a musky, dirty, locker room smell. Many car air conditioners experience the very same symptoms when started for the first time. This problem can be properly treated by emptying dirty drain pans holding water, clearing the units condensate drain line and trap, cleaning coils with a good non-acid coil cleaner, and adding an anti bacterial treatment to the condensate pan. If the odor persists, the last resort may be to replace the indoor coil altogether.
The Dirty Sock syndrome has been reported to be an issue in many homes and can be found anywhere that bacteria can grow. Much effort and expense has been given by the industry to research and solve this syndrome, spending a lot of time and energy trying to identify the source of this problem. A thorough cleaning will help to eliminate this problem, most of the time, for the entire season. When you have experienced this smell, the best solution is to clean your system every season to keep the bacteria from again forming on your air conditioner’s coils. The average home do-it-yourself person can clean and get their air conditioner ready for the season. For tips and how-to, feel free to post your questions here and look for future D-I-Y videos.