Is Your House suffering from Dirty Sock Syndrome?
Apr 03, 2020 · Dirty Sock Syndrome is an environmental problem, not an equipment problem. It can happen to any manufacturer's equipment. When you think about it that way, it's actually pretty cool of Trane to send a replacement coil and cover it under their warranty since, you know… it wasn't their equipment that failed! Click to see full answer.
What causes Dirty Sock Syndrome in air conditioning systems?
Feb 17, 2022 · Is “dirty socks syndrome” a manufacturer warranty issue? The answer to these 2 questions is “ Absolutely not † The manufacturer’s warranties cover defects in materials and workmanship. The coils are not flawed; in most cases the system works properly and conditions the environment. Contents hide 1 Will Dirty Socks Syndrome Go Away?
How do I prevent Dirty Sock Syndrome?
Jun 07, 2019 · (If your AC system is still under warranty, your warranty may cover the installation of a new evaporator coil.) Once your AC system’s evaporator coil is back in working order, it’s also important to take preventive measures that will keep Dirty Sock Syndrome from cropping up again down the road. These measures include: Scheduling regular air conditioner maintenance
Why does my car smell like dirty socks?
Dec 20, 2021 · In most cases, the warranty will not cover dirty sock syndrome. Warranties are meant to cover malfunctions and manufacturer mistakes, not environmental conditions. As dirty sock syndrome is not due to issues with the parts, most warranties won’t cover it.
Does Trane warranty cover dirty sock syndrome?
Dirty Sock Syndrome is an environmental problem, not an equipment problem. It can happen to any manufacturer's equipment. When you think about it that way, it's actually pretty cool of Trane to send a replacement coil and cover it under their warranty since, you know… it wasn't their equipment that failed!
How do you fix dirty sock syndrome in HVAC?
How to Fix Dirty Sock SyndromeScheduling regular air conditioner maintenance.Checking and cleaning your air filters regularly.Upgrading to a high performance air filter.Having your ductwork professionally cleaned.Jun 7, 2019
What does dirty sock syndrome smell like?
In the HVAC world, dirty sock syndrome refers to the presence of an odor from the air conditioner that, well, smells much like dirty socks. No dirty socks are present, fortunately, but what is present and causing that odor is bacteria and mold.Nov 23, 2021
Will dirty sock syndrome go away on its own?
Fortunately, Dirty Sock Syndrome can usually be addressed and fixed rather easily. Since the source of the odor is mold and bacterial growth, a good cleaning of the coils of your air conditioner will usually take care of the problem.Nov 9, 2020
How much does an evaporator coil cost?
Evaporator Coil CostsCoil CapacityUncasedTotal Cost*1.5-2.0 ton$185 – $565$585 – $1,4152.5 ton$230 – $780$675 – $1,6353.0 ton$265 – $1,000$780 – $2,0253.5 ton$300 – $1,115$850 – $2,2002 more rows•Oct 28, 2020
Can dirty sock syndrome make you sick?
Since the strong odor derives from your unit decomposing, it can also make you feel sick. This can leave you feeling very unwell when you spend any time in your home. So rather than letting mold develop, it's vital that you tackle your dirty sock syndrome issue promptly and don't wait for it to get worse.Dec 15, 2016
Where is my evaporator coil?
Inside the home, the evaporator coil, sometimes referred to as the cooling coil, is located on the air intake side of the fan coil or the outlet side of the furnace. Its job is to remove heat from indoor air so the blower fan can return cool, refreshing air to the home.
What is wet sock syndrome?
Dirty Sock Syndrome is caused when moisture is trapped in your HVAC system and can't evaporate as rapidly as it's supposed to. This condition is typically associated with the summer season, as that's when there's humidity and air conditioner condensate to fuel mildew growth.Mar 21, 2020
Why does my house AC smell like feet?
If the smell coming from your AC smells like dirty socks or stinky feet, this is another indication of a moisture issue. Your filters may be dirty or your drainage system clogged, causing too much moisture or standing water in your AC unit that eventually starts to smell like sweaty feet.May 13, 2018
Why does my heat pump smell like vinegar?
Vinegar – When the air coming from your air conditioner smells sour, like vinegar, the problem could be from an electric motor that is emitting ozone. Other possible reasons could be excess condensation on the coils, a malfunctioning filter, a clogged condensate pan, or mold in the ductwork.Apr 10, 2020
Why does my heat smell like wet dog?
Dirty sock syndrome is the result of mold, fungal, and bacterial grown inside of your AC, resulting in a home air conditioner that smells like a wet dog (or worse). The moisture from your AC evaporator coil combines with spores, making the perfect environment for mold and other unwanted substances to grow and thrive.Dec 7, 2020
Is dirty sock syndrome common?
Dirty Sock Syndrome plagues 0.5 to 2 percent of heat pumps in the southern states, with Texas being on the lower side of the percentage. DSS commonly occurs when the HVAC system is not getting much use throughout the day, or when the HVAC system is having to perform both heating and cooling actions frequently.
Does UV light help with dirty sock syndrome?
UV light is an effective way to kill microorganisms at a molecular level. In the same way that excessive exposure to sunlight can damage skin cells...
Is dirty sock syndrome covered by warranty?
In most cases, the warranty will not cover dirty sock syndrome. Warranties are meant to cover malfunctions and manufacturer mistakes, not environme...
Will dirty sock syndrome go away on its own?
Dirty sock syndrome does not go away. You may not smell it as much or at all once you stop running the system. However, as it is caused by fungal g...
How long does dirty sock syndrome usually last?
Dirty sock syndrome will last as long as you let it. Unfortunately, the longer you let the problem continue, the worse it will get and the harder i...
Why does my AC system get dirty?
That bacteria and mold then gets blown into your home when your AC system turns on. Dirty Sock Syndrome most often occurs during the spring — when your AC system is not running as frequently and moisture, dust, and dirt have more time to accumulate on the evaporator coil in between cycles.
Is dirty socks bad for you?
Dirty Sock Syndrome isn’ t just a sti nky nuisance; it can also be dangerous for your home’s indoor air quality. If bacteria and mold are allowed to circulate through your indoor air, members of your household who are sensitive to mold or who have allergies may start experiencing symptoms.
Does dirty socks go away?
Homeowners in Mercer, Middlesex, Somerset, and Bucks Counties sometimes ask us if Dirty Sock Syndrome will go away on its own. Although you may notice that your air conditioner no longer smells musty as spring turns into summer, that doesn’t mean the problem has magically gone away. All of the build-up will remain on the evaporator coil, and when the conditions are right, you’re likely to start smelling dirty socks in your home once again. Call an HVAC technician to fix the problem now to spare yourself from more headaches (and potentially higher repair costs) down the road.
What Exactly Is the Dirty Sock Syndrome?
Dirty sock syndrome, or stinky sock syndrome if you prefer the alliteration, is the unpleasant smell that can sometimes creep out of your HVAC system. It is so named for its similarity to the smell of dirty socks.
Main Causes of Dirty Sock Syndrome
The causes behind the HVAC dirty sock syndrome are moisture and bacteria. If your house is too humid, moisture can collect in the HVAC system. When dust and dirt get sucked up into the system, as well, then the wet environment creates the perfect habitat for bacterial growth.
Is Dirty Sock Syndrome Dangerous?
The good news is that dirty sock syndrome is not inherently dangerous. Mildew is a type of fungus that does not produce toxins, so while it is pungent and unsightly, it is unlikely to cause any health problems.
How to Get Rid of Dirty Sock Syndrome in Your House?
If you are tired of smelling dirty socks and want to know how to get rid of dirty sock syndrome in AC or HVAC systems, then follow these steps.
Preventing the Dirty Sock Syndrome
There are a few tricks you can try that will help prevent the return of dirty sock syndrome once you have gotten rid of it.
DSS in My Car: How Can I Remove It?
Dirty sock syndrome in cars is mainly due to condensation build-up. When you run the AC in your car, condensation can collect in the AC housing. When you turn the car off, and the water is left to sit in the heat, it can lead to fungal growth.
People Also Ask (FAQ)
UV light is an effective way to kill microorganisms at a molecular level. In the same way that excessive exposure to sunlight can damage skin cells and cause cancer, it can also eradicate certain microorganisms.
Same-Day Complete Solution with Minimal Downtime
Trained Signal Hygiene technicians can treat any size or type of HVAC system, from mini-splits to large commercial units, in a single visit. Single family home systems typically take 3 to 5 hours, while larger commercial systems can be completed in one 8-hour shift with the right crew size. Upon completion, the odors will be gone and stay gone.
Less Expensive than Replacing Coils
One solution some OEMs use involves removing the coils from the infected unit, sending them to a manufacturing or treatment facility to dip the coils in a multi-stage process, which provides a coating on the coils that inhibits microorganisms from growing on the surface.
Removes Liability from the Contractor and OEM
Is “Dirty-Sock Syndrome” a manufacturer warranty issue? Is it an installation problem, making the contractor liable? The answer to these 2 questions is “Absolutely Not.” Manufacturer warranties cover deficiencies in material and workmanship.
Treats the Entire System, Not Just the Coils
As mentioned previously, this puff of smelly, microbial off-gas travels directly into the duct work system, through the registers, into the conditioned space, then back through the returns. An effective solution should include treating all these areas, which is exactly what Signal Hygiene does.
5-Year Residential Warranty from a Single Treatment
We have such confidence in the technology of our products and our system that we can offer the homeowner a 5 YEAR RESIDENTIAL WARRANTY guaranteeing the smell will not return. Here’s how the warranty works:
Why does Trane use black epoxy?
In the rare case when one of these systems becomes afflicted with Dirty Sock Syndrome, Trane sends a new coil coated with black epoxy. Because of the coating, less dirt, dust, and organic material builds up on the coil in the first place, leaving fewer opportunities for microbial growth.
What to do if you have dust in return ductwork?
Have those ducts professionally cleaned! After that, it's a good idea to upgrade your air filter to a media filter.
Why does my coil smell so bad?
Not only is the coil dirty - little microbial organisms are feeding on the dirt, dust, and other stuff that's collected on it . That's what's causing the terrible smell. Sometimes, you'll have mold on the coil. Sometimes you won't. One way or another, it's going to stink.
Is dirty socks bad for you?
Thankfully, Dirty Sock Syndrome typically doesn't pose a danger. It's just a serious annoyance. For most people, most of the time, the effects of Dirty Sock Syndrome amount to…. A stinky house (duh) An appointment with your HVAC company. Cleaning or replacing your evaporator coil.
Can mold be on evaporator coil?
In the event you do have mold on your evaporator coil (and remember, that might not be why you've got the smell!), some of the spores could be entering your home. If anyone in your family has allergies or is otherwise sensitive to mold, this could be a problem. Thankfully, Dirty Sock Syndrome typically doesn't pose a danger.
Can you clean a dirty socks coil?
But sometimes, the coil simply won't get clean. You can perform a superficial cleaning, but it'll be hard to get enough gunk off of the coil to avoid future occurrences of Dirty Sock Syndrome.
Can you smell a gas furnace in the fall?
When you run a gas furnace in the fall, the heat is usually intense enough to kill off any microorganisms before you smell them. But when the conditions are right, anyone can experience the fetid funk of the dreaded sock. Even people with gas furnaces.
