Have you ever turned on your AC unit and suddenly been hit with a smell that resembled a boy's locker room? If so, your AC unit may have dirty sock syndrome.

What is Dirty Sock Syndrome

Dirty Sock Syndrome refers to the foul or moldy odor after turning your AC unit on or switching it from cool to heat. This stench is due to mold and bacteria on the evaporator coil. The problem starts when the season changes. Once you start your unit on cool, it causes the evaporator coil to become damp and collect dirt. When you go to turn on the heat, it allows that dampness to dry in the evaporator coil and leads to the growth of bacteria. Once that bacteria grows and dries; the next time you turn on your unit, you'll experience the smell of dirty socks. Sadly the chances of you getting dirty sock syndrome are increased if you have pets that bring in dirt and shed inside.

How to Fix and Avoid Dirty Sock Syndrome

Unfortunately, dirty sock syndrome will not go away on its own. The primary way to get rid of dirty sock syndrome is to clean your coil, to remove the mold and bacteria build-up. Once the coil is cleaned, you will apply a special ceramic coating to help stop the build-up of mold in the coil. Ensure you leave this up to a professional due to the equipment's sensitivity and the chemicals used during the cleaning process. Just save yourself the trouble and money and call a professional.

When preventing dirty sock syndrome, there are three main ways you can help prevent it: regular check-ups, air cleaners, and a UV light. Regular check-ups on the HVAC unit will ensure that mold build-up will be noticed sooner rather than later. By installing an ultraviolet light (UV) and using air cleaners, you can help minimize mold build-up on the coil.

No one wants their home to smell like dirty laundry when all is said and done. Ensure you do everything to stop dirty sock syndrome from becoming a problem in your home.

If you need help dealing with dirty sock syndrome in your home in The Woodlands or Spring Texas, including surrounding cities, contact ACTexas today! We are equipped to help you with all of your air quality needs so give us a call or fill out the schedule form on our website.