Dirty Sock Syndrome: How to Deal with Stinky Air Conditioner

With changing outdoor temperatures and shifting weather, you rely on your HVAC system to keep your home comfortable. But when you turn on your heater or air conditioner and are hit with the overwhelming scent of dirty socks, you may be puzzled and a little disgusted.

You could have a problem called Dirty Sock Syndrome, which can sometimes invade your HVAC system and spread a stench throughout your home. But what causes Dirty Sock Syndrome, and how can you rid your home of the awful smell?

For more information about what you might be dealing with, read on. We’ll address what Dirty Sock Syndrome is and what can be done to restore that pleasant smell in your home.

Where Is the Smell Coming From?

There are a lot of parts to an HVAC system, and you may wonder just which piece is to blame for the stench. The smell is actually coming straight from the coils of your system. Bacteria and mold grow on the damp and cool coils, creating an unpleasant scent that permeates your home whenever you switch on your HVAC system.

During operation, the system draws in air that’s riddled with bacteria, and that bacteria make a home on the coils, which provide just the right temperature and moisture levels.

If you have a pretty efficient system, your unit might be more likely to develop Dirty Sock Syndrome. The new, more efficient systems have coils with a greater surface area, providing more room for bacteria to live and grow. If the conditions are just right, mold may start to grow alongside the bacteria, adding another small problem.

What Produces the Smell?

Generally, bacteria cause the dirty sock scent. But there are several factors that can contribute to the development of Dirty Sock Syndrome.

Part of the problem may be the brand or type of HVAC system you have. For instance, if you have a furnace that runs on gas, you probably won’t have a problem because the coils get hot enough to burn off the bacteria on its own. Heat pumps, however, struggle to get the coils warm enough to clear the bacteria.

The smell may also develop from your lifestyle and daily habits. If you have pets or do your laundry indoors, you may be more likely to have Dirty Sock Syndrome, but the smell-producing bacteria can also come from what you cook, how you clean, and what products you clean with.

When Does Dirty Sock Syndrome Usually Show Up?

If you have Dirty Sock Syndrome, you may notice the smell of dirty socks whenever you flip on your heater and, sometimes, when you switch on the A/C after the heater’s been turned off. If you have a defrost feature on your HVAC system, the smell can also drift through the house once the system switches to defrost.

Is Dirty Sock Syndrome Harmful to Your Health?

When you hear the words “bacteria” and “mold,” you may be instantly put on red alert, but there’s no need to worry. The biggest concern between bacteria and mold is mold, and while Dirty Sock Syndrome involves bacteria, it doesn’t always involve mold.

Should mold start to grow on the coils, some members of your family may get a runny nose or start coughing. However, most common molds aren’t that toxic to the human body, so you don’t need to be overly concerned. But if one of your family members has asthma or an allergy to mold, the presence of mold can be a real concern and should be addressed right away.

Still, even if no one in your family has asthma or a mold allergy, you’ll probably want to act as soon as possible to spare yourself the awful smell.

How Do You Get Rid of Dirty Sock Syndrome?

If you suspect your HVAC system has Dirty Sock Syndrome, contact your local HVAC specialist. They can carefully clean the coils to remove the bacteria and eliminate the revolting stench. When necessary, they can also replace your coils to keep Dirty Sock Syndrome from affecting your home in the future. For serious situations, an HVAC professional may recommend swapping your current HVAC system with one more suitable for your home and climate.

How Do You Prevent Dirty Sock Syndrome?

The best way to prevent Dirty Sock Syndrome is to have your HVAC system regularly inspected and maintained. Set up a maintenance schedule with your HVAC specialist to keep the system clean and in shape.

If your home suddenly smells like a men’s locker room after you turn on your heating or air conditioning, you may be dealing with Dirty Sock Syndrome. To restore a sweeter scent to your home, depend on the services of an HVAC professional, such as C.B. Lucas Heating & Air Conditioning.

Our capable staff members can perform regular maintenance or repairs on any heating, cooling, or plumbing appliances, and we can provide helpful advice for any problem. Give us a call today to set up an appointment or discuss our services.