Dirty sock syndrome


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Old 10-22-16, 09:48 PM
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Question Dirty sock syndrome

It seems I have the dreaded DSS ( Dirty Sock Syndrome ); again, this is the second coil that has went bad ( coated coils ) to mention as well. So allow me to try explain how how this all played out.

I opened a thread back in '13 w/ a odor issue well it came to be a DSS so the contractor came out & changed the coil w/ a coated one.

So that resolved the issue for good while through heating season of '13 & then the smell came back very lightly in '14 so the guys came out & put some ClenAir in the unit that helped it for the rest of the heating season of '14.

Now '15 heating season came & the smell returned, so the HVAC guy came out & done another investigation & found the smell had gotten worse & I could tell it stunk badly. So they opted to change the coil again ( Coated ); & that cleared it up & fixed the issue all together.

Now we are into the '16 heating season & here we go again DSS again badly. So now its been less then a year since the new coil has been installed & same issue.

I honestly think they need to just replace the whole air handler & see if that resolves the issue, What do you think?


So now I will be calling the HVac guys again - I got a 10year replacement on coils from air handle to outdoor unit. But this is getting crazy changing coils yearly?

What can I do to talk to the Hvac guy or Trane to get the unit itself replaced they have attempted & attempted & all times has failed.

So any suggestions & comments that I need to move forward w/ monday morning?


Heat Pump Info Below :

2/Ton Trane Condenser ( Model : 4TWB3018-060 )

2/ton Air Handler ( Module : 4FWCA, 4FWCF )

Honeywell Non-Programmable FocusPro TH5000 Series
 

Last edited by joshua_; 10-22-16 at 10:35 PM.
  #2  
Old 10-23-16, 05:22 PM
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I will be calling my HVAC techs tomorrow but I am just wanting to reach out to see if anyone else has experience such problem, & if so what was your resolution.

My theory is they need to just remove that full air handler & do a full replacement. Possibly the whole unit is compromised?
 
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Old 10-25-16, 05:24 AM
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DSS is caused by the environment the coil is in. But in the end its still the manufactures issue. How about a aluminum coil. Maybe treat what you have with BBJ and First strike.
 
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Old 10-25-16, 11:24 AM
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The HVAC contractor came out today & did a diagnosis & affirmed I do indeed have the DSS issue again. So now this is the second 'coated coil' that has been effected by this DSS problem. & the coils are aluminum w/ a updated coating that suppose to prevent this DSS problem.

So its back to the drawing board & possibly get another coil installed in the air handler. The unit is located in the attic of my house.
 
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Old 02-23-17, 06:39 PM
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Any Update?

I am going through the same problem with a 2T York unit installed upstairs, only 9 months old. Do you have an update on your solution? Thanks.
 
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Old 02-23-17, 07:16 PM
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joshua is not monitoring this thread.
You would stand a better chance of him responding by sending him a PM.
Click on his name, then on private message and send him a message.
 
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Old 02-27-17, 05:46 AM
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Just curious,what is DSS????????????????
 
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Old 02-27-17, 06:48 AM
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Dirty sock syndrome = DSS
 
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Old 02-27-17, 07:11 AM
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OK,let's try this,what is Dirty Sock Syndrome?
Geo
 
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Old 02-27-17, 10:09 AM
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Stinky smelly air from the heating system.
 
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Old 02-27-17, 06:33 PM
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A heat pump related problem.

The aluminum coil reacts with with the humidity and something that is in the air. It cause a mold and slime buildup on the coil and in the condensate pan. The coil gives off a rotten smell. The coils can be coated to reduce the smell. Sometimes the coatings work and sometimes it's only temporary.

This guy says cleaning with PineSol helped him. you tube/watch/pine sol
 
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Old 03-02-17, 05:03 PM
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Proper orientation of the A-coil relative to airflow

I have what is a simple question I hope. For a horizontally installed heat pump system what is the proper orientation of the A-coil ( return

My new system is a 2, and I am wondering if this could have something to do with DSS. Maybe the coil is drying differently between cycles.

Thanks for any input.
 
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Old 03-02-17, 05:57 PM
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Has anyone attempted an air quality test to see if there is something in the air that is causing the problem?
 
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Old 03-02-17, 06:07 PM
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No, how would I go about this? Do the larger HVAC firms offer this service? I called the American Lung Association and asked for some names but they have no recommendations for central VA.

But, still have the question about A-coil orientation (see below). Any help?
 
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Old 03-03-17, 12:59 PM
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Not sure about coil orinatetion,but I would go with the mfg. recommendations, also I just came across this site while looking for some filters,I wonder if any of these carbon activated filters would work for you,I can't copy the link but the mfg. is D-Mark,Inc. just Google it.
Air quality testing To learn more about our Indoor Air Quality Services including mold testing and mold inspections, contact us in Charlottesville at 434-962-8721 or 434-977-1409.
Good luck
Geo

.
 

Last edited by Geochurchi; 03-03-17 at 01:16 PM. Reason: Added another link
 

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