Dirty sock syndrome
#1
Member
Thread Starter
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
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
Member
Thread Starter
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?
My theory is they need to just remove that full air handler & do a full replacement. Possibly the whole unit is compromised?
#3
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.
#4
Member
Thread Starter
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.
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.
#6
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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.
#11
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
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
#12
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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.
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.
#13
Has anyone attempted an air quality test to see if there is something in the air that is causing the problem?
#14
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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?
But, still have the question about A-coil orientation (see below). Any help?
#15
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
.
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