Does your central air conditioner smell like wet, dirty laundry coming from air vents? You may not even realize it is your air conditioner at first as you hunt through your house for the cause. However, this foul, musky smell that comes from your air conditioner is sometimes called “Dirty Sock Syndrome“. So, now that you know that smell is not coming from your son’s dirty clothes basket, this article will provide you with a brief explanation of the causes.
Essentially, the musky odor of dirty socks is created from moisture, mold, and mildew. Additionally, since mold and mildew are air quality issues and can create health problems, it is important to tackle this problem quickly once identified. The good news is that in some cases, you can take care of it yourself. Therefore, here are several of the causes.
1. The Drip Pan – There are times when the drip pan becomes clogged or moved out of alignment. Try to clear the blockage and then clean the pan with bleach. If the clog insubstantial, you will need the help of a professional technician.
2. Check Air Filters – Organic matter can build up on your air filters. If they become damp or wet, it creates the ideal conditions for mold to grow. Check your air filters and replace them with new ones.
3. Evaporator Coil – You evaporator coil is another ideal breeding ground for mold if it becomes dirty. Typically, moisture evaporates from the coils rather quickly. When dirty, the moisture can collect. However, this is a job for a professional.
4. Ductwork – There are several reasons that moisture can build in your ducts and allows mold to grow. It can be leaking or damaged ductwork or there can be a system issue that is causing moisture not to be removed from the air. Please contact a professional.
Do you still have questions? What haven’t we covered yet that is important to you? If you would like to talk about why your air conditioner smells like dirty socks or a related topic, please contact us.