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New Construction A/C Unit Question

Posted on 3/3/21 at 9:30 am
Posted by StacyFromHouma
Member since Mar 2020
6 posts
Posted on 3/3/21 at 9:30 am
I moved into a new construction in Houma last March. I am nearing the end of my one year warranty period and have a question. After the end of our first cold snap, when I went from having the heater on for a couple of weeks, and then turned on the A/C, I had a HORRIBLE mold/mildew/musty smell that was throughout the house for a couple of hours. It was so bad, I initially maybe I had toilet leaking. We continued to run the A/C without any issues. Second cold snap came and the exact same thing happened when we returned to the A/C. My A/C installer said this was "common" and "normal" for new a/c units. This seems like B.S. to me ... but I am not an A/C guy. Can anyone shed some light on this? Thanks!!!
Posted by Lion4Life
Louisiana
Member since Sep 2012
424 posts
Posted on 3/3/21 at 9:50 am to
Google, “Stinky Sock Syndrome” it’s a microscopic within the coils of your unit. First step is to attempt to clean the coils with cleaner specific for that issue. If that fails, it’s covered for replacement by warranty with manufacturer. The new coils prior to install can get a special Teflon coating that will help prevent future issue. This is historically and issue that is more common in heat pump units.

You will have multiple people that contradict what I state above, but I have recently been through this over the last 7 months. Ultimately, Rheem stated replacing the coil and coating will work. In addition, multiple websites also discuss these exact steps.
Posted by modes
Member since May 2017
277 posts
Posted on 3/3/21 at 9:56 am to
I think everyone in South Louisiana experiences that smell at this time of year when the heat switches to cool during these cool snaps. Give it a few weeks and it'll be gone. Kinda like when it switches to heat for the first time in the fall and it smells like something is burning

Happened in our old HVAC unit and happens in our new one (2019).
Posted by Antib551
Houma, LA
Member since Dec 2018
1359 posts
Posted on 3/3/21 at 10:01 am to
I'm in Houma also, I just had one of my units replaced last May. Same thing is happening here when I turned the AC on last week. Terrible musty smell when the AC is running, however it dissipates quickly when the unit stops. Mine even supposedly has an "air scrubber", for whatever that's worth.

Who did your work, if you don't mind me asking?
Posted by StacyFromHouma
Member since Mar 2020
6 posts
Posted on 3/3/21 at 10:18 am to
Ryan Dicharry was the general contractor ... STAY FAR AWAY FROM THIS GUY. Horrible experience. The A/C Sub was out of Baton Rouge, S&E Air Conditioning.
Posted by Antib551
Houma, LA
Member since Dec 2018
1359 posts
Posted on 3/3/21 at 10:29 am to
I've always wondered about his work. I see his signs all over, albeit not on anything that appeals to me. Good to know for future reference.

What brand is your unit? Mine is a Ruud. I literally won't have anyone over at my house while it smells like this. Far too embarassing.
Posted by Lion4Life
Louisiana
Member since Sep 2012
424 posts
Posted on 3/3/21 at 10:36 am to
What I’ve been told it’s more prevalent now since they changed the material that the coil is made from.
Posted by StacyFromHouma
Member since Mar 2020
6 posts
Posted on 3/3/21 at 10:56 am to
Exactly!!! The smell is horrid. The unit is a Carrier.
Posted by MikeBRLA
Baton Rouge
Member since Jun 2005
17126 posts
Posted on 3/3/21 at 11:57 am to
I have a 2 year old Ruud unit and don’t have any of the smelly sock syndrome that you guys are experiencing FWIW.
Posted by Lazy But Talented
Member since Aug 2011
15029 posts
Posted on 3/3/21 at 12:33 pm to
Dirty Sock Syndrome. It'll last a couple of days. Tough part is the shoulder season when you might be switching back and forth a couple times.

Not covered under warranty by my HVAC vendors in DFW.


My new build has it too. It was not quite as bad this year as last. Not worth it to me to have the UV light installed.
This post was edited on 3/3/21 at 12:35 pm
Posted by Trout Bandit
Baton Rouge, LA
Member since Dec 2012
14841 posts
Posted on 3/3/21 at 1:41 pm to
quote:

Ryan Dicharry was the general contractor ... STAY FAR AWAY FROM THIS GUY. Horrible experience.

Why?? What did he do??
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