Q&A (New Section To Address Repetitive Questions)

Q- What is the best spray for AC with smelly sock syndrome?

A- Issues like this will most likely repeat themselves and can extend past the cooling coil. Depending on how far this issue is the blower wheel may need to be removed and cleaned.

1) Visually inspect the entire air handler.

• This includes the face of the coil.

• The back side of the coil or leaving air side. (Most back side of the coil appear ok but should also be cleaned)

• The condensate drain pan.

• The blower wheel. (Blowers wheels can accumulate lots of bio growth.)  

• The most importance portion is the face of the coil. This is also referred to as the air entering side.

2) Once you determine where the issue is, it’s time to treat.

A)    Clean entire underside (face of the coil) of evaporator unit with stiff brush. A large hand mirror can help you see what you're doing. The following Treatments can be used. http://www.filterace.com/detail.aspx?ID=1170 (Foam-Plus Aerosol Coil Cleaner 19oz Can) another great product is http://www.filterace.com/detail.aspx?ID=1262 (Triple “D”™ Universal Coil Cleaner 19 Oz. Aerosol) These aerosols work great but is not a long term solution. A good IAQ kit will be the following

http://www.filterace.com/detail.aspx?ID=1244 (3-Step IAQ Kit For Coils and Pans)

B)    Clean tray below evaporator unit. This tray carries condensation away from evaporator. If the unit is mounted horizontally, pitch the unit so that almost all the water drains out. Any water remaining in the pan has a chance of bio growth. Pan treatments http://www.filterace.com/detail.aspx?ID=1242

C)    Many units I have seen with odor issues have large amounts of bio growth on the blower wheel, more common if the blower wheel is located downstream of the coil. The best thing to do is to remove and clean it. This should be done by a trained professional. You will need to remove wiring and hardware for this part.  

General disinfectant http://www.filterace.com/detail.aspx?ID=1206  SANI C-N-D Coil and Drain Pan Disinfectant

Other items to consider will be pleated air filters MERV 8 or better.

UVC Germicidal Light- Let the Sunshine In! The sun that brings us daylight everyday also delivers UVC energy that protects us from germs, bacteria, viruses, and other destructive bioaerosols outdoors. Installed on your HVAC distribution system, the PCO2450 boast an intensely effective 18 inch 50 watt germicidal lamp (LT-50). The 50 watt lamp radiates a high output of germ killing ultraviolet light in your ductwork, imitating the air purifying intensity of the sun that treats your indoor air. The germicidal bandwidth C (UVC) measuring 200 to 280 nanometers is effective at killing germs and bacteria in your home and will significantly reduce the levels of harmful bioaerosols (viruses, fungi, mold, and allergens).

How are Bioaerosols Eliminated? The high output UVC energy will break down the electron bonds of an organic molecule. This intense energy will penetrate an airborne microorganism causing cellular and genetic damage that either destroys the microorganism or renders it harmless by robbing it with the ability to reproduce.

Best of the best- I have one in each unit I owe.

The Hybrid PCO2450 (Photocatalytic Oxidation) Air Purifier features the patented VectorFlo® semiconductor designed to deliver a high performance kill rate unmatched by other ultraviolet air treatment brands. The VectorFlo® creates a low pressure area around the high output 50 watt UVC lamp establishing a venturi effect. The venturi significantly increases the time exposure of airborne microorganisms in a bath of sterilizing germicidal ultraviolet light. The treated unrestricted air (.02 inches W.C.) is then accelerated beyond the VectorFlo® semiconductor and introduced into the main airflow for maximum purification. The patented semi-conductor’s exclusive process incorporates 24 SQFT equivalent surface area of honey combed aluminum cells. The cells are electro-statically coated and permanently bonded at high temperatures with nanosized crystallites of titanium dioxide TiO2 in an anatase form. This specific process is proven to be one of most effective photocatalyst. A photochemical reaction occurs when UVC light is absorbed by the TiO2 semiconductor. An advanced oxidation conversion process occurs where the H2O molecule in the airflow is split to create hydroxyl radicals (OH) and super oxide anions (O2) known to beamong the most powerful oxidizing radicals. This Photocatalytic process aggressively deconstructs gaseous contaminants and deodorizes your indoor air safely.