Dirty Sock Syndrome

During certain times of the year, like the present, when a heat pump may warm in the morning hours and then cool at noon and later hours, it can produce condensate from noon on which fuels organic debris decay resulting in microorganism growth in and around the evaporator coil for up to 16 hours — only to release odor and toxins during the next morning’s warming hours. Heat pump coil temperatures are often not sufficient enough to kill proliferating microbes. Those that may die simply serve as a future food source for continued proliferation.

A thorough coil cleaning will make a difference, but the problem will usually return.  That's why, in addition to regular cleanings by an HVAC professional, UV-C lights are a must in eradicating all microbial growth.  UV-C lights kill microbes of all kinds and types and, like bleach, disassociates their carcasses and other organic materials. UV-C lights produce very little heat, no odor, and leave no secondary contamination behind — and it operates continuously as long as the blower wheel is engaged, which means no build-up of microbial matter!  UV-C lights can now be purchased for relatively cheap and installation is usually quite brief.  Consult your local HVAC service provider today to get rid of that pesky dirty sock odor for good!


Heating & Air
919-535-8422

Heat Pumps In The Heating Season

A very common concern from homeowners during the wintertime is "why is my heat pump blowing out cool air in heat mode?"  Well, there's a good chance your body is actually playing a trick on you.  Think about it, your body temperature is approximately 98 degrees at any given time, so when you run your hand or foot across that air register, odds are it's going to feel somewhat cool.  The key is to keep an eye on your thermostat.  If the heat pump is maintaining whatever temperature you are setting the heat at, then it's doing its job and there is likely nothing wrong with the heat pump.  The discharge air temperature on a heat pump isn't as warm as a gas furnace's.  When the outdoor temperature starts to get down into the mid thirties, heat pumps begin losing their efficiency and the auxiliary heat will then become the main source of heat.

If your heat pump system is having trouble maintaining the temperature you have set on the thermostat, then you probably have a legit problem such as low refrigerant, dirty air filter(s), dirty/restricted outdoor unit, etc.  As with any system, a regular maintenance plan from a licensed company can help identify and prevent problems before they happen at the worst of times.  Our certified technicians are always willing to answer any questions you may have about your heating and a/c unit as well as inform you on what to expect.  Give us a call today!

Environmental Heating & Air of NC, Inc.
919-535-8422