If your machine is affected with dirty sock syndrome, you will get foul mouldy smell as soon as you turn on your air conditioner. This is created by growth of mold and mildew on you evaporator coils. Mold and mildew as they grow give off a smelly gas. It smells as if you have left wet clothes in the washer for long. It is very common for mold to grow on you evaporator coil over the years. As warm room air flows across the coil, the coil absorbs heat and also collects moisture. This moisture then drips down into a condensate pan. From here a drain and pump takes it towards the wastewater system of your plumbing. If the air conditioner system is working well, moisture problem should not occur. But if the excess condensation is occurring on the surface of the evaporator coil or the drainage system is unable to drain the condensate, then moisture can build up around the evaporator coil. If the filters are dirty, the air flow will be restricted and which will cause the temperature of the air to go down. The refrigerant in the evaporator coil will not be able soak enough heat to get vaporized. The temperature of the coils will dip down. This will cause it to freeze.
If you feel that your unit is affected by dirty sock syndrome, do not panic and run for your cell phone to call a HVAC technician. Do the following first-
• Ensure that your A/c is draining property. Check the drainage pan. If it is filled, empty it. If you find a blockage, clear it to enable the drain work.
• Check your filter. If it clogged with dirt change it ASAP. If it washable, wash it with water and mild soap.
If you have performed these tasks still find that the noxious smell is lingering, it is time to place a call with your local HVAC contractor