Quick Answer
If your HVAC smells like dirty laundry when it starts, bacteria and mold are growing on a damp evaporator coil—called Dirty Sock Syndrome. In Colliers homes, the long-term fix is professional coil and drain cleaning, sealing return leaks, upgrading filtration, and controlling humidity. Honest Fix restores clean, odor-free airflow that lasts season after season.
Why It Matters in Colliers
Colliers sits in a wooded, hilly section of Brooke County where fog and moisture linger after cool nights. Homes along Eldersville Road, McAdoo Heights, and near Colliers Primary School often have HVAC systems installed in below-grade basements with limited airflow. The combination of damp air, older duct insulation, and tight building envelopes traps humidity around coils and drains. Over time, that moisture allows bacteria and fungi to grow, releasing the “dirty-sock” odor that spreads through vents whenever the HVAC switches on.
How Dirty Sock Syndrome Starts Here
Dirty Sock Syndrome (DSS) happens when the indoor coil stays wet between cycles and collects organic debris. In Colliers’ shaded valleys, HVAC systems often short-cycle during spring and fall, so coils never dry fully. Dust and pollen accumulate on the damp surface, feeding microbes that release volatile gases (MVOCs) when the fan starts. DSS isn’t a mechanical breakdown—it’s an air hygiene issue tied to humidity, coil cleanliness, and drainage. Solving it requires professional cleaning and moisture control, not sprays or masking scents.
How Honest Fix Eliminates and Prevents DSS
Honest Fix technicians clean and sanitize the coil using EPA-registered cleaners, flush the drain pan and condensate line, and seal return-side leaks that pull in basement air. They install high-efficiency MERV-13 filtration, verify airflow balance, and recommend UV-C lights to prevent regrowth. These steps follow national HVAC hygiene standards and remove odors at their source. Every service includes photo documentation so Colliers homeowners can see the cleaned coil and understand exactly how the odor was resolved.
FAQs
Why do homes in Colliers get DSS more often than hillside towns?
The wooded valleys trap humidity, letting moisture linger around HVAC coils longer than in higher elevations.
Can DSS damage the system?
Yes—microbial buildup restricts airflow and reduces efficiency over time.
Will Honest Fix’s cleaning last?
Yes. With proper maintenance and filtration, most systems stay odor-free for several years.
Exact HVAC replacement quotes available at (740) 825-9408 or HonestFix.com/schedule-service.
Author: Alex Largent
Alex Largent
Alex Largent is the Owner and Senior HVAC Efficiency Analyst at Honest Fix Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. With more than 20 years of field experience, NATE and EPA certifications, and a hands-on leadership style, Alex teaches his team to fix systems right the first time — with transparency, precision, and no upsells. He writes about HVAC diagnostics, home energy efficiency, and practical maintenance advice for homeowners across the Upper Ohio Valley. Read Alex Largent's full bio at "honestfix.com/about/alex-largent" to learn more about his expertise in the HVAC/Plumbing Industry. Updated October 2025
