For those who would understand the subject line should say it all. In North
GA USA I have 1.5 ton Trane heat pump about 6 years old. It has the dirty
socks syndrome, which is the colloquial and accurate description for its
tendency to emit an odor like extreme musty socks. It has done this every
year and cured itself after heating for awhile but this year is the worst. I
looked into it, called the Trane tech support rep. who told me my warranty
was useless (big surprise) and it would require a new heating coil for 1500
plus installation cost. I did some research and learned that I may get by by
giving the coil and good bleach cleaning. I can **** this down and tear it
apart. Can anyone tell me where the coil is located?



Any advice in general of things I might try myself before I lay out money
for a new coil?



I apologize in advance for my prejudice... I expect all the HVAC guys here
are going to weigh in tell me what a jerk I am for even considering
repairing this myself because it is technologically beyond the abilities of
a DIYer and how HVAC guys are all honest and of impeccable credentials and
ad museum. Unfortunately, in my experience with the industry-at least
locally-it is about as open and honest as the Sopranos. I am very
distrusting of the techs and "certified" HVAC people in my area. "Jethro",
the original "certified" HVAC installer stiffed me on the initial
installation doing about 75% of the work for 100% of the money and then
disappearing; he lost or parlayed the unit's warranty info and in the end I
had to hire another installer to finish and correct his work. This is the
rule, not the exception for (native) North GA residential building
"experts." The original installer declared bankruptcy and retired after
being tragically struck in the head by his meth pipe. I am convinced that
even though HVAC service and repair seems to be mystified by the industry as
something akin to rocket science, that if Jethro and his ilk can become
"certified" HVAC installers for a company like Trane that I ought to be able
to figure this out myself.



So ... any actual DIY advice would be appreciated.