Don't Forget Room/Wall Units As Well
Our Friedrich "Wallmaster" unit comes out about every two years and given a good cleaning. Since it is an older model (1997), with mostly all metal parts, yes things can be tricky but with caution it can be done properly.
Like to use Nu-Calgon professional products as one feels they get the job done and one can get on with things. Regardless of what hardware stores sell and will tell you, do NOT use those acid based condenser and coil cleaners. Leave that stuff to the pros. It can and will not only eat away the metal in one's ac, but can cause some severe and nasty burns, right down to the bone.
While no rinse cleaners may be ok for the evaporator, condenser coils must be rinsed, but becareful how one goes about it.
It really is amazing how many ACs are chucked out because they "don't cool" when all they really need is a good cleaning. As posted in a thread a year or so ago, our unit was barely croaking out cool, much less cold air. When a repairman came out, he tested the coolant level and promptly stated the unit was low and therefore had a leak, better to chuck it and buy new. After he went, did some research and found that dirty coils could cause the problem, and when that metal shroud was lifted off showing the condenser it had about one half foot of caked on hair/twigs, leaves and god only knows what else.
