[Reece]

Re: dirty air conditioners, on the way back from West Texas I stopped at a motel in Junction, Texas, last summer. It was an inexpensive place but recently built and very clean and comfortable, with new looking furniture, fridge, microwave, etc. But the A/C / heat unit under the front window smelled of mold. It blew cold air, but I knew I couldn't stay in there as the smell was making me sick. I went to a local supermarket and bought a giant can of Lysol. Came back and shut off the A/C, pulled the front cover and filter, and hosed down the coil and drain pan with almost all that big can. Let it sit turned off for about an hour: the room stayed cool. After being turned on, it didn't smell any more. Not an ideal cleaning, but OK for one night. I know the drain pan must have been full of it and maybe partly clogged.