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Ideally, an AC system should never need more Freon (a popular refrigerant) because it circulates in a closed loop. However, refrigerant leaks are not uncommon and may occur gradually over 5 to 15 years. If your system has a leak, it will need to be topped up in a process known as an AC recharge. Signs of a refrigerant leak include weakened AC performance, increased humidity in your home, higher utility bills, and a hissing sound from the unit. The cost of an AC recharge will depend on the size and type of your AC unit, as well as the type of refrigerant it uses.

For washable or electrostatic air conditioner filters, you can soak and rinse them with water. If you rinse the filter with water, make sure to use a faucet, shower head, or garden hose with a gentle water pressure setting, as strong water pressure could damage the filter.

But for disposable filters, water could ruin the filter, even allowing mold to grow in the filter. Instead, these filters should be replaced.

There are plenty of different not-so-great sounds to hear from your air conditioning unit, like squealing, grinding, water running, excessive gurgling, banging, and clanking. Each of these sounds can indicate a different malfunction with your unit, so it’s important to have a professional assess the problem before it gets worse.

Yes, it’s important to turn off your AC sometimes to give it a break and prevent it from freezing up. If your AC runs all the time, your system’s parts will wear down quicker, which may mean that you need to replace it sooner. Plus, using your AC constantly uses more electricity and leads to higher energy bills.