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Most AC repair technicians will take between two and six hours to carry out repairs, depending on the work needed and the accessibility of the unit. For example, recharging refrigerant lines should take one to two hours to service, while replacing a compressor, blower fan, or other major components can take five to eight hours. You can ask your AC repair technician how long they expect the job to take, but just in case, you should plan on being home and available for most of the day.

Fixing a leak in an AC unit costs $200 to $1,600, depending on the type of leak and any related damage. But depending on the age and condition of your AC, it might make more sense to replace the AC unit instead of repairing it. If your AC is only a few years old and relatively problem-free, then repairing it is the right call. But if it’s nearing a decade old and has other issues, consider replacing it.

While personal preferences widely vary, sleep experts say the best temperature for sleeping is between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit rather than 78. If you do choose to sleep with your AC unit tuned to 78 degrees, you might want to use only a sheet or light blanket rather than a comforter. You might also consider installing a window unit in your bedroom so that you can be cooler in bed without wasting energy cooling the whole house.

You should plan to change your AC unit's filter every one to three months, depending on the manufacturer's recommendations. You should also clean the coils at least once per year, but if you have pets or someone in your household has allergies, you might need to clean them more often. Fortunately, many pros will clean the coils and change the filter for you during an inspection, which you should schedule once or twice per year.