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Freon will go in the refrigerant lines near the back of your AC unit. Look for small ports with caps on a thin copper line—the Freon goes into those ports. You are best off hiring a licensed HVAC professional who can complete the job safely and correctly.

No, a furnace is not the same thing as an AC, or air conditioner, but these are both parts of an HVAC system. They both use air ducts to transport cool or hot air around your home to achieve a comfortable temperature set by your thermostat. An AC runs on electricity, while a furnace can use different fuel sources.

Yes. It's not just AC filters that get dirty. Ducts can accumulate dust and dirt quickly. Insects and animals can also get into duct systems, creating many problems. Dirt build-up and unwanted guests can constrict the airflow and cause rooms not to cool evenly. You might also see higher energy bills because they're not working as efficiently.

It depends on the type of AC unit and the extent of the mold growth. For example, if you have a small amount of mold in your central air conditioner, it’s worth cleaning it to protect your HVAC system and your health. In situations like these, you can often remove the mold yourself in a couple of hours. On the other hand, if you have a portable AC unit with a severe mold problem, it makes more sense to buy a new one. On average, replacing a portable AC unit costs $100 to $500.