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It’s not customary to tip HVAC technicians, and most professionals won’t expect it. However, it’s a nice way of showing your appreciation for the work they do, especially if they come out in inclement weather or on a weekend or holiday to fix an emergency issue if your heat or AC goes out in extreme temperatures. A good tip would be between 10% to 20% of the total bill, depending on how above and beyond the tech goes for your repair and on the total cost of your HVAC repair or service. For something like a routine tune-up or scheduled maintenance, tips aren’t expected.

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.

Don’t run your AC with a wet filter. It can cause your AC to work too hard, which will run up your utility bill and cause extra wear and tear on the system. You could also spread moisture and mold throughout your house. Turn off the AC, remove the wet filter, and check for cracks or clogs. Fix the problem (with a pro’s help, if you need it), and put a dry filter in place before you turn the system back on.

While you can run your HVAC system without an air filter, it isn’t something professionals recommend—especially not for an extended period. It can reduce indoor air quality, clog air ducts, and strain your system. This can lead to performance issues, higher energy bills, costly repairs, and a reduction in the system's lifespan.