Why it matters to you
In a Houston summer, when an AC can run nearly all day, a slow leak shows up quickly as warmer supply air and stickier indoor humidity. Recharging without finding the leak only buys time, and on an older system a leak in a major component weighs heavily in a repair-or-replace decision.
Practical guidance
If you see ice on the refrigerant lines or indoor coil, or hear hissing, turn the system off at the thermostat and call a licensed technician. Ask them to locate and repair the leak rather than just add refrigerant; any work on the refrigerant circuit requires EPA Section 608 certification.