When you live in a hot climate, an air conditioner is good working condition is essential to keeping your home cool and comfortable. Unfortunately, like all appliances, an air conditioning unit will eventually wear out and need to be replaced. If you know the warning signs of a failing air conditioner, you can plan to have it replaced before it ceases to work completely. Some of the most common signs that you need a new air conditioning unit include:

Your Air Conditioning Unit is Old

On average, a well-maintained air conditioning unit has a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. If your home is older than 20 years old and still has the original air conditioning unit, there is a good chance that it is on its last legs. As your air conditioner nears the end of its lifespan, it is a good idea to think about replacing it. It is easier to plan an air conditioning replacement while the unit is still functioning, compared to having to replace a non-functioning unit that quits working during the height of summer.

Sky-High Energy Bills

An air conditioning unit that is close to failing will not run properly or efficiently. When the air conditioner is breaking down, it may cycle on and off often and have to run longer in order to cool your home to the set temperature. As a result, you could end up having sky-high energy bills in the summer when you use your air conditioner the most. If you receive an electric bill that is much higher than in past years, it is a good sign that your air conditioner needs to be replaced.

Constant Repairs

An air conditioning unit may need repairs from time to time. But when it gets to the point where your air conditioner is breaking and needing to be fixed on a regular basis, it usually means that it is time for a replacement. Air conditioner repairs can add up over time, so you are better off putting that money towards a new air conditioning unit instead of having a failing unit repaired over and over.

 Home is No Longer Cool

As major components in an air conditioning unit break down over time, the air conditioner may cease to be able to produce super cold air. If you know that your thermostat is in good working order but your home never feels cool enough, it may be because your air conditioning unit is no longer capable of cooling your house. 

Talk with a local cooling services contractor for more tips.