Air conditioning repair can be very costly, so it is important to understand what a new air conditioner may cost before deciding if repair is the right option. Since many of the newer models are more energy efficient it may be cheaper in the long run to simply replace the unit.
Often the first sign of wear or damage to a compressor or air conditioning unit is that the air conditioner seems to stay on for much longer periods of time than it has in the past, even if the weather is not warmer or the room temperature cooler. Monitor how long the air conditioner is in the cooling cycle.