You count on your air conditioner to work hard throughout the summer to keep your home cool. But the last thing you want is for your A/C system to work itself to death in the process. Overstressed air conditioners can break down at any given moment, robbing your home of cooling comfort just when it needs it most.

Fortunately, it's easy to spot the signs of an air conditioner that has its work cut out for it. By spotting the following signs early on, you can take preventive steps to protect your air conditioner or even replace it before the inevitable breakdown occurs.

Lengthy Cooling Times

Depending on your home's size and current ambient temperatures, it should take only a few minutes for your A/C system to bring temperatures down to your desired levels. However, an overworked air conditioner can take significantly longer to cool your home. An overworked A/C can also leave your home more humid due to its inability to adequately remove excess moisture from your home's indoor air.

Rising Utility Costs

Keeping a close eye on your air conditioner's energy consumption can help you spot any changes that signal trouble on the horizon. When your air conditioner becomes overwhelmed by its workload, for instance, it may start consuming more electricity than usual. An overworked A/C system can cause your utility bills to steadily increase due to ever-increasing electricity consumption.

Constant Frost Buildup

It's not unusual to find a light dusting of frost on your air conditioner, especially on very hot days. However, an overworked air conditioner can allow thick sheets of frost and ice to build up on the evaporator or condenser coil. The resulting buildup can add even more of a workload on your A/C system, eventually leading to a complete shutdown due to a lack of airflow.

Overheating A/C Components

Overworked air conditioners can also stress out various components within the unit. Increased electrical loads can cause wiring insulation to melt, leaving wires exposed for shorts and other electrical damage. Compressors and fan motors can overheat, leading to potential bearing damage and a shortened lifespan for said components.

Constant Need for Emergency Repairs

How often have you needed to call your HVAC technician to have your air conditioner serviced? If you're making service calls on a monthly basis due to increased wear and tear, then chances are your air conditioner is overworking itself into early retirement. Now is the time to consider replacing your current air conditioner with a newer model that offers better reliability, improved energy efficiency, and increased comfort.

For more information, contact a company like Estes Heating & Air Conditioning.