It was the summer of 2016. As the temperatures continued to rise well into the high 90s, my AC unit decided to call it quits – of course in the middle of the summer's most intense heat wave. Karma is real, my friends.

At the height of summer, especially in those conditions, one would normally have to wait quite a while to get a new replacement unit installed. Luckily, I had a home warranty plan in place and it was fixed so that I didn’t have to endure weeks of 100-degree-plus hot and humid weather without a working cooling system.

Here are some tips on how you can decide whether to repair or replace your air conditioner:

Consider the current state of your unit

Start by addressing your air conditioner's stage of life. Remember that average units have about 10 to 15 years of life in them, so if yours is anywhere close to double digits, replacement may be the better move. If age isn't a strong deciding factor, think back to how well your unit performed last summer. Constant repairs, strange noises, higher-than-normal energy bills and other performance issues should also inform your decision to repair or replace.

Look for signs of trouble when prepping for the season

If you're already thinking of summer, it's a sign that you should start prepping your AC for the season as well. Make your way down this maintenance list, keeping an eye out for issues that will need repair before the warm weather settles in. You can also perform a DIY central air conditioning checkup to make sure your unit is ready for months of delivering cool comfort.

Learn More About Home Warranty Plans Near You

When in doubt, err on the side of caution

Make your decision well before summer arrives. Air conditioning service providers get really busy during heat waves, making service calls to help those without cooling comfort. Plus, if you take care of it weeks ahead of the start of the summer season, all systems will be a “go” when it is time to turn the AC on.

If you think your AC unit needs some help, call your local air conditioning service provider ASAP. Seriously, pick up your phone right now. You still have time to get the best deal on a new central air system, as The Spruce notes that spring and fall are the ideal times to shop for cooling systems.

Preparation is key when it comes to AC repair or replacement. And being prepared for any home system or appliance breakdown is always a good idea. See how plans from TotalHome Warranty by HomeServe can help with the costs of covered appliance and home system repairs.