Signs that your air conditioner may need repair or replacement include blowing warm air, a malfunctioning thermostat, weak airflow, loud noises from the unit, and unusual odors. If you notice any of these issues, it's advisable to contact a professional HVAC technician for a thorough inspection.

To enhance the energy efficiency of your air conditioning system, consider replacing or cleaning filters regularly, ensuring the unit is level, checking refrigerant levels, and maintaining clean drains to prevent clogs. These maintenance tasks can help optimize your system's performance and reduce energy consumption.

Before contacting a professional for AC repair, you can troubleshoot common issues like clogged filters, dirty coils, unlevel units, and refrigerant leaks. However, for more complex problems or if you're unsure about the cause of the issue, it's best to seek the expertise of a qualified HVAC technician to diagnose and resolve the problem effectively.

SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is a measure of an air conditioner's efficiency. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy-efficient the unit. Upgrading to a higher SEER-rated system can result in energy savings over time.