Don’t Wait Until It Breaks—Know the Early Warning Signs
When your home suddenly feels too cold in the winter or too hot in the summer, it’s usually because something’s not right with your heating or cooling system. But how can you tell if your furnace or AC needs repair—before it stops working completely?
Most of the time, your equipment gives you warning signs. And the earlier you catch them, the better your chances of avoiding expensive repairs or full replacements.
Here are 5 common signs that your furnace or AC needs repair, plus what to do if you notice them.

1. Weird Noises That Weren’t There Before
If your system suddenly starts making banging, rattling, squealing, or clicking sounds, don’t ignore it. That’s your furnace or AC’s way of telling you something’s not right.
Unusual noises could mean a loose part, something stuck in the fan, or a motor that’s starting to wear out. While it might still work for now, letting it run like that could lead to a bigger (and more expensive) breakdown.
When in doubt, it’s always safer to get it checked out. If your furnace or AC needs repair, a quick fix today could save you a major headache tomorrow.

2. Uneven or Weak Airflow
Are some rooms in your house too hot while others stay cold? Or maybe the air coming from your vents feels weaker than usual?
Poor airflow is another common sign your furnace or AC needs repair. It could be something as simple as a dirty filter, or it could be a sign of a bigger issue—like a problem with your blower or ductwork.
Either way, it’s worth having a professional take a look. You deserve to be comfortable in every room of your home.

3. Your Energy Bills Are Climbing
No one likes getting a surprise on their energy bill. If your costs are going up and you haven’t changed how you use your system, it might mean your furnace or AC needs repair.
When your system isn’t working efficiently, it has to work harder—and that means more energy use and higher costs for you. A small problem like a clogged filter or a worn-out part could be driving those numbers up.
The good news? Fixing the issue can help bring those bills back down.

4. Strange Smells in the Air
Smelling something musty, smoky, or even rotten? Don’t brush it off.
A musty smell might mean there’s mold growing somewhere in the system. A burning smell could mean something electrical is overheating. And a rotten egg smell? That could be a gas leak—which is a serious safety concern.
If your furnace or AC needs repair, and you’re noticing strange smells, it’s best to turn the system off and call a professional right away.

5. It’s Running Nonstop… or Turning Off Too Quickly
If your system is constantly running without ever reaching the right temperature—or it’s turning on and off more often than usual—it’s trying to tell you something’s wrong.
This is called “short cycling,” and it puts extra wear and tear on your system. It could mean your thermostat isn’t working properly, or there’s a sensor problem. Either way, it’s a clear sign your furnace or AC needs repair.
Ignoring it could shorten the life of your system and cost you more in the long run.
What to Do If You Notice These Signs
If you’ve noticed one or more of these signs, don’t panic—but don’t wait either.
Many repair issues start small and grow over time. Getting things checked early can save you money, improve your home comfort, and extend the life of your system.
And remember: just because your system is still running doesn’t mean it’s running right.

Not Sure If You Need a Repair? We’re Here to Help.
If you’re wondering whether your furnace or AC needs repair, give us a call. At David Brown Heating & Air, we believe in honest advice, no pressure, and dependable service you can trust.
Whether you’ve got a strange noise, uneven airflow, or just a gut feeling something’s off—we’re happy to talk it through with you and recommend the best next steps.
Visit our contact page to schedule a service or ask a question. We’re here to keep your home comfortable, all year long.