Fall Tune Up Part 14 – Reading the Numbers

As the chill of fall begins to settle over Dallas, many homeowners are reminded of the importance of a well-functioning heating system. One such homeowner recently contacted Medley Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing after noticing that their furnace seemed to be working harder than usual. They feared a costly repair might be on the horizon, so they scheduled a fall tune-up to ensure everything was in order before the winter months set in.

During the tune-up, our technician began with an essential step: checking the temperature of the air being supplied to the home against the return air temperature. "I'm going to find that delta and that will tell us our temperature of rise. We'll know if we're within spec," he explained. With the readings taken, the results came in. The supply air temperature averaged around 105 degrees, while the return temperature was much lower, clocking in at 80 degrees.

At this point, the technician noted that the furnace should ideally have a temperature rise between 35 to 65 degrees. However, the readings showed it was only at 29 degrees. "I think if we let that unit run a little bit longer, that would have increased," he said, reassuring the homeowner that the situation wasn’t as dire as it seemed. "If anything, I kind of like that it's a little bit on the lower side. That tells me we don't have any major airflow problems."

This precision in temperature readings is critical because if a furnace is not operating efficiently, it can lead to higher energy bills and ultimately, a complete system failure during the coldest days of winter. Ignoring these signs can leave homeowners in the cold, facing emergency repairs that could have been avoided with a simple tune-up.

With the air temperature checks completed, our technician recommended allowing the unit to run a bit longer to get a more accurate measurement. This proactive approach not only reassured the homeowner but also helped them understand the importance of regular maintenance in extending the life of their heating system.

After performing additional checks and ensuring that the airflow was optimal, the technician wrapped up the service with confidence. "Your system is in decent shape, but regular maintenance will keep it that way, especially as we head into colder months," he advised.

For Dallas homeowners, a fall tune-up is not just a good idea; it's a necessity to ensure that your heating system is ready for the season ahead. Don't wait until the first freeze to find out if your furnace is ready to perform. Schedule your fall tune-up with Medley Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing today and ensure your home stays warm and cozy all winter long.