Fall Tune Up Part 14 – Reading the Numbers

As the brisk autumn air settles over Dallas, homeowners begin to crank up their heating systems for the season. But what happens when you turn on your furnace only to find it struggling to keep your home warm? This was the reality for one local family who called Medley Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for a fall tune-up. They were concerned that their heating system wasn’t performing as it should, and with winter fast approaching, they needed answers.

During the service visit, our technician started with a critical assessment of the air being supplied and returned to the unit. "I'm going to check the temperature of the air being supplied to the home and I'm going to check the temperature of the air being returned to the unit," he explained, ensuring no detail would be overlooked. This meticulous approach is what sets Medley apart — we don't just fix problems; we understand them.

The technician discovered that the average supply temperature was around 105 degrees, while the return temperature hovered around 80 degrees. "The furnace should have a 35 to 65 degree temperature rise. We're at 29," he noted, indicating that something wasn’t quite right. While the numbers showed the furnace was underperforming, he reassured the homeowners, "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 insight brought a sigh of relief to the family, who feared a costly repair was imminent.

Understanding the implications of low temperature rises is crucial. If left unaddressed, the system could lead to higher energy bills and inadequate heating as the colder months set in, not to mention the wear and tear on the unit itself. In Dallas, where we can experience sudden temperature drops, having a reliable heating system is essential for comfort and safety.

To remedy the situation, the technician recommended allowing the unit to run longer during the assessment. This would help achieve a more accurate reading and might improve the temperature rise. The solution wasn’t complicated, but it required patience and expertise — qualities that Medley technicians are known for.

After a thorough evaluation and some adjustments, the heating system was back on track. The family could now rest easy, knowing their home would be warm and cozy throughout the winter months. The technician left them with the assurance that their system was in good shape, ready to face whatever the Texas winter had in store.

For Dallas homeowners, the takeaway is clear: regular HVAC maintenance is essential for keeping your heating system efficient and effective. Don’t wait until the first cold snap to find out if your furnace is up to par. Schedule your fall tune-up with Medley Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing today, and ensure your home stays warm all season long.