Heating & Air Conditioning Blog

Read the latest about Watkins and the HVAC industry

  • All
  • Air Conditioners
  • Furnaces
  • Heat Pumps
  • HVAC Maintenance
  • HVAC Repair
  • HVAC Replacement
  • HVAC Safety
  • Indoor Air Quality
  • Industry Updates
  • Mission Work
  • Refrigerants
Inside a Heat Pump – Parts and Anatomy
Heat Pumps

How Does a Heat Pump Work? A Look Inside the Heat Pump System

Curious about heat pumps? Learn how they work, pros and cons, and whether it can keep your Ohio home comfortable year-round.
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Trane HVAC Heat Pump Indoor Outdoor Unit Combo
Air Conditioners

Heat Pump AC Combo: What’s the Best Heating & Cooling Setup for Your Home?

Find the best heating and cooling setup for year-round comfort. Explore heat pump, furnace, and A/C combos for efficiency and savings.
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R32 and R454B Refrigerant
Industry Updates

R32 and R454b Refrigerant: The New Air Conditioner Refrigerants

R-32 or R-454B? New refrigerants are here! Learn what they mean for your A/C, costs, safety, and whether you need to replace your system.
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Air Conditioner Tax Credit Rebate
Air Conditioners

What HVAC System Qualifies for Tax Credit 2025?

2025 HVAC tax credits and rebates are here! Find out how much you can save on high-efficiency air conditioners, furnaces and heat pumps.
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SEER2 EnergyGuide Air Conditioner Rating Label
HVAC Replacement

SEER to SEER2 Conversion: Understanding the 2025 Air Conditioner Efficiency Standard

SEER2 can be confusing for homeowners and result in buying the wrong HVAC system. We've broken down what you need to know to make the best decision.
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Cracked Heat Exchanger
Furnaces

Cracked Heat Exchangers

Has your furnace been diagnosed with a cracked heat exchanger? Is it a scam or a myth? Learn the causes and symptoms and protect yourself.
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Emergency Heat on Thermostat
Furnaces

When to Use Emergency Heat

Emergency heat costs more than you think! Learn when to use EM heat, why it’s not for everyday use, and how to save on heating bills.
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High Humidity Measured
Indoor Air Quality

What Is Considered High Humidity and Low Humidity In Your Home

Find out what’s considered high or low indoor humidity, common causes, and how to make your home’s humidity higher or lower.
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Trane XV20i Humidity Thermostat Setting
Indoor Air Quality

Ideal Indoor Humidity Levels and the Benefits of Optimum Humidity

Discover the ideal indoor humidity in your home (45-55%) and how achieving the best humidity level improves both comfort and health.
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HVAC Worker Brazing Copper Coil
HVAC Replacement

Nitrogen Brazing vs Soldering for Refrigerant Lines

Brazing vs. Soldering: Learn how choosing the right method for your HVAC system directly impacts efficiency, reliability, and longevity.
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HVAC Brands and Parent Companies Infographic
Furnaces

Overview of Furnace and Air Conditioner Brands: An HVAC Company Family Tree

Discover the companies behind popular air conditioner and furnace brands and learn how names like Trane, Carrier, and Lennox are connected.
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Watkins HVAC Technician Cleaning Air Conditioner Coil
Air Conditioners

Air Conditioner Coil Cleaning: Improve Efficiency & Save Money

Learn how air conditioner coil cleaning saves you money and extends the life of your A/C unit, while neglected coils kill performance.
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Heat Pump Unit Covered in Ice
Heat Pumps

Heat Pump Defrost Cycle: Understanding the Process and Trane’s Innovative Approach

Is your heat pump freezing up? Learn how defrost cycles keep your system running efficiently and prevent costly damage during cold weather.
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Air Conditioner vs Heat Pump
Air Conditioners

Heat Pump vs Air Conditioner: Which HVAC System is Right for You?

Heat pumps cool like A/Cs but also heat your home. Discover the pros and cons of each to make the best choice for year-round comfort.
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Trane XV20i and Trane XV18 Air Conditioner
Air Conditioners

Difference Between Trane XV20i and XV18 Heat Pump and Air Conditioner

Compare the Trane XV20i and XV18 heat pumps and A/Cs. Learn the key differences in efficiency, cost, and features to find the best fit for your home.
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Furnace Carbon Monoxide Cause Inspection
HVAC Safety

What Causes Carbon Monoxide in Homes

Learn the common causes of carbon monoxide in your home such as improperly installed furnaces, gas stoves and poorly maintained fireplaces.
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Woman with CO Poisoning Symptoms Headache
HVAC Safety

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

The biggest signs of exposure to CO, the dangerous invisible gas, are physical symptoms experienced by the people in your home.
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Watkins Trane 2023 SOAR Award for Dayton Cincinnati
Industry Updates

Watkins Heating and Cooling Wins the 2024 Trane SOAR Award

Watkins Heating & Cooling wins the 2023-2024 Trane SOAR Award, marking a third victory for our excellence in customer satisfaction and service.
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Air Conditioning Lightning Strike
Air Conditioners

Understanding Air Conditioner Lightning Strikes

Protect your air conditioner or heat pump from power surges caused by lightning. Understand AC lightning strikes and get tips for surge protection during storms.
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Loveserves board visiting a pastor in Guatemala City
Mission Work

LoveServes Guatemala 2024

LoveServes Guatemala is empowering local pastors to transform their communities through leadership, agriculture, and outreach programs.
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APCO UV Light Installation in HVAC System
Air Conditioners

How to Prevent A/C Evaporator Coil From Leaking Freon

Prevent costly refrigerant leaks in your A/C with tips to reduce VOCs, improve air quality, and extend your evaporator coil's lifespan.
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Watkins HVAC Tech Check AC with Leak Detector
Air Conditioners

What Causes Refrigerant Leaks in Air Conditioners

Avoid these common causes of refrigerant leaks in air conditioners to keep your A/C efficient and your home cool.
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Watkins HVAC technician checking AC refrigerant Freon levels
Air Conditioners

What Is Refrigerant Used in Home A/C Units?

Discover how refrigerants power your home's air conditioner and why they’re crucial for efficient cooling.
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Cutaway view of Trane heat pump air conditioner showing spine fin condenser coil
Air Conditioners

Trane Aluminum Spine Fin Coils – Pros and Cons

Explore the pros and cons of Trane Spine Fin coil technology. Spine Fin is the key to Trane's legendary reliability and efficiency.
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Watkins HVAC tech stands with new Trane XV20i heat pump after replacement job
Air Conditioners

Can I Replace Just My Air Conditioner Without Replacing My Furnace?

There are major benefits to replacing your furnace at the same time as your air conditioner. Check out the pros and cons before replacing your A/C.
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Danfoss thermal expansion valve TXV
HVAC Repair

Understanding the TXV

If you've been told your A/C's TXV is bad, this is the guide for you. How it works, why it's needed, and common failures.
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Watkins AC Repair Man
HVAC Maintenance

Top 10 Most Common HVAC Issues and How to Prevent Them

These top 10 common HVAC issues and tips will help ensure a comfortable, efficient home and save you money.
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Replace install hvac heat pump air conditioner
Heat Pumps

Discovering Heat Pumps: Your Guide to Energy-Efficient Home Comfort

Heat pumps offer energy-efficient heating and cooling for Ohio homes. Find out how different types work and which one might be right for you.
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Trane Air Conditioner WeatherGuard Cover
Air Conditioners

Air Conditioner Covers

Are air conditioner covers worth it? Discover the pros and cons of A/C covers, and how to protect your unit from seasonal debris and damage.
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Rafa and John building a wall
Mission Work

Teaching, Building, and Changing Lives in the Dominican Republic

Follow our mission trip to the Dominican Republic where we helped build a trade school, empowering young people with life-changing skills.
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AC Manufacturing Warehouse
HVAC Repair

Factory Warranties

HVAC factory warranties sound appealing, but the real value lies in quality products and installation. Learn about hidden costs and what truly matters.
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Watkins Heating and Cooling help St. Vincent
Mission Work

Introduction to Our Work in St. Vincent

Join us on our 3-month mission trip to St. Vincent, teaching vocational skills like sewing and electrical work to empower local students.
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Air Conditioner Leaking Water on Floor
Air Conditioners

Air conditioner maintenance | Water leaks

Why do air conditioners leak water? Often, it’s due to clogged condensate drains from lack of maintenance. Regular tune-ups prevent leaks.
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solar powered hvac company
Industry Updates

Zoning for Solar Energy

With solar module costs falling and energy costs rising, zoning regulations have become the biggest obstacle to the energy revolution.
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Watkinsheating Hiring !
Industry Updates

We’re Hiring!

Help wanted! We need to add more seasoned service and installation techs to our team. We have an awesome work environment and top pay.
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Mitsubishi Zoned Comfort ductless mini-split heat pump
HVAC Repair

It Is Cold Upstairs! Comfort Tips for a Two-Story Home.

Uneven temperatures in two-story homes are common. Improve upstairs comfort by upgrading insulation, windows, and optimizing airflow without major ductwork.
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Watkins Tech Explaining New Trane Air Conditioner XR16 Install to Customer
HVAC Repair

REAL Service Technicians

Not all HVAC technicians are the same. Learn how "Sales Technicians" push for replacements while Real Service Technicians prioritize honest repairs.
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Dominican Missions
Mission Work

Watkins’ Mission to Transform Lives in the Dominican Republic

Watkins Heating & Cooling is helping build a vocational school in the Dominican Republic to transform lives by teaching trade skills and fostering hope.
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Technician working on a high efficiency furnace
Furnaces

Top 5 Reasons for a Furnace Tune-up

Wondering why your furnace needs a yearly tune-up? Here are the top 5 benefits of regular furnace maintenance to keep your home safe and warm.
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Best HVAC Repair Google Search in Tab
HVAC Repair

How Do You choose an HVAC Contractor?

How do you choose an HVAC contractor? It’s tempting to go for flashy offers, but competence, cost, and credibility matter most. Learn what to look for.
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heat pump thermal balance point
Heat Pumps

Heat pump operation 102

Heat pump efficiency and capacity change with the weather, as do your home's heating needs. How does this impact heat pump sizing and costs?
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Honeywell Carbon Monoxide Alarm
HVAC Safety

Carbon Monoxide Safety

Carbon monoxide is known as the silent killer. How can you protect your family from this odorless gas? The time change is a great time for a quick CO refresher.
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furnace_filters
Furnaces

6 Furnace Air Filter Tips

Need advice on furnace filters and air cleaners? These quick tips can both save you money and relieve a few allergies.
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gas pilot light before and after cleaning
Furnaces

Routine furnace maintenance saves money

Find out why furnace maintenance is so important to home heating with these 4 real examples of money saving furnace maintenance.
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Trane ECM motor module
Heat Pumps

Committed to Your Comfort: Trane Heat Pump Repairs Done Right

Discover how our factory-level expertise and stocked Trane ECM fan modules ensure your heat pump runs flawlessly, keeping your home cozy.
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Hope House Rescue Mission Dayton Logo
Mission Work

Watkins Brings Comfort through Hope House Rescue Mission

Watkins commits to two years of free furnace and A/C maintenance for Hope House Rescue Mission, enhancing comfort for those in need.
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