Your heating system worked just fine last winter. No strange noises. No breakdowns. No problems.

So why would you have any reason to think it might not work this winter?

That's exactly the assumption Derek Cole wants homeowners to reconsider.

In this episode of Home & Life Comfort with Derek Cole, Derek draws on more than 25 years of experience in the heating and air conditioning industry to explain why last year's performance doesn't necessarily tell you what condition your heating system is in today.

From electrical components and airflow problems to heating equipment that hasn't operated in months, Derek shares what homeowners should understand before the first really cold morning arrives.

You'll hear why a heat pump that cooled your home all summer can still have heating problems, what professional heating maintenance is actually supposed to accomplish, and why identifying small issues early can sometimes prevent bigger headaches later.

And perhaps most importantly, Derek explains why taking care of your heating system isn't really about the equipment.

It's about the people depending on it.

Whether your system is brand new or has been keeping your family comfortable for years, this episode offers practical advice to help you prepare for the heating season.

Here's the takeaway: Just because your heat worked last winter doesn't mean it's ready for this one.

About the Host

Derek Cole is the co-owner of Simmons One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, a family business serving North Carolina homeowners since 1953. With more than 25 years in the HVAC industry, Derek is passionate about educating homeowners, building trust, and helping families make informed decisions about their comfort.

Learn more at https://SimmonsOneHour.com

Call 910-276-2790

Always On Time Or You Don't Pay A Dime!®

It’s one of the least expensive parts of your HVAC system, but it can have a big impact on how that system operates.

In this episode of the Home & Life Comfort Podcast, we break down something every homeowner should understand: the HVAC air filter.

What actually happens when a filter gets too dirty? Can restricted airflow cause an evaporator coil to freeze? Can it affect your heating system? And is the most expensive filter at the store really the best filter for your home?

We also tackle one of the most common pieces of HVAC advice: “Change your filter every 30 days.” The reality is that every home is different, and checking your filter regularly may be more useful than blindly following the calendar.

A neglected filter doesn't automatically mean an expensive HVAC repair is coming. But your heating and cooling system depends on proper airflow, and something that costs $10–$20 isn't worth ignoring when it's helping protect equipment worth thousands.

Here’s the takeaway: Your HVAC system needs to breathe. Check your filter, use the right filter for your equipment, and don't let one of the simplest maintenance items in your home become an unnecessary problem.

Welcome to fall in North Carolina, where you might need the heat at breakfast and the AC by dinner.

That back-and-forth weather is just part of living in the Sandhills. But while you're switching the thermostat from cooling to heating, your HVAC system is making a pretty big transition too.

In this episode of the Home & Life Comfort Podcast, Derek Cole shares five things homeowners should know during the fall HVAC changeover, including why you should test your heat before you really need it, what that first burning smell could mean, why heat pumps act differently in heating mode, why you should check your filter after a long North Carolina summer, and why October is a great time to catch problems before the first real cold snap.

Derek also answers a common question: Is it bad for your HVAC system to run the heat in the morning and the AC later that same day?

The first cold night is coming. The best time to find out your heat has a problem is before your family actually needs it.

📖 Read the full article:
https://www.simmonsonehour.com/blog/ac-today-heat-tomorrow

Home & Life Comfort Podcast with Derek Cole
Simmons One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning
Serving Fayetteville, Pinehurst, Laurinburg and the surrounding Sandhills for more than 70 years.

Always On Time Or You Don't Pay A Dime!®

Safety Note: This podcast is intended for general homeowner education. HVAC systems can involve electricity, fuel, hot surfaces, moving parts, and other hazards. Don't open equipment panels or attempt repairs you're not trained and equipped to perform. If you notice smoke or a strong or persistent burning or electrical odor, turn the system off if you can safely do so and contact a qualified HVAC professional. If you suspect a gas leak or carbon monoxide emergency, leave the home and contact your gas utility or emergency services from a safe location.