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.

What happens when life forces you to slow down?

After nearly 14 years of living with Multiple Sclerosis, Derek Cole recently underwent another infusion treatment. While recovering at home, he found himself reflecting on life, family, faith, and the moments we often take for granted.

In this special Deep Dive episode of the Home & Life Comfort Podcast, our two hosts explore Derek's personal article about his MS infusion, the challenges of recovery, and the unexpected lessons that come when we're forced to stop.

From finding gratitude during difficult seasons to appreciating the people God has placed in our lives, this conversation is a reminder that tomorrow isn't promised, but we have today.

Based on Derek Cole's personal article, MS Infusion, Recovery, and Life Lessons | Derek Cole

https://www.simmonsonehour.com/blog/msrecovery

Your air conditioner may run just fine once it gets going. Getting the compressor started is where things get interesting.

During startup, an AC compressor can require significantly more electrical current than it needs once it's running.

That's where a soft starter comes in.

In this episode of Deep Dive, the hosts unpack Derek Cole's article, “What Is an AC Soft Starter, and Is EasyStart Worth It?”

They explore how the Micro-Air EasyStart Flex learns the starting characteristics of an AC compressor and electronically manages the startup process, with Micro-Air reporting reductions in starting current of up to 75%.

Why does that matter?

One big reason is backup power. A generator may have enough capacity to keep an air conditioner running but struggle with the initial electrical demand required to start the compressor.

The hosts also dig into some of the bigger questions homeowners should be asking:

What's the difference between a soft starter and a hard-start kit?

Does a smoother start mean less stress on the compressor?

Will EasyStart lower your electric bill?

Does EasyStart replace whole-home surge protection?

And most importantly, does every air conditioner really need one?

The answer isn't automatically yes.

This Deep Dive separates what EasyStart actually does from what homeowners shouldn't expect it to do, helping you decide whether soft-start technology makes sense for your home.

Based on the article and HVAC experience of Derek Cole of Simmons One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning.

Home & Life Comfort Podcast
Simmons One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning

It’s hurricane season in North Carolina. Storms roll in, lightning starts popping, the lights flicker, power goes out—and then suddenly everything comes back on.

But what’s happening to your home’s electrical system during all of that?

In this episode of Deep Dive, the hosts break down Derek Cole’s latest article on whole-home surge protection and why it matters more than many homeowners realize.

They explore why power surges aren’t limited to direct lightning strikes, what can happen electrically when storms interrupt and restore power, and why today’s HVAC systems—with circuit boards, variable-speed motors, communicating controls, sensors, and other sophisticated electronics—can represent a significant investment worth protecting.

The discussion also tackles an important question: Does a whole-home surge protector guarantee your HVAC system can’t be damaged?

No—and that’s not the point.

Surge protection is another layer of defense against electrical events we simply can’t control.

The hosts also explain the difference between surge protection and an AC soft starter, setting up the next Deep Dive into EasyStart technology and whether a soft starter is actually worth adding to your air conditioner.

Here’s the takeaway: We can’t control the weather, lightning, power outages, or the electrical grid. We can decide how we protect the expensive equipment connected to it.

Based on the article and expertise of Derek Cole of Simmons One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning.

🏠 Learn more at SimmonsOneHour.com

Every kid who walks into a classroom is coming from a different place.

A different home life. A different morning. Different struggles. Different abilities. Different needs.

In this episode of the Home & Life Comfort Podcast, Derek Cole shares a funny story about visiting his wife at school that led to a much bigger lesson: the importance of meeting people where they are.

Originally shared as a message to the teachers and staff at Rowland Norment Elementary, Derek realized the message applies to teachers everywhere.

From building personal connections with students to communicating with coworkers and asking for help when you need it, this episode is a reminder that making a difference often starts with seeing the individual person in front of you.

Teachers may not always get to see the impact they're making. Sometimes they may never know.

But that doesn't mean the impact isn't there.

Meet them where they are. Build the connection. Communicate. And never underestimate the difference you can make in the life of a child.

Can you clean your own outdoor AC unit? Technically, yes. But should you?

In this episode of the Home & Life Comfort Podcast, Derek Cole breaks down a viral DIY AC cleaning video with millions of views and explains what the video gets right, what homeowners need to be careful about, and where a seemingly simple cleaning job can turn into an expensive mistake.

Derek covers why your outdoor condenser coil can be dirty even when it looks clean, why proper airflow matters, the danger of assuming the power is off, why you should NEVER use excessive water pressure on condenser fins, and why cleaning your outdoor coil isn't the same thing as having your AC professionally maintained.

After 25 years in the HVAC business, Derek's recommendation is simple: there are basic maintenance items homeowners can handle, but once you're opening equipment, working around electricity, moving components, and using chemicals, it's time to understand the risks.

In this episode:

• Why a clean-looking AC coil may still be restricted
• How dirty condenser coils affect your system
• Why some AC units are harder to properly clean
• The electrical danger homeowners shouldn't overlook
• Why pressure washers and AC coils don't mix
• What to know about chemical coil cleaners
• The difference between cleaning and professional maintenance
• When DIY stops making sense

Taking care of your HVAC system matters. But doing something yourself isn't saving money if one mistake turns into a repair call.

Home & Life Comfort Podcast with Derek Cole
Simmons One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning
Serving Fayetteville, Pinehurst, Laurinburg and surrounding communities.

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

For educational and informational purposes only. HVAC equipment can contain high-voltage electrical components, moving parts, chemicals, and other hazards. Consult a qualified HVAC professional before performing work beyond your knowledge, training, or ability.