Home and Life Comfort with Derek Cole
Derek Cole is no amateur when it comes to home comfort! He's been in the heating and air conditioning industry since 2001, managing Simmons One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® - a respected franchise, based out of Laurinburg NC that operates since 1953. His achievements have already earned him spots on CBS, FOX News NBC ABC and Bloomberg Business sharing all about improving your home environment for more comfort. And if these credentials don't speak enough proof... Derek also shares his challenges which come from living with multiple sclerosis from 2012 onwards as he tackles everyday life
654. Clean It, Then Seal It — The Right Way to Fix Your Ducts
If your ducts are full of dust and leaking air, you’re paying more every month for less comfort — plain and simple.
In this episode, Derek breaks down the two steps most homeowners don’t know they need:
1️⃣ Clean your ducts to get rid of years of dust, allergens, and debris.
2️⃣ Then seal them with Aeroseal to lock that clean air in and stop energy loss.
Most folks get this backwards — and it costs them.
Listen now and learn how to get cleaner air, lower energy bills, and a more comfortable home.
📍 Serving F...
653. Don’t Wait for a Breakdown: Why Your HVAC Needs a Checkup
Is your home not heating or cooling like it used to? Strange smells, weak airflow, or uneven temperatures are warning signs you shouldn’t ignore. In this episode, Derek Cole from Simmons One Hour Heating & Air explains why regular six-month checkups are critical, how maintenance saves you money, and the big problems you can avoid by acting early.
🎧 Tune in now and learn how to keep your home safe, comfortable, and running smoothly year-round.
652. The Hidden Killer in Your Home: Why Surge Protection Matters
“Most people think surge protectors are those cheap strips you plug your TV into. The truth is, those won’t save your home when a real surge hits. In this episode, Derek Cole breaks down what a whole-home surge protector actually does, why every homeowner should have one, and how it protects your HVAC system, electronics, and peace of mind.
From lightning strikes to everyday appliance surges, Derek explains the real risks, the pros and cons, and the straight talk on why this small investment can save you thousands. If you’ve ever wondered whethe...
651. Why I Drive Two Hours for an MRI: Comfort, Clarity, and MS Care at Duke
When you live with MS, details matter—even the temperature of an MRI room. In this episode, Derek shares why he makes the two-hour trip to Duke for his annual MRI instead of using a closer clinic. From staying cool, to having techs talk through each scan, to the peace of mind that comes with clear communication, you’ll hear exactly why the experience makes all the difference. Derek also opens up about the challenges of claustrophobia, the importance of yearly checkups, and the blessing of seeing no new lesions in over a decade.
It’s about more t...
650. STOP Adding Refrigerant – Fix the Leak Instead
If your A/C needs refrigerant every year or two, you don’t have a refrigerant problem—you have a leak. In this episode, Derek Cole from Simmons One Hour Heating & Air explains why topping off refrigerant is just a temporary band-aid, how it wastes your money, and the right way to fix the issue once and for all. Learn what causes leaks, why “refill and repeat” is a costly trap, and the steps you can take to protect your comfort and your wallet.
649. Is Your AC Gasping for Air? How Filters Make or Break Your System
This summer’s heat is pushing your HVAC system to the limit—and if your air filter isn’t up to par, your system might be gasping for air. In this episode, Derek Cole breaks down the real impact of air filters on performance, energy bills, and system lifespan. Learn why the right MERV rating matters, how airflow can be choked by the wrong filter, and what options are best for homes with pets, allergies, or older units. Plus, hear Derek’s no-BS advice on avoiding cheap filters and expensive mistakes.
🎙️ Tune in to keep your system breathing eas...
648. Loyalty | Radio Spot
Newest Radio Spot
647. DIY or Call the Experts? What You Should and Shouldn't Touch on Your HVAC System
In this episode, Derek breaks down what homeowners can safely do to maintain their HVAC systems—and where DIY crosses the line into dangerous territory. Learn what you can handle on your own, what should be left to the pros, and how to keep your comfort system running strong without costly mistakes. Brought to you by Simmons One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, serving Fayetteville, Pinehurst, Sanford, Laurinburg, and beyond.
646. The Day That Broke Me… and Built Me: My MS Diagnosis
On November 8, 2012, my life changed forever.
In this episode, I share the deeply personal story of the day I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis—a day that was both the worst and best day of my life. MS took away a lot, but it gave me something I never expected: clarity, purpose, and a whole new perspective on what really matters.
If you’ve ever faced a life-altering challenge, or love someone who has, this episode is for you. It’s not about feeling sorry—it’s about finding strength, faith, and meaning even in the hard d...
645. Set the Thermostat for YOU: Stop Stressing Over a Few Degrees
Are you sweating through the summer trying to “save money” by keeping the thermostat set too high? In this episode, Derek Cole gets real about comfort, energy myths, and why you should stop feeling guilty about wanting to feel good in your own home.
Learn why a few degrees do make a difference, when to call for help, and how to know if your system is really doing its job. If your house still feels uncomfortable—even with the AC running—this one’s for you.
Your comfort isn’t a luxury. It’s the standard.
<...644. Baked Potato | Radio Spot
Ever feel like your house turns into an oven during a heatwave? You’re not alone.
SimmonsOneHour.com
643. Imagine Your HVAC Could Warn You Before It Breaks…
What if your HVAC system could talk to you? Not in a weird sci-fi way—but in a smart, life-saving, wallet-saving kind of way?
In this episode, Derek Cole introduces the Smart Comfort Club—a game-changing new membership that uses smart sensors to monitor your HVAC system 24/7. From predicting breakdowns before they happen to detecting water leaks and tracking your air filter health, this isn’t your typical maintenance plan.
Derek breaks down how the system works, why it’s a must-have for homeowners, and how it can save you from...
642. Why Is My AC Blowing HOT Air? (And What You Can Do About It)
Your AC is running — but the air feels more like a hair dryer than a cool breeze. What gives?
In this episode, Derek Cole breaks down the top reasons your system may be blowing hot air, including:
Thermostat mistakes
Refrigerant leaks
Frozen coils
Electrical or airflow issues
Don’t let a minor problem turn into a major repair. Listen in, get the facts, and know when it’s time to call in the pros.
Especially if you're in Fayetteville, Pinehurst, or Laurinburg — Simmons One Hour is ready to...
641. Should You Get a Quick Quote from SimmonsOneHour.com?
Tired of HVAC runarounds and mystery pricing? In this episode, Derek Cole breaks down why getting a Quick Quote from SimmonsOneHour.com might be the smartest move you can make for your home and your peace of mind.
✅ No guesswork
✅ No strangers
✅ No nonsense
Just fast, local service from the team your neighbors have trusted for over 72 years.
Tune in now to hear the straight truth — and why comfort shouldn’t be complicated.
640. Is Your AC Ready for Summer? The Ultimate Maintenance Checklist
Summer heat is no joke — and neither is a busted AC when the temperature hits 95°. In this episode, Derek Cole walks you through the Ultimate AC Maintenance Checklist every homeowner should follow before the hottest days arrive.
You’ll learn:
✅ How to prep your outdoor unit
✅ The #1 thing people forget (hint: filters!)
✅ Signs it’s time to call a pro
✅ When to start planning for a replacement
…and more!
Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or a seasoned DIYer, this step-by-step guide will keep you cool, save you money, and give your system th...
639. STOP Topping Off Your AC Refrigerant — Here’s Why It’s a Waste of Money
If your AC system needs refrigerant every single year… something’s wrong. And topping it off like it’s no big deal? That’s not just costing you money — it could be damaging your entire system.
In this episode of the Home & Life Comfort Podcast, Derek Cole breaks down:
What refrigerant actually does inside your AC system
Why it doesn’t just “run out”
What repeated top-offs really mean (spoiler: you’ve got a leak)
How refrigerant leaks impact comfort, efficiency, and your wallet
What to do if you’re facing t...
638. Why $1/Day Beats a $4.50 Cold Brew — Invest in Real Comfort
We’ll gladly drop $4.50 on a cold brew that’s gone in two hours — but what if just $1.00 a day could protect your home’s entire HVAC system and keep you cool all summer long?
In this quick-hit episode, Derek explains the value of Simmons One Hour’s Summer Cool Spectacular, what’s included, and why smart maintenance now can save you big later.
You’ll learn:
What a full AC tune-up really covers
Why coil cleaning improves cooling speed
The value of our 28-point inspection
How the 6-month Br...
637. The Thermostat Mistake That Could Cost You Comfort
Is your thermostat working for you — or against you?
In this episode, Derek Cole breaks down one of the most common (and easily avoidable) reasons your AC might not be cooling the way it should. Before you call for a repair, make sure your thermostat isn’t stuck in heating mode, draining batteries, or working against your comfort.
Learn how to check your settings, use your thermostat the right way, and avoid unnecessary service calls this summer.
Call Simmons One Hour or visit SimmonsOneHour.com to schedule your pre-summer system checkup.
“Always...
636. Is Changing Your Air Filter Every 3 Months a Waste?
You’ve seen the 6–9 month rating on your air filter… so is changing it every 3 months just throwing money away?
In this episode of the Home & Life Comfort Podcast, Derek Cole breaks down a real question from a homeowner who runs their HVAC fan continuously — and wonders if their lightly-used filter is worth replacing so soon.
Derek answers:
Why your filter's color doesn’t tell the whole story
How 24/7 fan operation impacts filter life
What manufacturers don’t factor into those filter ratings
The simple rule of thumb that p...
635. Summer’s Muggy Heat Is Coming — Will Your AC SURVIVE?
The first real heatwave hits harder than you think… and if your AC isn’t ready, your home could turn into a sauna overnight.
🎧 In Episode 635 of the Home & Life Comfort Podcast, Derek Cole breaks down:
✅ Why the first heatwave hits your system the hardest
✅ 3 simple things you MUST do before it arrives
✅ What to check before calling for repairs
✅ How to stay cool without wrecking your energy bill
💥 Don’t wait for the breakdown — be the homeowner who’s ready.
👉 LISTEN NOW
...
634. Duct Sealing
Stuffy Room? SimmonsOneHour.com can help!
633. HVAC Noise Exposed | #AskDerekCole Episode 110
Derek Cole is the General Manager of Simmons One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning®, an independently owned and operated franchise based in Laurinburg, North Carolina since 1953. He has been in the HVAC industry since 2001 and has been featured in Entrepreneur Magazine Franchise Player Spotlight. Derek has also been seen on CBS, FOX, NBC, ABC, and Bloomberg Business sharing about home comfort tips.Find Derek here:Text him: 910-463-5811Simmons One Hour Heating & Air: https://www.simmonsonehour.comFacebook: http://facebook.com/derekmcoleTwitter: http://twitter.com/derekmcoleInstagram: http://instagram.com/derekmcoleLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-cole-2634322b/Snapchat: https://www.s...
632. HVAC Lifespan & Air Filter Secrets | #AskDerekCole Episode 109
Derek Cole is the General Manager of Simmons One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning®, an independently owned and operated franchise based in Laurinburg, North Carolina since 1953. He has been in the HVAC industry since 2001 and has been featured in Entrepreneur Magazine Franchise Player Spotlight. Derek has also been seen on CBS, FOX, NBC, ABC, and Bloomberg Business sharing about home comfort tips.Find Derek here:Text him: 910-463-5811Simmons One Hour Heating & Air: https://www.simmonsonehour.comFacebook: http://facebook.com/derekmcoleTwitter: http://twitter.com/derekmcoleInstagram: http://instagram.com/derekmcoleLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-cole-2634322b/Snapchat: https://www.s...
631. Critical HVAC Sizing | #AskDerekCole Episode 108
Derek Cole is the General Manager of Simmons One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning®, an independently owned and operated franchise based in Laurinburg, North Carolina since 1953. He has been in the HVAC industry since 2001 and has been featured in Entrepreneur Magazine Franchise Player Spotlight. Derek has also been seen on CBS, FOX, NBC, ABC, and Bloomberg Business sharing about home comfort tips.Find Derek here:Text him: 910-463-5811Simmons One Hour Heating & Air: https://www.simmonsonehour.comFacebook: http://facebook.com/derekmcoleTwitter: http://twitter.com/derekmcoleInstagram: http://instagram.com/derekmcoleLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-cole-2634322b/Snapchat: https://www.s...
630. How you can save...| #AskDerekCole Episode 112
Derek Cole is the General Manager of Simmons One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning®, an independently owned and operated franchise based in Laurinburg, North Carolina since 1953. He has been in the HVAC industry since 2001 and has been featured in Entrepreneur Magazine Franchise Player Spotlight. Derek has also been seen on CBS, FOX, NBC, ABC, and Bloomberg Business sharing about home comfort tips.Find Derek here:Text him: 910-463-5811Simmons One Hour Heating & Air: https://www.simmonsonehour.comFacebook: http://facebook.com/derekmcoleTwitter: http://twitter.com/derekmcoleInstagram: http://instagram.com/derekmcoleLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-cole-2634322b/Snapchat: https://www.s...
629. Smart Meters, Closing Vents, & Unit Size | #AskDerekCole Episode 33
Derek Cole is the General Manager of Simmons One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning®, an independently owned and operated franchise based in Laurinburg, North Carolina since 1953. He has been in the HVAC industry since 2001 and has been featured in Entrepreneur Magazine Franchise Player Spotlight. Derek has also been seen on CBS, FOX, NBC, ABC, and Bloomberg Business sharing about home comfort tips.Find Derek here:Text him: 910-463-5811Simmons One Hour Heating & Air: https://www.simmonsonehour.comFacebook: http://facebook.com/derekmcoleTwitter: http://twitter.com/derekmcoleInstagram: http://instagram.com/derekmcoleLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-cole-2634322b/Snapchat: https://www.s...
628. Smart Thermostat and Energy Savings | #AskDerekCole Episode 107
Tired of struggling with home comfort and expensive energy bills?https://simmonsonehour.scoreapp.comTalk to Derek with any questions with Derek AI. No fees, no subscription, just your home comfort answers!https://www.delphi.ai/derekmcole/talk--Derek Cole is the General Manager of Simmons One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning®, an independently owned and operated franchise based in Laurinburg, North Carolina since 1953. He has been in the HVAC industry since 2001 and has been featured in Entrepreneur Magazine Franchise Player Spotlight. Derek has also been seen on CBS, FOX, NBC, ABC, and Bloomberg Business sharing about home comfort tips.Find Derek h...
627. Unit Leaks & Air Loss | #AskDerekCole Episode 61
Tired of struggling with home comfort and expensive energy bills?https://simmonsonehour.scoreapp.comTalk to Derek with any questions with Derek AI. No fees, no subscription, just your home comfort answers!https://www.delphi.ai/derekmcole/talk--Derek Cole is the General Manager of Simmons One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning®, an independently owned and operated franchise based in Laurinburg, North Carolina since 1953. He has been in the HVAC industry since 2001 and has been featured in Entrepreneur Magazine Franchise Player Spotlight. Derek has also been seen on CBS, FOX, NBC, ABC, and Bloomberg Business sharing about home comfort tips.Find Derek h...
626. Musty & Wet Smell | #AskDerekCole Episode 86
Tired of struggling with home comfort and expensive energy bills?https://simmonsonehour.scoreapp.comTalk to Derek with any questions with Derek AI. No fees, no subscription, just your home comfort answers!https://www.delphi.ai/derekmcole/talk--Derek Cole is the General Manager of Simmons One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning®, an independently owned and operated franchise based in Laurinburg, North Carolina since 1953. He has been in the HVAC industry since 2001 and has been featured in Entrepreneur Magazine Franchise Player Spotlight. Derek has also been seen on CBS, FOX, NBC, ABC, and Bloomberg Business sharing about home comfort tips.Find Derek h...
625. Most Common Failures | #AskDerekCole Episode 48
Derek Cole is the General Manager of Simmons One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning®, an independently owned and operated franchise based in Laurinburg, North Carolina since 1953. He has been in the HVAC industry since 2001 and has been featured in Entrepreneur Magazine Franchise Player Spotlight. Derek has also been seen on CBS, FOX, NBC, ABC, and Bloomberg Business sharing about home comfort tips.Find Derek here:Text him: 910-463-5811Simmons One Hour Heating & Air: https://www.simmonsonehour.comFacebook: http://facebook.com/derekmcoleTwitter: http://twitter.com/derekmcoleInstagram: http://instagram.com/derekmcoleLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-cole-2634322b/Snapchat: https://www.s...
624. Change Your Air Filter
Derek Cole is the General Manager of Simmons One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning®, an independently owned and operated franchise based in Laurinburg, North Carolina since 1953. He has been in the HVAC industry since 2001 and has been featured in Entrepreneur Magazine Franchise Player Spotlight. Derek has also been seen on CBS, FOX, NBC, ABC, and Bloomberg Business sharing about home comfort tips. Find Derek here: Text him: 910-463-5811
Simmons One Hour Heating & Air: https://www.simmonsonehour.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/derekmcole
Twitter: http://twitter.com/derekmcole
Instagram: http://instagram.com/d...
623. Heat work with no compressor | #AskDerekCole Episode 44
Will my heat work with no compressor, can I spray Lysol in my air intake, do I need a return for every vent?
622. Burning Smell with Heat | #AskDerekCole Episode 50
Burning smell when my heat comes on, my unit has a bleach smell, and does it matter which direction my ceiling fan is turning?
621. Emergency Heat | #AskDerekCole Episode 52
How do I know when my emergency heat is on. why does my unit smoke, and what is the EMHT on my thermostat?
620. Cold Air Before Heating | #AskDerekCole Episode 58
On this episode we talk about my unit blowing cold air before heating, why do I need an inspection on my new unit install, and my unit is loud outside. PQOD: What 5 things would you take with you if you had to leave? -- Derek Cole is the General Manager of One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning®, an independently owned and operated franchise based in Laurinburg, North Carolina since 1953. He has more than 23 years of experience in the HVAC industry and has created two You Tube broadcasts, The Comfort Experts and #AskDerekCole, filled with tips and tricks on saving energy a...
619. Air Filters | #AskDerekCole Episode 62
What kind of air filter should I use and why is my return grille making a noise when my air is on? -- Derek Cole is the General Manager of One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning®, an independently owned and operated franchise based in Laurinburg, North Carolina since 1953. He has more than 23 years of experience in the HVAC industry and has created two You Tube broadcasts, The Comfort Experts and #AskDerekCole, filled with tips and tricks on saving energy and being comfortable.
618. Unit Freezing, Air Leaks, Heat Loss | #AskDerekCole Episode 61
What causes my unit to freeze, I have an air whistle when my unit is not running, and what is a heat loss/heat gain report? -- Derek Cole is the General Manager of One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning®, an independently owned and operated franchise based in Laurinburg, North Carolina since 1953. He has more than 23 years of experience in the HVAC industry and has created two You Tube broadcasts, The Comfort Experts and #AskDerekCole, filled with tips and tricks on saving energy and being comfortable. Find Derek here: Simmons One Hour Heating & Air: https://www.SimmonsOneHour.com Twitter: / derekmcole Instag...
617. Cracked Heat Exchanger | #AskDerekCole Episode 51
"I have had heating and air companies tell me in the past that I have a crack in my heat exchanger. I cannot see the cracks but assumed that you need magnification to see them. Is there a way to tell if this is true or if they are just trying to scam?"
There are a couple of things that should have been done there. If it is a very small hairline crack, you are probably not going to see it unless you have a heat exchanger camera and you go in there with...
616. First Cold Night
5 Ways to Warm Up on Cold Nights
There's nothing quite like a cold night to make you appreciate the warmth of your bed. But if you're someone who gets chilly easily, those cold nights can also be pretty miserable. If you're looking for ways to stay warm this winter, look no further! Here are five tips to help you stay cozy all season long.
Wear layers: This one's a no-brainer. When the temperature starts to drop, put on an extra layer (or two...or three). You can always take layers off if you get too warm, but i...
615. Improving Indoor Air Quality at Home
Derek Cole is the General Manager of Simmons One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning®, an independently owned and operated franchise based in Laurinburg, North Carolina since 1953. He has been in the HVAC industry since 2001 and has been featured in Entrepreneur Magazine Franchise Player Spotlight. Derek has also been seen on CBS, FOX, NBC, ABC, and Bloomberg Business sharing about home comfort tips. Find Derek here: Text him: 910-463-5811 Simmons One Hour Heating & Air: https://www.simmonsonehour.com Facebook: http://facebook.com/derekmcole Twitter: http://twitter.com/derekmcole Instagram: http://instagram.com/derekmcole Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-cole-2634322b...
