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
Episodes
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 De...
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.
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’...
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 runn...
Ever feel like your house turns into an oven during a heatwave? You’re not alone.
SimmonsOneHour.com
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.
De...
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 F...
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.
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 ...
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 ...
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 spee...
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...
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 ...
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...
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: 910-46...
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: 910-46...
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: 910-46...
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: 910-46...
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