Home and Life Comfort with Derek Cole

Derek Cole
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Home & Garden
  • Updated Biweekly

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

  1. 5d ago

    715. Why Does My AC Smell Musty? What That Smell Is Trying to Tell You

    Have you ever noticed a musty smell coming from your vents right when the air conditioner kicks on? That smell isn't something you should just cover up with an air freshener. Your AC may be trying to tell you there's moisture and organic growth somewhere inside the system. In this episode of the Home & Life Comfort Podcast, Derek Cole explains why air conditioners can develop that familiar musty odor and what may be happening inside your indoor unit. Your air conditioner doesn't just cool your home. It also removes moisture from the air. As warm, humid air moves across the cold evaporator coil, condensation forms and drains into a pan below the coil. When moisture sticks around because of a dirty coil, clogged drain, or drainage problem, you've created the kind of damp, dark environment where organic growth can develop. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why your AC produces water while it's cooling your home• Where that musty smell is usually coming from• How the evaporator coil and drain pan can contribute to odors• Why simply masking the smell doesn't solve the problem• How UV germicidal lights and coil scrubbers can help prevent organic growth• Why regular HVAC maintenance still matters If your house smells fine until the AC comes on, don't ignore it. Finding the source of the moisture and correcting the problem can help keep your system cleaner and your home's air smelling fresher. 🎙️ Home & Life Comfort Podcast with Derek Cole Practical advice about heating, cooling, indoor air quality, and home comfort from more than 20 years in the HVAC industry. 🏠 Learn more at SimmonsOneHour.com🤖 Have an HVAC question? Ask Derek AI 24/7 at SimmonsOneHour.com Simmons One Hour Heating & Air ConditioningServing Fayetteville, Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen, Laurinburg, Rockingham, Lumberton, Sanford, and surrounding communities.

  2. Aug 19

    714. Your AC Shouldn't Need Refrigerant Every Year (Here's Why)

    Is it normal for your air conditioner to need refrigerant every summer? No—and that's one of the biggest misconceptions homeowners have. In this episode, we explain why refrigerant isn't something your air conditioner "uses up." Your HVAC system is a sealed system, so if it's low on refrigerant, there's a reason: it's leaking. You'll learn: Why adding refrigerant every year isn't a repair.The simple analogy that makes refrigerant leaks easy to understand.What happens to your air conditioner when refrigerant is low.How low refrigerant affects comfort, efficiency, and the life of your system.When adding refrigerant may be a temporary option—and why finding the leak is the real solution.If you've ever been told your system "just needs a little Freon every year," this episode is for you. Whether you're trying to avoid expensive repairs or simply want to better understand how your air conditioner works, you'll walk away with practical knowledge that could save you money and frustration.

  3. Aug 12

    713. Fan "On" or "Auto"? The Thermostat Setting That Could Be Making Your Home More Humid

    It's a small switch that most homeowners never think about, but in the hot, humid climate of southeastern North Carolina, it can make a big difference in how comfortable your home feels. In this episode, our hosts take a deep dive into why your air conditioner does more than cool your home—it also removes humidity. They explain what happens inside your HVAC system when the fan runs continuously, why some homes start feeling sticky even though the thermostat says 75°, and why leaving the fan on all the time can work against your air conditioner. You'll also hear why this advice is different in humid climates, the few situations where running the fan continuously actually makes sense, and the simple thermostat setting that most homeowners should be using. If you've ever wondered whether Fan "On" or Fan "Auto" is the better choice, this episode breaks down the science in plain English so you can make the right decision for your home.

  4. Aug 5

    712. Why Is My Upstairs Always Hotter Than Downstairs? The Truth Every Homeowner Should Know

    Does your upstairs always feel 5 to 10 degrees hotter than the rest of your house? You're definitely not alone—and it doesn't always mean your air conditioner is broken. In this episode, we explain why second floors naturally run warmer during the summer, how heat rises, why your attic plays such a big role, and what your HVAC system is actually designed to do. We also cover common mistakes homeowners make when trying to cool the upstairs, along with practical solutions that can make a real difference. Whether you're constantly adjusting the thermostat or wondering if it's time to replace your system, this episode will help you understand what's normal, what's not, and when it's time to call in a professional. If you've ever said, "Why is it so much hotter upstairs?" this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen now and learn how to make every floor of your home more comfortable.

  5. Jul 30

    711. Does Turning Your Thermostat to 60° Cool Your House Faster? The Answer Might Surprise You

    Every summer, homeowners do the same thing: they walk into a hot house and immediately crank the thermostat down to 60°, hoping the air conditioner will cool the home faster. But does it actually work? In this episode, our hosts take a closer look at one of the biggest thermostat myths in home comfort. They explain how your air conditioner really works, why setting the thermostat lower doesn't speed up cooling, and what actually determines how quickly your home reaches a comfortable temperature. You'll also learn: Why your AC cools at the same rate regardless of the thermostat setting.What happens when you set your thermostat much lower than needed.Common homeowner mistakes that can lead to higher energy bills.The best way to cool your home after you've been away.Practical tips to help your HVAC system perform at its best during the hottest days of the year.Whether you've been guilty of setting your thermostat to 60° or you're just curious about how your air conditioner works, this episode breaks it down in simple terms that every homeowner can understand. Subscribe for more practical home comfort advice, HVAC myths, energy-saving tips, and maintenance guidance to help keep your home comfortable all year long.

  6. Jul 22

    710. 77% of Homeowners Are Stressed About Their Electric Bill: A Deep Dive Into Derek Cole's Latest Article

    A new homeowner survey found that 77% of Americans say summer cooling costs are causing financial stress, and nearly half have delayed HVAC repairs because of the expense. What do those numbers really mean—and what should homeowners do about them? In this Deep Dive episode, two guest hosts unpack Derek Cole's latest article, "New Report: 77% of Homeowners Say Summer Cooling Costs Are Causing Financial Stress. Here's What You Can Do About It." Rather than simply reading the article, they explore the research behind it, discuss why so many homeowners are seeing higher electric bills, and explain the practical steps families can take to stay comfortable without wasting money. Topics include: Why cooling costs are rising across the countryThe surprising survey statistics every homeowner should knowWhy delaying HVAC repairs often costs more in the long runPractical ways to reduce your cooling costs this summerThe importance of routine HVAC maintenanceWhen products like an EasyStart make sense—and when they don'tHow maintenance programs can help reduce unexpected breakdowns and expensesWhether you're worried about your next electric bill or simply want your air conditioner to run more efficiently, this conversation breaks down the latest homeowner research into practical, easy-to-understand advice. This is a third-party Deep Dive discussion of Derek Cole's published article and expands on the ideas presented there with additional commentary and analysis. Read Derek Cole's original article:https://www.simmonsonehour.com/blog/summercooling

  7. Jul 16

    709. Deep Dive: It's Never Just Another Service Call

    What can homeowners learn from an internal message that was never intended for the public? In this episode, we take a deep dive into a leadership message written by Derek Cole of Simmons One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning. Originally shared with his team during the busy summer season, the message offers an inside look at a customer service philosophy centered on empathy, accountability, and treating every home as if it belonged to family. We explore why communication often matters as much as technical expertise, how companies can create trust even when they can't control supply chain delays or backordered parts, and what separates businesses that simply complete transactions from those that build lasting relationships. Whether you work in the home service industry, lead a team, or simply want to understand what great customer service looks like from the inside, this conversation examines the principles behind creating memorable customer experiences and a culture that strives to put people before problems.

  8. Jul 4

    707. The Heroes Club | A Small Way to Say Thank You

    Every day, we have the privilege of serving homeowners across southeastern North Carolina, and over the years, we've met countless veterans, active duty military members, National Guard members, and Reservists. One thing has always stood out to me: they rarely ask for anything special. They simply want honest service from people they can trust. That led us to ask a simple question: How could we say "thank you" in a way that truly matters? Thank you to every man and woman who has worn our nation's uniform. We appreciate your service, and we're honored to serve you. Learn more about the Heroes Club:https://www.simmonsonehour.com/heroes

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

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

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