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
722. AC Today, Heat Tomorrow? Is Your HVAC System Ready for Fall?
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 (https://www.simmonsonehour.com/blog/ac-today-heat-tomorrow?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
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.
7 Oct 2026
721. What MS Taught Me About Life, Gratitude & Slowing Down
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
30 Sept 2026
720. Deep Dive: Is an EasyStart Soft Starter Really Worth It?
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
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
1,347,154
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 80 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
94
Social presence
0
YouTube
86
Engagement
81
Contact Home & Life Comfort with Derek Cole
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Derek Cole host the show. Published by Derek Cole.
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