When your heat kicks on, the last thing you should smell is gas. If you do, that’s not “normal” and it’s not something to wait on—it’s a warning. In this episode, Derek breaks down exactly what that smell means, why it happens, and the steps you should take immediately to keep your home and family safe.
No fluff. No scare tactics. Just straight talk and simple action steps every homeowner should know.
If you’ve ever wondered what’s normal and what’s not when it comes to your heating system, this episode gives you the clarity you need.
Listen now and protect your home before a small issue becomes a dangerous one.
When you flip on the heat for the first time and catch that burning smell, it’s easy to think something’s wrong. But the truth is — sometimes it’s completely normal.
In this episode, Derek Cole breaks down what’s really happening inside your heat pump, how to tell the difference between a harmless “dust burn-off” and a serious electrical issue, and the simple steps to keep your system running safely all winter long.
✅ What causes that first-time burning smell
⚠️ Signs it’s not normal and when to call a pro
💡 Easy maintenance tips to prevent problems before they start
Keep your home comfortable — and your family safe — with this quick, practical breakdown from Simmons One Hour Heating & Air.
🎧 Listen now and breathe easy this heating season.
Cold mornings, cozy blankets… and a space heater humming in the corner. Sounds safe, right?
Not always. Every winter, thousands of home fires start from simple mistakes that could’ve been avoided.
In this episode, Derek breaks down everything you need to know before you plug in that space heater — from the right way to power it, to where (and where NOT) to place it, and the hidden signs your HVAC system might be the real problem.
You’ll learn:
🔥 Why extension cords are a space heater’s worst enemy
⚠️ The 3-foot safety rule every homeowner forgets
🐾 How to keep kids and pets safe around heat sources
🏡 When frequent heater use means your system needs attention
If you’re depending on space heaters to stay comfortable, it’s time to fix the real issue — your home’s heating efficiency.
🎧 Listen now and protect your home, your comfort, and your family this winter.
📞 Simmons One Hour Heating & Air — Always On Time… Or You Don’t Pay a Dime.
🌐 SimmonsOneHour.com
This winter, don’t let your comfort cost you a fortune.
In this episode, Derek Cole shares simple, real-world ways to keep your home cozy without sending your heat bill through the roof. From sealing up drafts to flipping your ceiling fans the right way, these small changes make a big difference in both comfort and cost.
Whether you’re running a heat pump or a gas furnace, you’ll learn how to get more warmth out of every dollar — and why a Happy Heat Restoration might be the smartest move you make before winter hits full swing.
👉 Brought to you by Simmons One Hour Heating & Air — Always On Time, or You Don’t Pay a Dime.
#HomeComfort #HVACPro #FailForward #EnergyEfficiency #HeatingTips
When the cold creeps in, comfort shouldn’t wait. In this episode, you have the radio ad which breaks down what the Happy Heat Restoration is all about — not a tune-up, not a quick fix, but a full comfort restoration for your heating system. Hear how a simple service can help you avoid breakdowns, lower your energy bills, and keep your family warm all winter long.
If you’ve noticed uneven temps, strange noises, or high utility bills, this one’s for you. Tune in, take notes, and get your system ready before the cold settles in.
👉 Schedule your Happy Heat Restoration today at SimmonsOneHour.com or call 910-276-2790 — because when it comes to comfort, “Always On Time, or You Don’t Pay a Dime.”
Tired of the old-school HVAC sales appointment just to get a number? In this episode, Derek Cole from Simmons One Hour Heating & Air shares how homeowners can now get a real, local price range online in just minutes — no pressure, no awkward visits, no guessing.
You’ll learn how the new Online Quick Quote works, why it’s a game changer for Fayetteville-area homeowners, and how it brings honesty and clarity back to HVAC pricing.
💨 Try it yourself at SimmonsOneHour.com.
Serving Fayetteville, Laurinburg, Pinehurst, Sanford, Lumberton & surrounding areas for over 70 years.
#SimmonsOneHour #HVAC #HomeComfort #NoPressureJustPricing #AlwaysOnTime
It’s one of the most common homeowner questions: “Are HVAC maintenance plans really worth it?”
In this episode, Derek Cole — your friend in comfort and energy savings from Simmons One Hour Heating & Air — breaks down the real value behind HVAC maintenance plans.
You’ll learn:
Why even a tiny bit of dirt can slash system efficiency by over 20%
What’s actually included in a professional tune-up
How maintenance plans save you money on repairs, energy bills, and early replacements
And why skipping maintenance can cost you big when you least expect it
If you want your system to last longer, run smoother, and stay reliable through every season, this episode is a must-listen.
👉 Read the full article and explore the Comfort Club at SimmonsOneHour.com/blog
Did you know the air inside your home can be 2–5 times more polluted than the air outside? It’s not just pollen and dust—the dark, damp environment inside your HVAC system is the perfect breeding ground for organic growth.
In this episode, Derek Cole breaks down:
Why your HVAC system can make indoor air worse
How organic growth spreads through your home
The simple UV solution that brings the power of the sun inside
Why Simmons One Hour offers cures, not band-aids
Breathe easier and protect your family’s comfort with proven solutions.
👉 Listen now and learn how to fix the air you breathe every day.
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 Fayetteville, Laurinburg, Pinehurst, Sanford, Lumberton and surrounding areas since 1953.
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.
“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 whether surge protection is worth it—this is the episode you can’t afford to skip.”
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 than convenience—it’s about care done right.
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.
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 easy—your comfort (and wallet) depends on it.
Newest Radio Spot
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’s not about feeling sorry—it’s about finding strength, faith, and meaning even in the hard days.
Take a moment. Reflect. What are the best and worst days of your life?
#MSAwareness #ChronicIllness #Faith #Perspective #Gratitude #ThisIsMS #DerekCole #HomeAndLifeComfortPodcast
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.
📞 Need help? Visit SimmonsOneHour.com
📲 Follow @DerekMCole for more home comfort tips
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.
Derek breaks down how the system works, why it’s a must-have for homeowners, and how it can save you from costly surprises—all while earning credits toward future upgrades.
If you want less stress, fewer breakdowns, and total peace of mind with your home’s comfort system… this one’s for you.
🎧 Tap play and learn how to get smart about your comfort.
🔗 Learn more at SimmonsOneHour.com
#HVAC #SmartComfortClub #HomeComfort #SmartHome #PreventBreakdowns