Deep Dive of Derek Cole's article: https://www.simmonsonehour.com/blog/s... Episode 678 of the Home & Life Comfort PodcastSnowstorms always bring the same heat pump worries:Is that steam normal?Why is there ice on the outdoor unit?Why does it feel like it’s blowing cool air?And what does “Aux Heat” actually mean?In this deep dive, I break down what’s normal winter heat pump behavior… and what are true warning signs that you need to call a professional.Most heat pumps will frost up during freezing weather and then clear themselves off with a defrost cycle. That can look dramatic — steam, longer run times, even Aux Heat turning on — but it’s often completely normal.But there is a line between normal winter operation and a real mechanical problem.In this video, we cover:Why heat pumps ice up after snow and sleetWhat the defrost cycle is (and why steam is usually NOT smoke)Why your system may run nonstop during extreme coldWhat Aux Heat means — and when it’s expectedWhen NOT to switch to Emergency HeatThe real warning signs: solid ice encasement, fan failure, falling indoor tempsIf your heat pump is acting up after the storm, this video will help you know when to relax… and when to pick up the phone.📍Serving the Sandhills and surrounding areas: Fayetteville, Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Laurinburg, Lumberton, Sanford, and beyond.If you have questions, drop them in the comments — happy to help.

This "Why Your Power Bill Keeps Going Up" article's DEEP DIVE identifies several hidden factors that cause residential electricity costs to rise even when a homeowner’s habits remain the same. The primary culprits are mechanical degradation and internal debris, which force heating and cooling units to work harder and consume more power to maintain standard temperatures.

Additionally, the text explains that structural issues like settling insulation or air leaks allow treated air to escape, further increasing the workload on the system. External variables, such as rising utility rates and minor weather shifts, also contribute to the compounding expenses seen on monthly statements.

Ultimately, the source emphasizes that proactive maintenance and regular filter changes are essential strategies for preventing these gradual efficiency losses. The author concludes that high bills serve as a warning sign that a home's climate control system requires professional attention or optimization.

You didn’t change the thermostat.
You didn’t add square footage.
You didn’t start running the system more.

So why is your power bill higher?

In this episode, Derek Cole breaks down the real reasons energy bills keep climbing in homes that feel exactly the same. The truth is, rising power bills usually aren’t caused by one big failure. They’re caused by small, hidden efficiency losses that build up over time.

We talk about how aging HVAC systems quietly use more electricity, how airflow and dirt affect energy costs, why homes slowly lose their ability to hold comfort, and how rising utility rates amplify all of it.

No scare tactics. No sales pitch. Just honest explanations from years in the field to help homeowners understand what their house is telling them — before the bill becomes the wake-up call.

If you’ve ever looked at your energy bill and thought, “Nothing changed,” this episode is for you.