How to Keep your Pipes from Freezing

    

Living in the south, we don’t usually have to worry about frozen pipes. But when freezing temperatures come, you need to be ready. Well, unless you want your pipes to burst, leading to thousands of dollars in water damage.
 


Follow these tips to keep your pipes from freezing:

•     Make sure you shut off water to the outside hose bibbs (spigots). If there is not a shut off you’ll want to insulate (wrap) the piping and hose bibbs. Remove all hoses attached outside faucets and store for the winter.

•     Use heat tape to insulate piping exposed to low temperatures in attics, garages, and outside walls.

•     If temperatures fall below 25 degrees (F) then leave all faucets (hot and cold) dripping very slowly.

•     If residence is unoccupied and unheated, the main waterline should be turned off and all faucets opened to allow pipes to drain. 

•     Set the automatic irrigation controller to the “Off” setting. Turn off water to the irrigation system at the stop and drain valve. Many homes have separate stop and drain valves for the outdoor water supply. Make sure the different valves are labeled so they are easy to identify.

If your pipes do freeze, and you need help, give us a call at (828) 693-0933 – we’ll be ready and waiting to help!

Visit us online at www.McnuttServiceGroup.com

Living in the south, we don’t usually have to worry about frozen pipes. But when freezing temperatures come, you need to be ready. Well, unless you want your pipes to burst, leading to thousands of dollars in water damage. 
Follow these tips to keep your pipes from freezing:

• Make sure you shut off water to the outside hose bibbs (spigots). If there is not a shut off you’ll want to insulate (wrap) the piping and hose bibbs. Remove all hoses attached outside faucets and store for the winter.

• Use heat tape to insulate piping exposed to low temperatures in attics, garages, and outside walls.

• If temperatures fall below 25 degrees (F) then leave all faucets (hot and cold) dripping very slowly.

• If residence is unoccupied and unheated, the main waterline should be turned off and all faucets opened to allow pipes to drain. 

• Set the automatic irrigation controller to the “Off” setting. Turn off water to the irrigation system at the stop and drain valve. Many homes have separate stop and drain valves for the outdoor water supply. Make sure the different valves are labeled so they are easy to identify.

If your pipes do freeze, and you need help, give us a call at (770) 884-7109 – we’ll be ready and waiting to help!
- See more at: http://www.coolray.com/blog/article/quick-tips-to-keep-your-pipes-from-freezing/?pmc=email&_vsrefdom=email#sthash.fEnFWU9n.dpuf

Get your Home Ready for the Cold

Prepare your heating system to avoid unwanted shivering


Imagine turning on your furnace (when temperatures are expected to drop below freezing) only to find out that it doesn’t work. That would be miserable. You’d have to call a heating company and wait for them to have time to come fix it. And you’d be stuck in a house that could function as a giant ice box.

Well, that is reality for many Western north Carolina & Eastern Tennessee homeowners every year. Don’t let it happen to you! Here’s what you can do to make sure your furnace runs safely and efficiently when you need it.

Turn on the heat now – Even if you’re not cold yet, it’s best to turn on your furnace now to make sure that everything is working correctly. Better to know now than when it’s already cold in your home.

• Know a stale smell is okay… at first – It’s common for your furnace to have an odd smell when you turn it on for the first time of the year. If the smell persists after an hour or longer, you may need to call a heating company to take a look.

• Replace your thermostat’s battery (if needed) – Some thermostats have batteries. Make sure it’s ready for the winter by changing it now. 

• Replace the batteries in your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors – Home fires rise in the winter and many times the cause is the home heating system. Make sure your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms are working.

• Make sure all your vents are open – If you’ve closed any vents in your home this summer, make sure they’re re-opened.

•  Clear a 3-foot area around your furnace – Many furnaces are located in the garage or attic. So homeowners often store things near their furnaces. However, this can cause problems as it blocks ventilation to the furnace and these things can also catch fire if stored too close.

• Schedule a heating tune-up – The best way to make sure your furnace or heating system runs safely and efficiently all winter long, get it tuned up regularly.

And, of course, if you need help, give us a call at (828) 6930933 – we’ll be ready and waiting to help!

Visit us online at www.McnuttServiceGroup.com

Shield Your HVAC System Against Weather Damage

To shield your home from the extreme weather conditions, there are certain steps we need to take to protect the systems from potential damages that can be caused by environmental changes. Not many places are susceptible to great thunderstorms, rains, hail or even snow. While the HVAC systems, in general, are built to withstand rain and water damage to an extent, it is possible for them to get damaged, sometimes severely, during huge thunderstorms or continuous downpours. Damages can be caused due to electrical issues or due to direct physical impact of the rain. Whatever be the case, it is necessary to ensure that your system is well protected against the weather to avoid huge financial repercussions. Glance through the following simple tips McNutt Service Group recommends to shield your HVAC systems effectively during a variety of storms. 

Protection against water and wind damages

The most vulnerable part of your HVAC system in this case is the outdoor component(s) of the air conditioning unit. Strong winds or heavy flooding can cause extensive damages to these components. To diminish the impact, ensure that the outdoor component is secured and covered. It is better to keep it in an elevated position so as to avoid constant exposure to water. Be sure to pump out water from basements after a storm. If not manual, you can go for pumps that get activated when the water levels reach a certain limit.
Outdoor units also might end up collecting a lot of dirt and debris due to strong winds. Care should be taken to see that openings and drains are not clogged. Do not place any household clutter near the outdoor units as they might end up damaging it during storms. Best way to avoid this is to cover the unit with a good quality canvas. Avoid plastic covers and tarps as they tend to retain the moisture.



 Protection against electrical issues

Electrical issues are much more dangerous than water or wind as they tend to affect the most fragile and expensive of equipment within and outside the house. Thunderstorms and lightning might cause huge surges in electricity and since many HVAC equipment and components depend heavily on electricity, damages are inevitable. Since the repair or replacement of such components is extremely heavy on your pocket, it is sensible to take steps to avoid such circumstances.

Suppressors, specific or central, are a great way to avoid electrical damage, another way to is to cut the power source to HVAC equipment both within and outside the house during the storm. In case you do not prefer to turn off the system, try generators to keep the system up and running with a constant supply of electricity while avoiding power surges.
Even after a storm has passed, it is better to tick off a few points in the ‘after storm’ checklist before restarting our equipment. Ensure there is no water inundation near the outdoor units. It is also important to check for clogs in ducts and furnace pipes after strong winds. Dehumidify and ensure that the air you breathe is free of micro-organisms and other pollutants. Get a professional opinion on your plans from your HVAC contractor and tackle the rain without any hassles.

Do you have any questions or concerns on how to better protect you home and family call McNutt Service Group now at 828-693-0933

Quick Tips for Finding a Good Plumber in the Western North Carolina Area

Whether you’ve got a slowly leaking sink, or a serious pipe leak, you want a good plumber in the Atlanta area.

So how do you find a quality plumber that will do the job right, while not taking you for a ride on price?
 

Here are some quick tips you can follow:





 

Ask your friends and family

If your plumbing problem isn’t urgent 
(like a burst pipe) then you have time to ask friends and family who they use for their plumbing needs.

To do this quickly, take advantage of your social media channels. Get on Facebook, Twitter, or Google+ and just give everyone a heads up of what your needs are.
 
Find local reviews online

Getting answers from family or friends may take some time and therefore may not be practical if you have a serious plumbing problem. In that case, you’ll have to rely on review websites to quickly assess who is worth your time and money.

Just type in “plumbers” and your location into review websites like:

•     Yelp
•     Home Advisor
•     Angie’s List (if you’re a paid member)

Ask all the right questions

When you’ve compiled your shortlist of plumbers you’re interested in, make sure you ask each of them these 7 questions.

•     Are you licensed?
•     Are you insured?
•     How is your price calculated?
•     Will I receive a written estimate?
•     What are your references and credentials?
•     Do you have 24/7 emergency services?
•     Do you offer a guarantee?

With this list in hand, you’ll get all the answers you need to find the perfect plumber for your plumbing problem.

 

Call a trusted Western North Carolina plumber

If you need a Western North Carolina area plumber that people trust, then contact McNutt Service Group online or give us a call at (828) 693-0933 to set up an appointment.

McNutt Service Group been serving the plumbing needs of homeowners in the Western North Carolina area since 1979.

Our Service Area: 
 
Asheville Plumbing, Arden Plumbing, Hendersonville Plumbing, Brevard Plumbing & Surrounding areas.

Whether you’ve got a slowly leaking sink, or a serious pipe leak, you want a good plumber in the Atlanta area.
So how do you find a quality plumber that will do the job right, while not taking you for a ride on price?

Here are some quick tips you can follow:

Ask your friends and family

If your plumbing problem isn’t urgent (like a burst pipe) then you have time to ask friends and family who they use for their plumbing needs.
To do this quickly, take advantage of your social media channels. Get on Facebook, Twitter, or Google+ and just give everyone a heads up of what your needs are.

Find local reviews online

Getting answers from family or friends may take some time and therefore may not be practical if you have a serious plumbing problem. In that case, you’ll have to rely on review websites to quickly assess who is worth your time and money.
Just type in “plumbers” and your location into review websites like:

• Yelp
• Better Business Bureau (BBB)
• Angie’s List (if you’re a paid member)

Ask all the right questions

When you’ve compiled your shortlist of plumbers you’re interested in, make sure you ask each of them these 7 questions.

1. Are you licensed?
2. Are you insured?
3. How is your price calculated?
4. Will I receive a written estimate?
5. What are your references and credentials?
6. Do you have 24/7 emergency services?
7. Do you offer a guarantee?

With this list in hand, you’ll get all the answers you need to find the perfect plumber for your plumbing problem.

Call a trusted Atlanta metropolitan area plumber

If you need an Atlanta metropolitan area plumber that people trust, then contact Mr. Plumber online or give us a call at (770) 884-7109 to set up an appointment.
Mr. Plumber is a division of Coolray and we’ve been serving the plumbing needs of homeowners in the greater Atlanta metro area since 1966.
- See more at: http://www.coolray.com/blog/article/quick-tips-for-finding-a-good-plumber-in-the-atlanta-area/?pmc=email&_vsrefdom=email#sthash.9Dpn3cP7.dpuf

Whether you’ve got a slowly leaking sink, or a serious pipe leak, you want a good plumber in the Atlanta area.
So how do you find a quality plumber that will do the job right, while not taking you for a ride on price?

Here are some quick tips you can follow:

Ask your friends and family

If your plumbing problem isn’t urgent (like a burst pipe) then you have time to ask friends and family who they use for their plumbing needs.
To do this quickly, take advantage of your social media channels. Get on Facebook, Twitter, or Google+ and just give everyone a heads up of what your needs are.

Find local reviews online

Getting answers from family or friends may take some time and therefore may not be practical if you have a serious plumbing problem. In that case, you’ll have to rely on review websites to quickly assess who is worth your time and money.
Just type in “plumbers” and your location into review websites like:

• Yelp
• Better Business Bureau (BBB)
• Angie’s List (if you’re a paid member)

Ask all the right questions

When you’ve compiled your shortlist of plumbers you’re interested in, make sure you ask each of them these 7 questions.

1. Are you licensed?
2. Are you insured?
3. How is your price calculated?
4. Will I receive a written estimate?
5. What are your references and credentials?
6. Do you have 24/7 emergency services?
7. Do you offer a guarantee?

With this list in hand, you’ll get all the answers you need to find the perfect plumber for your plumbing problem.

Call a trusted Atlanta metropolitan area plumber

If you need an Atlanta metropolitan area plumber that people trust, then contact Mr. Plumber online or give us a call at (770) 884-7109 to set up an appointment.
Mr. Plumber is a division of Coolray and we’ve been serving the plumbing needs of homeowners in the greater Atlanta metro area since 1966.
- See more at: http://www.coolray.com/blog/article/quick-tips-for-finding-a-good-plumber-in-the-atlanta-area/?pmc=email&_vsrefdom=email#sthash.9Dpn3cP7.dpuf

Whether you’ve got a slowly leaking sink, or a serious pipe leak, you want a good plumber in the Atlanta area.
So how do you find a quality plumber that will do the job right, while not taking you for a ride on price?

Here are some quick tips you can follow:

Ask your friends and family

If your plumbing problem isn’t urgent (like a burst pipe) then you have time to ask friends and family who they use for their plumbing needs.
To do this quickly, take advantage of your social media channels. Get on Facebook, Twitter, or Google+ and just give everyone a heads up of what your needs are.

Find local reviews online

Getting answers from family or friends may take some time and therefore may not be practical if you have a serious plumbing problem. In that case, you’ll have to rely on review websites to quickly assess who is worth your time and money.
Just type in “plumbers” and your location into review websites like:

• Yelp
• Better Business Bureau (BBB)
• Angie’s List (if you’re a paid member)

Ask all the right questions

When you’ve compiled your shortlist of plumbers you’re interested in, make sure you ask each of them these 7 questions.

1. Are you licensed?
2. Are you insured?
3. How is your price calculated?
4. Will I receive a written estimate?
5. What are your references and credentials?
6. Do you have 24/7 emergency services?
7. Do you offer a guarantee?

With this list in hand, you’ll get all the answers you need to find the perfect plumber for your plumbing problem.

Call a trusted Atlanta metropolitan area plumber

If you need an Atlanta metropolitan area plumber that people trust, then contact Mr. Plumber online or give us a call at (770) 884-7109 to set up an appointment.
Mr. Plumber is a division of Coolray and we’ve been serving the plumbing needs of homeowners in the greater Atlanta metro area since 1966.
- See more at: http://www.coolray.com/blog/article/quick-tips-for-finding-a-good-plumber-in-the-atlanta-area/?pmc=email&_vsrefdom=email#sthash.9Dpn3cP7.dpuf

Heating Safety Tips For Winter

Here at McNutt Service Group we understand the importance of keeping our customers’ heating systems up to date and working efficiently during North Carolina & Tennessee's cold winters. Along with that comes the responsibility of keeping you, our valued customers, informed about the safest ways to keep your family warm this winter. There are many dangers that come along with the use of certain heating appliances in the winter time. Don’t worry though! We’re here to give you a few heating safety tips on how to avoid heating related accidents.





1. Furnace heating – It is best to have a furnace inspection done by a professional, each season, to ensure everything is in good working order. 

A professional heating inspector can spot problem areas that you may otherwise overlook. If you do happen to notice something is wrong with your furnace DO NOT attempt to do the repairs yourself. Leave these types of furnace repairs to a local heating repair professional, like McNutt Service Group. These types of repairs can be dangerous and the professionals at McNutt Service Group are specifically trained to complete all manner of furnace repair jobs.


2. Fireplace heating – According to the United States Fire Administration, 36% of house fires each year are caused by heating; most of which are due to buildup in chimneys and fireplaces. To avoid this, simply have a fireplace inspection and chimney inspection each season before you begin to use them. Once you’ve been given the “all clear” to enjoy your fireplace, make sure to keep anything flammable at least 36” away from the fireplace. This includes wood or kindling, furniture, toys or any type of cleaning supplies. Do not leave the fire unattended, and when you go to bed at night make sure the fire is COMPLETELY extinguished, leaving no burning embers.


3. Space heaters – With the increasing cost of gas and oil more families are opting to use space heaters in their home to save money, as well as for convenience. It is important to know, though, that space heaters do carry a higher chance of causing household fires than most other heating systems. When purchasing a space heater, check the box or tag to make sure the unit has passed a safety inspection. This will normally be indicated by a, “UL approved” or “Approved by Underwriting Laboratories”, label. 

When using your new space heater make sure to plug it directly into the wall and never use an extension cord for power. The use of an extension cord can cause the unit to overheat and subsequently cause a fire. And, just like your fireplaces, always keep anything flammable at least 36” from your space heater.


4. Carbon Monoxide – With the increased usage of different heating systems, there is a greater risk for harmful gas buildup within the home. Make sure to have a Carbon Monoxide Detector installed in your house. This will help to ensure that there are no toxic or harmful fumes building up within your home, which could possibly be caused by your heating system, or other sources. Check your carbon monoxide detector regularly to ensure that it is working properly. Then, in the event of any harmful gas buildup in your home, the alarm will sound, alerting you to the problem.

If you haven’t had your annual heating inspection yet, call us at 828-693-0933 to book an appointment. Or visit our website, www.McnuttServiceGroup.com, for more information on heating repair.

Don’t Fall for The Furnace Maintenance Scam

Summer has officially ended and now that it’s fall, many local heating companies have begun the push for furnace maintenance.

And while we highly recommend yearly furnace maintenance to keep your heating system working all winter - there are a some companies that use furnace maintenance as a way to scam you.

 

How a furnace maintenance scam works

Usually it starts like this - you get a flyer in the mail or stuck to your door offering a furnace tune-up for unbelievable prices (anywhere from free to $29 or $39). But watch out, these offers are almost always bait-and-switch scams.

You see, it costs a heating company a certain amount of money to get someone to your door. They’re paying the furnace technician’s salary, the vehicle’s gas to get the technicain there and other overhead costs. By offering such a low price, they’re just trying to get in your home to sell you something.

Put another way, if you get a tune-up from one of these heating companies and your furnace is running just fine, they lose money. So these companies will almost always “find” a large repair that has to be done immediately. (And they spend very little, if any, time actually tuning up your furnace. They’re only looking for problems.)

You’re left with a large estimate and the encouragement to do the repair immediately or your furnace won’t work.

Signs of a furnace maintenance scam

Again, real furnace maintenance is invaluable. But these companies aren’t looking to keep your furnace running safely and efficiently, they’re trying to make a quick buck. To help you avoid unscrupulous companies like this, make sure you recognize the signs.

•     Cheap or free price - Remember, furnace maintenance takes up the heating company’s time and resources. If they’re offering that for free (or too cheap to recoup their costs) there are likely ulterior motives.
•     Unrecognizable company name - These companies eventually become found out, so they must change their names regularly. Although it isn’t always a bad thing, be wary of a new company or one you haven’t heard of.
•     Bad reviews - Research the company online. Are people complaining about being taken in by this heating company? While every company has a few bad reviews, if the majority are bad you might want to look elsewhere.
•     Preys on your fear - Companies that offer cheap furnace tune-up to get in your home, often prey on your fear by telling you need an expensive repair or completely new system because yours is “dangerous.”

How to avoid this furnace maintenance scam

Now that you know how the scam works, it should be easier for you to avoid being taken advantage of. To recap, here are a few things to keep in mind:

•     Consider more than just cost
•     Remember that real furnace maintenance is extremely important
•     Check the Better Business Bureau for complaints on the company

And lastly, make sure you hire a heating company you can trust. Get your annual furnace tune-up from McNutt Service Group.

McNutt Service Group has been faithfully serving the heating needs of the entire metro Western North Carolina & Tennessee since 1979.

Signs of a furnace maintenance scam

Again, real furnace maintenance is invaluable. But these companies aren’t looking to keep your furnace running safely and efficiently, they’re trying to make a quick buck. To help you avoid unscrupulous companies like this, make sure you recognize the signs.

• Cheap or free price - Remember, furnace maintenance takes up the heating company’s time and resources. If they’re offering that for free (or too cheap to recoup their costs) there are likely ulterior motives.
• Unrecognizable company name - These companies eventually become found out, so they must change their names regularly. Although it isn’t always a bad thing, be wary of a new company or one you haven’t heard of.
• Bad reviews - Research the company online. Are people complaining about being taken in by this heating company? While every company has a few bad reviews, if the majority are bad you might want to look elsewhere.
• Preys on your fear - Companies that offer cheap furnace tune-up to get in your home, often prey on your fear by telling you need an expensive repair or completely new system because yours is “dangerous.”

How to avoid this furnace maintenance scam

Now that you know how the scam works, it should be easier for you to avoid being taken advantage of. To recap, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Consider more than just cost
• Remember that real furnace maintenance is extremely important
• Check the Better Business Bureau for complaints on the company

And lastly, make sure you hire a heating company you can trust. Get your annual furnace tune-up from Coolray.
Coolray has been faithfully serving the heating needs of the entire metro Atlanta area since 1966.
- See more at: http://www.coolray.com/library/article/dont-fall-for-the-furnace-maintenance-scam/?pmc=email&_vsrefdom=email#sthash.rxj2QijC.dpuf

Summer has officially ended and now that it’s fall, many local heating companies have begun the push for furnace maintenance.
And while we highly recommend yearly furnace maintenance to keep your heating system working all winter - there are a some companies that use furnace maintenance as a way to scam you.

How a furnace maintenance scam works

Usually it starts like this - you get a flyer in the mail or stuck to your door offering a furnace tune-up for unbelievable prices (anywhere from free to $29 or $39). But watch out, these offers are almost always bait-and-switch scams.
You see, it costs a heating company a certain amount of money to get someone to your door. They’re paying the furnace technician’s salary, the vehicle’s gas to get the technicain there and other overhead costs. By offering such a low price, they’re just trying to get in your home to sell you something.
Put another way, if you get a tune-up from one of these heating companies and your furnace is running just fine, they lose money. So these companies will almost always “find” a large repair that has to be done immediately. (And they spend very little, if any, time actually tuning up your furnace. They’re only looking for problems.)
You’re left with a large estimate and the encouragement to do the repair immediately or your furnace won’t work.
- See more at: http://www.coolray.com/library/article/dont-fall-for-the-furnace-maintenance-scam/?pmc=email&_vsrefdom=email#sthash.rxj2QijC.dpuf