Create an Engaging Sound Experience for Your Sausalito, CA residence with High-Fidelity Outdoor Speakers

We all love good music, and it's even better when we can enjoy it by the pool, at a gathering, or a backyard party. Bluetooth and portable speakers are OK for personal listening, but for a full, immersive music experience a high-quality outdoor speaker system delivers every note to your ears in a balanced manner. Create the perfect ambiance for your gatherings and outdoor time with unrivaled sound in your Sausalito, CA oasis. Keep reading to learn how an outdoor speaker system can enhance all your outdoor activities.

How a Backup Generator Gives You Peace of Mind When the Power Goes Out

Few things in life are constant. In fact, if there’s one thing you can expect, it’s change. But that’s not all bad, especially when you can prepare in advance. Having a backup generator helps you prepare for inevitable power shortages that happen due to storms and brownouts. These electrical “changes” can certainly disrupt your life. But with backup power, you’ll never worry even while others are scurrying around trying to deal with the situation.

Still, you may ask yourself, “Is it necessary to have a backup generator at my home?” Fair question because a generator isn’t for everyone. In this blog, we’ll explain why it may be a good idea to have backup power at your home in Glen Ellen, CA, or the surrounding area.

Structured Cabling Means Less Down Time and Improved Scalability

Network cabling specialists install structured cable and data networks for voice, video, and data transmission. This network works like the veins in the human body, allowing data to flow from one device to another, whether computers, routers, or storage systems.

Think of network cabling as your business’s highway. When reliable, your company’s communications flow like a multi-lane highway. When impeded, you experience connectivity issues and traffic bottlenecks. Computers, conference room equipment, and digital phone systems all rely on proper cabling to support the various technologies and ensure solid communications that are both reliable and safe.

Let’s look at what network cabling services can do to provide a reliable, scalable solution for companies in Napa Valley, CA.

Going Solar Saves You Money – No Matter What the Future May Bring

Have you ever heard the saying, “There’s no such thing as a free lunch?” For the most part, it’s true. What may be free to you is an expense to someone else. However, solar energy is a different story. While there is some cost with installing a solar energy system for your home, you reap the benefits – free energy – for a lifetime. It’s truly a free source of electricity!

Summit Technology Group installs solar panel systems for homeowners throughout Marin County, CA, and Napa Valley. In addition to that, we can install a home energy management system that helps you assess your utility bills to see where you can save money based on your usage. Want to find out more? Keep reading below.

How Vehicle Charging Stations Set Your Business Apart from Competitors

Electric vehicles are no longer the wave of the future. They’re here! Right now, there are approximately 2 million of them cruising American roads. And every year, more and more people are opting for electric-powered cars that reduce carbon emissions and eliminate the need to pay costly gas prices at the pump. But charging an electric car is not always so simple. Unlike gas stations that seem to be on every corner, EV stations are sometimes few and far between.

If you own a business, offering vehicle chargers on your property not only provides a service for energy-conscious consumers and employees but also sets you apart as a forward-thinking company. This could be a big draw for shoppers and patrons. Keep reading to learn more about installing electric vehicle charging stations and the benefits for your business in North Bay, CA,

Summit Technology Group Helps with Your Home Power Management

Your smart home continues to grow and improve as you introduce new smart devices, technologies, and appliances. But with such intricate systems that make up your daily at-home lifestyle, you need the right power system in place to maintain and manage your home’s energy consumption.

With a home generator, you can rest assured that your smart home is prepared for everyday usage or when an outage threatens to shut down your home system operations. Keep reading below to learn how this backup power solution can benefit you and your entire property in Sonoma, CA!

Improve Your Energy Management with this Renewable Solution

Improved energy management is an undertaking every homeowner takes on – and figuring out ways to reduce your energy waste, and overall bills can be a daunting task! But with solar power and panels for your home, you can feel at ease knowing you’re benefiting from renewable energy.

But what about when you want to best manage your energy usage for any time of the day – and when you need it most? A solar battery backup in place will give you immediate access without having to rely on the grid or having your bills skyrocket.

Find out more about why bringing this renewable backup solution to your Tiburon, CA home is a must – and how Summit Technology Group can help!

Backup Power Prepares You for Emergency Scenarios

The perfect restaurant atmosphere maintains an immersive and inviting environment during a meal – and for any occasion. So, of course, any type of power outage is sure to wreck your patrons’ dining experience! Be ready for every kind of scenario with backup power. A commercial generator installation from our team at Summit Technology Group ensures that your Sonoma, CA, restaurant or business is prepared to endure any loss of power.

Learn more about the benefits of an electric generator for your property and how our team of experts can bring a professional installation to your business today.

What Does this Ideal Entertainment Space Entail?

Why head out to the movie theater when the best entertainment is right in your own home? Experience your media as its artists intended within the comfort of your living space by kicking back and relaxing in your customized home media room.

With stunning audiovisuals, comfortable seating, and aesthetically appealing décor, your media room will be the place to be for every movie night and TV show marathon this summer and all year round! But what does this setup and installation in your Sonoma, CA home involve – and what are its many benefits? Keep reading on below to find out more!

Stay Prepared for Blackouts & More with High-End Power Systems

Whether an intense wind event is headed your way or an unexpected blackout happens, being unprepared for either can leave you feeling helpless. Don’t go without electricity – and as a result – without your smart home solutions like security when you need them most. High-performance home battery storage systems can keep your Sonoma, CA smart home up and running day and night through just about any situation or emergency.

Never worry about unexpected blackouts or losses of power again! You can save money and time when you have the proper power systems in place. Want to learn more about how home battery storage solutions from Summit Technology Group can benefit you and your smart home? Keep reading on below.

Stay Prepared for an Outage or Any Power Emergency

When your Sonoma County, CA home loses power for any length of time, it can feel quite nerve-wracking. When will it come back on? How long can your food last while your appliances are off? Plus, it’s never fun or easy to endure a darkened home without power through an uncertain emergency.

However, with a backup energy solution from our team at Summit Technology Group, you can rest assured that your property is ready and prepared for any type of power emergency that comes your way. Want to find out more about our backup power solutions and services? Keep reading on below.

Keep Your Company Safe During Wildfire Season & All Year Long

Ensuring that your company building or business stays up and running throughout the entire year is no small feat - especially when there are so many potential delays or threats to your property running as it should! But an even higher priority is keeping your employees and space safe and secure all year long. And when wildfire season starts up, you never know when you’ll need to prepare for a PSPS (Public Safety Power Shutoff) and disrupt the flow of your company’s daily operations.

A loss of power means there are many moving pieces and components to get ready for and prevent - all while trying to run your business and ensure everyone’s safety. With a commercial backup generator, you can eliminate these worries and keep your Coeur d'Alene, ID property running smoothly and safely.

Keep reading below to learn what incredible backup power can do for your business during any time of the year.

Monitor and Control Your Energy Consumption Throughout Your Home

Homes rely on steady electricity to keep the lights on, the HVAC system running, and appliances powered. It’s a necessary utility, but it can be hard to gauge how much electricity you use in a given day, especially if you have a solar system that generates some or most of your energy. By monitoring your energy consumption regularly, you are able to determine how much you use on a daily basis and how much is needed during power outages so you don’t fall short.

The Savant Power System platform helps you control the technology throughout your home, while its power features seamlessly integrate with a variety of smart energy products. It gives you more control and information about your home’s electricity, ensuring you’re always prepared and in control of your energy use. Keep reading to see how Savant power benefits your Sonoma, CA, home.

Elevate Your Aesthetics while Reducing Your Carbon Footprint

Wineries have a specific aesthetic to uphold. You want guests to feel relaxed and at ease while the surroundings maintain a luxurious atmosphere across the tasting rooms and entire property. The problem is that running your winery and catering to your guests requires power: electrical power! So, if you want to improve your energy efficiency, how can you bring in renewable solutions without interfering with your existing setup?

We recommend a professional solar installation from our team at Summit Technology Group. With our help, you’ll reduce energy usage, cut down on monthly expenses, and even enhance your winery’s environmental design. Want to find out more? Keep reading below.

SEE ALSO: Keep Your Business Running with Commercial Generators 

Save Energy with Solar Power

Solar power offers a reliable way to bring clean energy usage to your winery business. As the sun shines over your expansive California land, your new solar panel system can bring power to all your winery’s various buildings. Optimize your energy output with a system that is built to last. You’ll save energy while saving money!

Are You a Contractor Who’s Rebuilding Homes Lost to Fires? Here’s What You Should Know

Sonoma, CA, and surrounding areas have been devastated by fires for the past two years – while also dealing with the strain of the pandemic. As a general contractor or architect, we’re sure you’ve heard some tragic stories of Bay Area residents losing their homes to fire and needing you to help them rebuild all or part of their residences.

When you get assigned these projects, you’re building more than just a new place to live for fire victims. You’re helping them rebuild their lifestyle and setting them up for renewed success.

Though open-air forest fires get the most national attention, electrical fires pose risks. Make sure you’re positioning your rebuild clients for safe, reliable electric setups. We’ll give you a few pointers below, so stay tuned.

SEE ALSO: 5 Warning Signs Your Home May Have Electrical Problems  

Design and Engineering

Proper safety in electrical setups requires extensive planning. We advise homeowners to show us their preferences for where they might want lighting, AV, and more, even before we all meet up for the electrical walk-through. This includes a blueprint of where we might put fixtures, display and sound equipment, and furniture. We’ll also look at preferred locations for light switches, outlets, and home automation panels.

Here’s where our collaboration comes in handy. After we discuss the design of our client’s home, we can meet with them to walk through our recommendations. You’ll be able to help us by showing us where you plan to install architectural details like beams and rafters, so we can better understand what we’ll have to avoid when running wires.

How Ultra-High-Definition TVs, Surround Sound, and Lighting Create the Perfect Cinematic Space

Instead of simply watching a movie in your living room, make it a cinematic experience! A home theater immerses you in the sights and sounds of movies and your favorite TV shows. You’re not simply an observer when you turn on the big screen and your surround-sound system; you actually feel like you’re there – in the movies, at the game, or front and center with the actors.

But how do you achieve this in your Marin County, CA, home? Certainly, an average TV and a soundbar won’t do it. You need a state-of-the-art system that provides the same experience (if not better) than you get at the movie. In this blog, we’ll discuss the two must-have components you need for an outstanding home theater system.

SEE ALSO: Browse Photos and Details of Our Completed Projects 

Seeing Is Believing

Imagine putting a 48” HD TV in your home theater. It may have been a great idea in the late 1990s, but now, you probably don’t even have one in your home. The latest 4K TVs (or even 8K TVs) are ultra-high definition. And the best TVs use organic lighting-emitting diodes (OLEDs), a technology that dramatically improves image quality, color and contrast, and the overall viewing experience.

Why You Need a Backup Generator for Your Company in California

Imagine this: it’s a packed Friday evening at your restaurant. You’re serving delicious food, guests are having a great time, and the live music is adding even more flair to the ambiance. And then it happens. The power goes out! Unfortunately, this isn’t a farfetched situation. It’s happened to thousands of businesses throughout the Santa Rosa, CA, area.

Even though we live in a beautiful state, it’s become commonplace to have inconvenient and costly power outages. So, how do you get ahead of this problem if you’re an owner or manager of a restaurant, grocery store, office, retail store, or medical facility? The answer: commercial generators. Keep reading to see why you need one on your property.

SEE ALSO: Signs You Need Professional Electrical Work in Your Home or Business 

Don’t Lose Time and Money

When your business loses power, it loses money. In fact, E Source performed a study that found businesses throughout the United States lose $27 billion every year from power outages. If the power is out at your business, everything shuts down – whether it’s the refrigerators at your restaurant, shopping transactions, or even medical equipment. A backup generator keeps the power on even when the main source of power is out. In a split second, your commercial generator switches on, so business operations never grind to a halt – and you won’t lose revenue.

Chances are you have at least one smart home device in your home. Nowadays most homes have multiple smart devices whether it be a smart speaker, smart plug, or smart light bulbs. You can find just about a smart version of anything these days – even salt and pepper shakers!

But just because something is labeled “smart”, doesn’t mean that is truly is. Often times homeowners install multiple smart devices over a period of time and then find that those devices create headaches instead of making life easier which is what they are supposed to do. Many times, the devices don’t talk to each other and require separate apps.

It’s safe to say that home automation is on the rise in Sonoma County. However, this means that so is the number of homeowners who think they have the necessary skills to install a variety of smart home systems instead of hiring experts to perform the install.

A smart home professional will help you choose the right smart automation system for your home. They will create a customized home automation solution to fit your unique needs and ensure that it is installed and programmed in a way that will mitigate any future issues.

Summit Technology Group understands what a headache DIY devices can cause. That is why they approach whole home automation in Sonoma County intelligently. When done correctly, a smart home enhances your lifestyle, not hinders it.

[vc_row row_height_percent="0" override_padding="yes" h_padding="3" top_padding="3" bottom_padding="3" back_color="color-xsdn" overlay_alpha="50" gutter_size="3" column_width_percent="100" shift_y="0" z_index="0"][vc_column column_width_percent="100" gutter_size="3" style="light" overlay_alpha="50" shift_x="0" shift_y="0" shift_y_down="0" z_index="0" medium_width="0" mobile_width="0"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1617919580184{margin-bottom: 24px !important;}"]We are heavily dependent on electricity as it operates our household appliances. A power outage will not just plunge your region into darkness but will render all your electric appliances useless. When your appliances get turned off, it can be potentially upsetting and, at times, even dangerous.

To help you stay safe and avoid inconvenience, we have compiled a to-do and not-do list during a power outage.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text_font="font-728346" text_size="h5" text_weight="600"]DOs[/vc_custom_heading][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1617919647257{margin-top: 8px !important;}"]Stock Up on WaterTo prepare for an announced power outage, stock enough water to last for a few days. Check with your local authorities to be sure if your water is safe to drink. If there is no way of knowing where your water comes from, boil your water to disinfect it. If a hurricane is approaching your area, it makes sense to store extra water for personal hygiene.

Unplug All Sensitive AppliancesUnplug all sensitive appliances such as computers, televisions, and microwaves after a power outage occur to prevent them from damage. Use surge protectors for these devices or have an electrician install a whole home surge protector.

Conserve Your Mobile’s BatteryYour mobile will help you stay connected to the outside world during a power outage. To make your mobile phone battery last longer, turn down the screen brightness and turn-off power-hungry applications and functions such as Bluetooth, Location Services, and WiFi. Turn off your mobile and switch it on only when you need to call someone.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text_font="font-728346" text_size="h5" text_weight="600"]DON’Ts[/vc_custom_heading][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1617919714481{margin-top: 8px !important;}"]Light a CandleCandles can be a fire hazard during a power outage. Plus, they do not give off much light. Instead, use flashlights and battery-powered lanterns.

Get Too Close to Downed Power LinesDo not get close to downed power lines as they could still be live and dangerous even if you don’t notice any imminent warning signs.

[vc_row row_height_percent="0" override_padding="yes" h_padding="3" top_padding="3" bottom_padding="3" back_color="color-xsdn" overlay_alpha="50" gutter_size="3" column_width_percent="100" shift_y="0" z_index="0"][vc_column column_width_percent="100" gutter_size="3" style="light" overlay_alpha="50" shift_x="0" shift_y="0" shift_y_down="0" z_index="0" medium_width="0" mobile_width="0"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1617918566049{margin-bottom: 24px !important;}"]Winter is here. Now is the right time to prepare your generator for the winter months as generators can develop several problems during this cold season. When the temperature drops, the particles of generator fuel can coalesce, making it difficult for you to operate the generator. If your generator has an electric starter, the batteries may lose cranking power.

Low oil shutdown sensors may experience problems in winter. Malfunctioning oil shutdown sensors will prevent the generator from starting.

Here are some tips to prepare your generator for winter.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text_font="font-728346" text_size="h5" text_weight="600"]Inspect Your Batteries[/vc_custom_heading][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1617918591719{margin-top: 8px !important;}"]Before winter hits in full force, inspect your batteries to check whether the lead plates remain coated with sulfate. Make sure the breaker is closed. If it trips, reset it.

Check battery connections; clean and securely tighten them whenever required. To prevent corrosion, apply a battery saver to batteries regularly. If your batteries are on their last legs or have developed a significant problem, replace them.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text_font="font-728346" text_size="h5" text_weight="600"]Check Your Generator’s Fuel Levels[/vc_custom_heading][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1617918622535{margin-top: 8px !important;}"]Make sure your portable generator has enough oil to keep it running. Check the oil level whenever you add fuel to your generator and top off if required. Add fuel stabilizer at least once a year. Always keep a few quarts of oil on hand and continue to check oil levels every 24-48 hours if the generator is running. Consider switching to winter-grade oil designed to reduce friction between different parts.

For permanently installed generators that are connected to natural gas, levels should be fine. For permanently installed generators running on propane, be sure to check your propane tank levels to ensure there is enough.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text_font="font-728346" text_size="h5" text_weight="600"]Inspect Replaceable Parts[/vc_custom_heading][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1617918667539{margin-top: 8px !important;}"]Check your generator’s carburetor, fuel filter, spark plug, and air filter for dirt and damage. Perform inspections at regular intervals during winter. For specific maintenance instructions, refer to your owner manual.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text_font="font-728346" text_size="h5" text_weight="600"]Use an Engine Block Heater[/vc_custom_heading][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1617918717601{margin-top: 8px !important;}"]To keep your engine warm and make sure it performs the way it should in winter, install an engine block heater. There are three types of block heaters: freeze plugs, tank-style heaters, and radiator hoses.