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WINE COUNTRY UPGRADE

PROJECT SUMMARY:

This exquisite wine country compound was built in 1998 and has been featured in numerous renowned architectural publications. The estate boasts wine country vistas and provides multiple living areas, including a spacious 3,454 sq. ft. main residence, an airy 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom guest house with a fireplace and balcony, and a pool house with a full bathroom, steam shower, and wine cellar. The property also includes a spa, multiple patios, private verandas, and a bocce ball court with stunning views amidst mature oak trees. The interior features high exposed wood ceilings with dramatic uplighting.

When built, the property included the latest Lutron lighting control system with dual HW-MA-8-120 processors and Vario dimmers. The current owner purchased the property two years ago as a weekend retreat and rental property. Unfortunately, renters tended to leave multiple incandescent lights on when vacating the home, leading to high power bills. The customer attempted to manage costs by replacing incandescent bulbs with LED lamps but was disappointed to learn they flickered and did not work correctly with the vintage lighting control system. Summit recommended an upgrade to the Lutron QS lighting control system, replacing somewhat damaged Vario dimmers with elegant Maestro dimmers and SeeTouch keypads, paired with architectural wall plates to match the home’s comfortable style. Summit also installed solar to further reduce electricity bills.

ACCESSIBLE ACHIEVEMENT

PROJECT SUMMARY:

The 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home was originally built in 1999 but was destroyed in the Tubbs Fire in 2017. The rebuild process took over two years, with Summit providing lighting control throughout the home and Control4 integration, primarily for improved accessibility for the customer. During the initial consultation, it was decided to further improve accessibility with the use of Lutron motorized shades. Other accessible features include exterior cameras, an easy-to-use alarm with smoke and sprinkler monitoring, an enterprise-class wired and Wi-Fi network with remote monitoring capabilities, and a front door video intercom with a remotely activated lock.

All the home’s systems are integrated using Control4, including three media systems, whole-house music, lighting control, motorized shades, alarm, surveillance, and a backup battery system. All systems are managed via a tabletop iPad when at home and iPhones when remote.

Different Types of Generators

[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_1617917216888{margin-bottom: 24px !important;}"]An electric generator converts mechanical energy from an external source to electrical energy. Generators are a godsend to families during power outages.

A backup generator can power all the major appliances used in your household, and your home’s heat and medical equipment when you are not connected to the grid. If you live in an area plagued by power outages, a backup generator can help avoid inconvenience and losses during power blackouts.

Before you start looking for a residential generator, educate yourself on the different options available. Equipped with the right information and knowledge, you will be able to choose the right generator for your home.

To help you get started, we take a look at different types of generators used in homes.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text_font="font-728346" text_size="h5" text_weight="600"]Whole House Generators[/vc_custom_heading][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1617917243949{margin-top: 8px !important;}"]As the name implies, a whole house generator will keep your home’s systems and appliances powered up during power outages. Alternatively, a whole-house system can be used to supply power to a few designated circuits.

A whole house generator is permanently installed and provides power 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In the event of a power outage, your whole house generator will start supplying emergency backup power within seconds.

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The Importance of Regular Electrical Service Panel Maintenance

[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_1602265942866{margin-bottom: 24px !important;}"]Your electrical service panel houses several circuit breakers that distribute electricity to different parts of your home. Over time, the service panel may become corroded, or dust may settle on different components. Dust, debris, or loose connections can cause your electrical panel to malfunction, putting your business or home at risk for tripped circuit breakers and power outages. To steer clear of these issues, maintain your electrical service panel regularly.

Electrical contractors in Sonoma County recommend having the service panel inspected and maintained by a contractor at least once every three years.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text_font="font-728346" text_size="h5" text_weight="600"]Why Maintain Your Service Panel?[/vc_custom_heading][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1602265966910{margin-top: 8px !important;}"]Your electrical service panel is the central distribution point for delivering electricity from the utility company to switches, outlets, and appliances in your home. A faulty electrical panel will not just damage electrical appliances connected to it, but can also pose a safety hazard.
Breakers and lose wires can cause overheating. If you do not move quickly to address the problem, it will snowball into a major concern, and you may end up spending a ton of money on expensive repairs.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text_font="font-728346" text_size="h5" text_weight="600"]What is Done During a Maintenance Session?[/vc_custom_heading][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1602265989759{margin-top: 8px !important;}"]During a maintenance session, your electrician will check for signs of rust, wear and tear, and corrosion. The professional will clean the different components of your panel.
They will check all necessary connections and conduct a thermal check to detect high temperatures, one of the most common indicators of electrical problems.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text_font="font-728346" text_size="h5" text_weight="600"]Signs Your Electrical Service Panel Needs to Be Maintained or Replaced[/vc_custom_heading][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1602270774692{margin-top: 24px !important;}"]

Frequent Panel Tripping Does your circuit breaker trip frequently? This can be an indicator that you are using more appliances than your circuit can accommodate. An electrical panel trips off to prevent the wires from overheating. If you are facing the problem, have your breaker replaced.
Flickering Lights If your lights flicker when household appliances are in use, there could be a connection problem. If an appliance operates but seems to have a diminished output, there is a possibility that your circuits are overloaded. This is an indicator that your panel is outdated and is unable to handle the load.
Burning Smell or Discolored Outlets If your service box has a poor connection, a huge amount of power will be generated in a small area. When the heat rises, you can smell burning. Overheating can cause your outlet to become discolored. This is a serious issue and requires immediate attention.

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text text_lead="yes"]Summit Technology Group is a leading electrical contractor in Sonoma CountyWe provide end to end turnkey electrical services. Whether you are planning to wire your new home or want to have your electrical panel maintained, our team has got your covered. To discuss your project with one of our experts, call 707-542-4773. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]