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.

Just like any other household appliance, your standby generator needs regular care and maintenance. Whether you use an electric generator, a diesel generator, a portable generator or a gasoline generator, make regular maintenance a priority.

Regular maintenance prevents problems. A well-maintained standby generator is safer, more efficient and will last longer. It consumes less fuel, needs less frequent repair, and is less prone to breaking down.

Here are some tips to keep your home standby generator in tip-top shape.

Change Your Standby Generator’s Oil Regularly

Make changing your generator oil a part of your regular maintenance plan. Changing your standby generator’s oil regularly will reduce friction between the different components of the engine, preventing them from overheating.

Power outages are not only inconvenient but are also becoming more frequent. Whether caused by a natural disaster or inclement weather, a power outage can bring your life to a grinding halt. An outage can last a few minutes, a few hours, or even a few days. Luckily, a little planning and preparation can go a long way towards mitigating the impact of a power outage.

If your area experiences frequent power outages, consider investing in a solar system with backup battery. A typical battery backup system stores energy produced by solar panels for later use. Modern backup batteries are much more energy efficient and more affordable than their predecessors.

However, there is a limit to the amount of energy that a solar battery can store. If your budget allows, consider investing in a generator and a solar battery. Once your solar battery exhausts its charge, your generator will power your household equipment while you recharge your battery. You can opt for a natural gas, diesel or propane powered generator.

Here are some things to consider when buying a solar battery:

• Depth of discharge
• Round-trip efficiency
• Battery capacity and power
• Battery life and warranty

Things to consider when buying a generator:

[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_1621940889872{margin-bottom: 24px !important;}"]Did you know that electrical repair problems are hands down one of the main causes of most commercial fires every year? Faulty wiring and other electrical issues can pose a threat to you and your business. It is needless to say that if a fire starts in your office, you stand to lose several thousands of dollars and the ability to make more money. It is therefore important for you to be vigilant and look out for signs that indicate you need professional electrical work in your business. So, with no further ado, let’s get started. Read on for a short guide from our expert electrical contractors in Sonoma County that will help you learn what to look out for.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space empty_h="0"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1621939098637{margin-top: 8px !important;}"]Lights Keep Flickering – If the lights in your building keep flickering, it simply means you have an electrical connection that has gone loose somewhere and needs immediate attention. If only one light flickers, you can fix it by swapping it out for a new one or tinkering with the connection. However, on the other hand, if multiple lights flicker or the entire building begins to flicker, you must call in a professional electrician right away.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space empty_h="0"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1621938993861{margin-top: 8px !important;}"]Outlets Are Either Charred or Hot – If the outlets in your building feel too hot to the touch, unplug everything connected to the outlet immediately. Refrain from using the outlet until you have had an electrician diagnose and fix the outlet for you. It may be a smart idea to cover it up with tape and to put a sign over it so others know to avoid it as well. Dimmer switches that feel warm are simply doing their job; however, if they feel too hot, something is wrong and needs to be looked at.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space empty_h="0"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1621938993861{margin-top: 8px !important;}"]Outlets Are Either Charred or Hot – If the outlets in your building feel too hot to the touch, unplug everything connected to the outlet immediately. Refrain from using the outlet until you have had an electrician diagnose and fix the outlet for you. It may be a smart idea to cover it up with tape and to put a sign over it so others know to avoid it as well. Dimmer switches that feel warm are simply doing their job; however, if they feel too hot, something is wrong and needs to be looked at.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1621939012563{margin-top: 8px !important;}"]Problems with the Wiring – If your office building is over 30 years old, you must call in an electrician to update your wiring, especially if you smell something burning. Old wires are not designed to handle the load of electric power that office buildings use. First try to locate the source of the smell and turn off your electricity. If you cannot locate where the scent is coming from and are certain it is not from the office kitchen, call a professional electrician right away. Even though wires may be tucked away and hard to see, it is important to give them a once-over every month to ensure they are not frayed or in need of replacement.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space empty_h="0"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1621939029356{margin-top: 8px !important;}"]Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping – If your circuit breaker keeps tripping and you cannot pinpoint the reason, it is prudent to call in the professionals. A circuit breaker is designed to keep electrical circuits from overheating, and hence, if it constantly trips, it is likely you have an electrical problem that needs attention.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space empty_h="0"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1621939051636{margin-top: 8px !important;}"]Other things to watch out for are sparks, loose outlets, and even rodents. If you notice rodents in your building, it is likely that they have been busy feasting on some wires. Waste no time, and call in the experts. Not sure whom to call for help? The Summit Technology Group is one of the best electrical contractors in Sonoma County that you can trust. Call us today at 707-542-4773.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]