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Why Install Outdoor AV

[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]Summer is already here. As temperatures soar, you will have numerous opportunities to entertain outside with BBQ parties, family gatherings, and outdoor parties. If you want to enhance the way you entertain in your outside living spaces, consider installing an outdoor audio and video system.

An outdoor AV system is a great long-term investment. Modern outdoor AVs are built to withstand the elements and can last for years. You will always have entertainment at hand even when you cannot leave your house.

When adding an AV system to your outdoor area, you do not have to change your decor. If you want widespread sound coverage, consider installing multiple landscape speakers throughout the backyard. Look for speakers that blend into the surroundings. Opt for compact and lightweight below-ground subwoofers.

Use in-wall and in-ceiling speakers designed to provide enveloping sound experience without consuming too much space. Look for wall mounts, special outdoor TV cabinets, and lifts to conceal large-screen TVs when they are not in use.

Another great reason to opt for an outdoor AV is to seamlessly integrate with your home’s automation and smart technologies. Look for an audiovisual installation company near you to integrate your AV equipment into your existing setup. With an integrated setup, you will be able to access streaming movies and music, vinyl records, the radio, and audiobooks from any area in your home.

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4 Ways to Prepare for Public Safety Power Shutoffs

[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]Utility companies can turn off power during extreme weather. This is done to ensure public safety. Some common conditions that can lead to power shutoff are low humidity and high-speed winds. Power to high-risk areas such as those with dry vegetation is usually cut first.

If your utility company assesses a public safety risk, it will notify you and other residents in your area before shutting off power. A power outage can last from a few hours to several days. You need to set up an emergency plan that can help tackle safety risks and steer clear of inconvenience during power shutoffs.

Here are some tips to prepare for power shutoffs:[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text_font="font-728346" text_size="h5" text_weight="600"]Update Contact Information[/vc_custom_heading][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1602269114282{margin-top: 8px !important;}"]If you have recently changed your number or email address, make sure your utility company has your updated contact details. A power outage can render electricity-dependent devices such as your laptop useless; which means you won’t be able to access any data (including important contact info) saved on those devices. If your phone battery dies, you won’t be able to call anyone.

To reduce dependency on technology, create a backup. Write down important phone numbers on a piece of paper. Make sure everyone has a copy.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text_font="font-728346" text_size="h5" text_weight="600"]Conduct Drills to Check Preparedness[/vc_custom_heading][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1602269056209{margin-top: 8px !important;}"]Conduct drills to check the preparedness level of your family members. Check whether everyone knows how to use a flashlight and radio, and to change batteries. Everyone should be able to locate the emergency kit.

Family members who drive should be able to open the garage door manually. Make sure everyone knows where they have to go if they can’t stay at home. Using the paste URLs function of the Bulk Backlinks Checker, you may examine the backlink counts for up to 400 URLs.

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Giving Back in Times of Crisis: STG Continues to Support Each Other & the Community

[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]Santa Rosa, CA, May 18th 2o2o: Summit Technology Group (STG) today announced that they will be continuing to give back to the community.
The Community Outreach program began in the Spring of 2019 and continues into 2020.

“My father started this company in Santa Rosa over 50 years ago,” says Larry Dashiell, President at Summit Technology Group. “It is very important that we continue to support the community that has been supporting us all this time.”

“Each month we support a different community partner,” says Donna Natale, Human Resource Manager at STG. “While we may not be able to do large in person groups, we are finding creative ways to continue to give back even with the unique circumstances of shelter in place. One of those ways is by providing every one of our 65 employees with a gift card to a local restaurant which helps our employees and community.”

Over the past year, STG has donated hundreds of volunteer hours, over 700# of food, helped build houses, and made many memories. Everyone knows that employees are the backbone of a company and now that they are impacted yet again by a disaster, STG is also taking care of them by:

• Avoiding layoffs by temporarily decreasing hours
• Providing extended family leave days
• Offering online training so employees are guaranteed at least 32 hours/wk
• Supplying PPE for essential field employees
• Setting up remote work capabilities for most employees

Summit Technology Group has grown from a small electrician service to a large systems contractor, all thanks to the support of its community and employees.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text text_lead="yes"]About Summit Technology Group: Summit Technology Group is the largest and most experienced Technology, Electric and Renewables Systems Contractor in Sonoma, Napa and Marin Counties. We have the capable professionals to design, manage and install electronic systems projects of any size, residential and commercial. We focus on designing systems that meet your specific needs. We call it “Technology for your lifestyle”.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

4 Questions to Ask Before Installing Solar Panels

[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]Here in the wine country of Sonoma County, we are faced with a growing wildfire season and people are looking for ways to get off the grid and keep their lights on during outages. Solar panels are an eco-conscious choice that helps save the environment and lessen your dependence on traditional electricity.

It is estimated that around 81 percent of the total energy consumed in the U.S. comes from fossil fuels such as natural gas and coal. If you want to contribute to sustainability, you need to decrease your dependency on energy produced by burning fossil fuels. You can achieve this objective by installing a solar panel.

A solar panel harnesses the sun’s energy, which is free and abundant. Your solar panel will not just benefit the environment, but also keep your pocket happy and enable you to keep the power on during planned and unplanned power outages.

Installing a solar panel is a major decision. In addition to committing upfront funds, you may also have to make changes to your property. Before you hire a solar company near you for solar panel installation, remember to seek answers to these questions.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text_font="font-728346" text_size="h5" text_weight="600"]What is the Condition of Your Roof?[/vc_custom_heading][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1602269717504{margin-top: 8px !important;}"]Your solar panel will increase the amount of weight on your roof. If your roof’s structural integrity is compromised, address the problem before starting your solar panel installation project. If your roof is damaged or is nearing the end of its service life, repair or replace it.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text_font="font-728346" text_size="h5" text_weight="600"]Is Your Home Energy Efficient?[/vc_custom_heading][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1602269670585{margin-top: 8px !important;}"]If you live in an old home with inadequate insulation or you use an old HVAC, consider making energy-efficient improvements before installing solar panels. Hire a professional to seal leaks around windows and doors. Insulate tanks and pipes. These renovations will improve your home’s energy efficiency, allowing you to opt for a smaller system.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text_font="font-728346" text_size="h5" text_weight="600"]What is the Shape and Type of Your Roof?[/vc_custom_heading][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1602269634721{margin-top: 8px !important;}"]Roofs come in different shapes, including curved, pyramid or hip, and flat. These roof types have varying degrees of pitch, which can impact the panel’s exposure to the sun. Before starting your solar panel installation project, evaluate your roof’s surface to ensure it has sufficient space to accommodate your solar panels.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text_font="font-728346" text_size="h5" text_weight="600"]What Warranties Does Your Solar Panel Manufacturer Offer?[/vc_custom_heading][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1602269599410{margin-top: 8px !important;}"]Most warranties guarantee that the solar panels will generate 80 percent of the rated power after two decades of use. If you can find a manufacturer that offers comprehensive warranties that cover all parts and labor, take advantage! Ask your manufacturer what happens to your warranty if they go out of business or are acquired by some other company.

Summit Technology Group is a solar company near you that can help you answer these questions. We will evaluate your home or building and surrounding property. We also work with manufacturers on warranties and rebates.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text text_lead="yes"]Are you looking for a solar company near you with a proven track record of success? Look no further than Summit Technology Group. For us, credibility, honesty, and dedication are more than just buzzwords. These are the three cornerstones of our business. To schedule an appointment, call us at 707-542-4773.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]