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Summer is just around the corner and now is the time to get your home and outdoor spaces ready for family fun.  Don’t wait until the night before your big family reunion to maintain and check on the health of the technology in your home.  Let’s consider a bit of “spring cleaning” that can help keep your technology at its healthiest and ready for fun in the Houston sun. 

Keeping your electronics clean and as dust-free as possible is vital for optimal performance as well as longevity.  To clean your equipment, always spray the cleaner on a clean cloth and not directly onto your electronics.  Gently wipe the dust away to keep it cooling correctly and prevent dust from entering the electronics.  And remember, use a clean cloth that is free of debris to clean screens so scratches don’t occur.  Another great spring-cleaning habit is changing out all the batteries on your smoke detectors every year.  Perhaps choose the same date to do it annually, like April Fool’s Day, so you don’t forget.  And if that’s not something that you want to do, Echo Workshop is always here to take care of your technology maintenance needs. 

Next, let’s head outside and check in on the health of our outdoor spaces.  Is it time for a new outdoor TV from Séura or perhaps you’re ready to add some speakers around your pool area and are interested in the Sonance Landscape Series?  It’s important to have equipment that is built to withstand Houston’s unpredictable weather and that is just what you’ll get with Séura and Sonance products. 

Is your pool properly protected from Houston’s crazy weather with surge protection?  This not only ensures that your delicate pool equipment is protected, but also prevents the surge from entering your home and ruining your electronics inside.  Echo Workshop can help design and install a surge protection system that will keep you protected both inside and out.

Echo Workshop is here to help you with all of your indoor and outdoor upgrades.  Contact us today to learn more about how we can make sure that your summer fun goes uninterrupted with the very best in technology.

Are you building a new home or perhaps remodeling?  Maybe you’re redecorating and trying to find a solution that will give you the convenience of technology without compromising the beauty of your space.  If you’re in the midst of planning and learning about all of your options, Echo Workshop can help you incorporate technology to enhance your design - not compromise it. 

Motorized window treatments are one product that adds so much to the home from both an aesthetic and convenience point of view.  First of all, it eliminates those ugly cords and that also removes the risk of choking.  With just the push of a button or from your smart device, you can open and close your shades.  Better yet, integrate your window treatments into a smart home system from Control4 and set them to open and close on a schedule.  It’s not only convenient, but saves energy and blocks harmful UV rays.  Consider the health benefits of darkening your room for better sleep and having the shades automatically open in the morning to keep your circadian rhythm on track.  Are you getting your outdoor living area ready in anticipation of cooler fall weather?  Motorized shades are great outside too.  Lower them to not only keep the sun out, but also the bugs! 

Motorized lifts can be hidden and integrated in a multitude of ways.  Do you want a TV in your bedroom, but want it hidden when it’s not in use?  Motorized lifts can be hidden in the ceiling, rise from under the bed, or be hidden in a piece of furniture.  The possibilities are endless.  Do you have a TV over your fireplace that’s a little too high, making it difficult to view?  Echo Workshop can provide a motorized mount that drops the TV down to a comfortable viewing level.  Have you been thinking about adding outdoor entertainment, a TV or projector?  We have lifts that will perfectly integrate into your outdoor space, keeping your technology out of the way and protected. 

Echo Workshop has the technology and the experience to make life more convenient, entertaining, and aesthetically pleasing.  Contact us today to learn more about how we can add motorized technology to your home for better living.

See Also: MAKE YOUR PROJECTS SMART FROM THE START WITH SAVANT HOME AUTOMATION

ROLLERS

Much of the technology in your motorized shading system is housed in the roller. They’re one of the most important parts of your system. Thankfully, there are plenty of options available. From curtain rods to hidden, in-wall motors for blinds, to exposed, industrial-style components, there is a roller that will help you create the look you want for your space.

The electronic motors are hidden within the rod or roller, and you can combine multiple rollers for different functions -- heavier treatments for cold nights, and lighter ones for warm days.

OPACITY

Opacity is a measure of how much light can get through each shade, and it will make a big difference when you use other technology in your smart home.

Opacity is measured in percentages -- one percent lets the least about of light through, ten percent the most. During bright days, sunshades with moderate opacity can allow an appropriate amount of light through without heating up the room or allowing UV rays to damage your furnishings.