From glorious sun-drenched summers around the lake to the warmth of a crackling fire at the holidays, West Michigan creates the perfect backdrop for entertaining friends and family. While you may have strung some charming lights across the patio and stocked your kitchen with family favorites, have you considered refreshing some of the technologies that would add to your guests’ comfort and enjoyment? Now may be a great opportunity to consider those upgrades you’ve been dreaming about.

Smart home technology often invokes thoughts of temperature control, automated lighting and shades, voice-control entertainment and security. What you might not realize is that this technology extends beyond practicality and into your wine collection. 

And so the 2017 holiday season begins! And it looks like another banner year for technology – everything from the latest tech gadgets to the luxurious. We’ve got some great ideas for all the tech-lovers on your list, from budget-friendly to the extravagant. We’ll help you think outside the giftwrapped “box!”

We’ve recently talked about getting together to assess your home’s technology systems (It’s time for a “Tech-Up!”). It’s always a good idea to make sure you’re abreast of the latest technologies available and how to implement new devices now or in the near future. The other key to satisfaction with your technology systems is ensuring their technical health. Simple things, such as cleaning components in the equipment rack, go a long way in preventing equipment from overheating. And then there’s the not-so-fun stuff like changing the batteries in the smoke detectors of your 10’ ceilings. Part 2 of our annual “Tech-Up” addresses the advantages in having a preventative maintenance plan that would include a visit from one of our technicians.