As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter in St. Louis, the layer of dust that accumulated on your electronics equipment over the long winter becomes more apparent.
As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter in St. Louis, the layer of dust that accumulated on your electronics equipment over the long winter becomes more apparent. Smudges and fingerprints along dials, knobs, and faceplates stick out like sore thumbs. Just like the windows panes, walls, upholstery, and other interior elements, your tech deserves a thorough spring cleaning and tune-up. When your gear is clean and works well, using it is a more pleasurable, enriching experience and your entire home looks better! Here are 10 spring cleaning suggestions that can make your St. Louis home shine:
Given that the average U.S. home collects 40 pounds of dust each year, weekly wipe-downs with a microfiber cloth are never a bad idea. But for that “big, deep clean,” disconnect and dismantle the stack of AV components to get into all the nooks and crannies. While you’re at it, check for loose cable connections and other signs of wear and tear. It may be time to upgrade to a new AV receiver, TV, etc. Integration Controls can recommend something that will marry nicely with the rest of your system.
If the equipment feels hot during your inspection, it’s probably packed too tightly inside the cabinet, rack, or closet shelves. Reorganize to free up some space. When air can flow freely around the components, they stay cooler, which helps them operate better.
How such a tangled web of cabling materializes behind entertainment cabinets is one of life’s greatest mysteries. Minimize future guesswork of what goes where by labeling the detangled cables. It will be a cinch to hook up new equipment you might add when you can easily identify the wiring.
Wipe a damp microfiber cloth over screens and buttons. Just don’t press too hard. A cotton swab tackles the stubborn cracks in between buttons. A 50-50 mix of water and rubbing alcohol removes sticky goo from handheld remotes.
Prepare for the inevitable by restocking your pantry with plenty of batteries. You’ll be good-to-go when the remote decides to die during the Superbowl.
When your Wi-Fi network is struggling, the performance of every device tied to it feels the strain. Finding the root of the problem requires special tools and testing equipment—and a knowledgeable systems integrator—so add a call to Integration Controls to your to-do list! We can quickly diagnose and remedy the problem so that your Wi-Fi service is fast and reliable. We can also set up new security parameters and passwords, add access points, and establish and prioritize a special networking subnet for your home office or guest network. This ensures that no matter who else is on the network, there’s plenty of bandwidth to work efficiently.
Cable and satellite companies commonly change their channel lineups. Your remotes, keypads, and smartphone apps may no longer be in sync. We can get them back on track, and also add and delete channels from your favorites list and create new quick-command buttons. Maybe you added a home gym to the basement during the pandemic. A “workout” button that activates the lights, ceiling fan, and music would be a handy addition!
Are there areas inside and outside your home that could use more light? Add new fixtures and simplified control through a ‘smart’ lighting control system that can dim and brighten light, as well as mimic natural sunlight (a proven health benefit). When the same fixture can shine in a rainbow of colors, activate automatically when someone walks into the room, and sync with other smart systems, it’s one of the best ways to enhance the look, feel, and comfort of your home.
Take advantage of the warm weather by entertaining outdoors. We can plant weatherproof speakers in the garden, hang a glare-free TV, and define the new gathering spot with elegant landscape lighting, all steps that turn your deck, patio, or other area into a fun, comfortable, entertainment destination.
Often, the simplest changes make the biggest difference. Our tech team can give all the systems in your home a thorough once-over to make sure they’re operating optimally and adjust where necessary. If there’s anything you’d like to revamp—a better network, a bigger TV, keypads instead of a full wall of light switches, etc.—we can make that happen.
Need help spring cleaning your home technology?
Contact us to chat about your tech tune-up objectives. We’ll work with you to get your St. Louis home in tip-top shape in time for summer.
Great experience — everyone we dealt with (Jon, Jeremy, Troy) was friendly and professional. It has been a wonderful experience and we LOVE our new shades. I highly recommend Integration Controls!
Absolutely fantastic service and organization. I can’t wait to work with them again.
Friendly staff and amazing work! The leaders in home automation in the STL area.
