We get a lot of questions about smart blinds–what’s possible and how they work–that we thought we’d share with everyone who’s on the hunt for the newest way to add automation to their homes. Smart home window coverings are capable of being connected to devices in the home, including iPads and phone apps and move them as needed. The benefits for Colorado homeowners are energy savings, more comfortable homes and convenient control. These modern blinds may be just the thing you want to save money, protect your space, and create a look and feel you enjoy in the home.
Smart blinds are automated window coverings controlled by remotes, apps, or smart home systems like Alexa and Google Home.
What Are Smart Blinds and Motorized Shades?
When it comes to the terms Smart blinds and motorized shades, the terms “smart,” “automated” and “motorized” are often used interchangeably. Let’s define what it all means.
Any window treatment that uses a motor to adjust parts of the window covering are considered “motorized.”
Motorized window treatments are traditionally controlled by a remote. Beyond that, you have the capability of “smart window treatments” that are not only adjusted with a motor and controlled by a remote, but can also be adjusted via an app on your phone or device. From there, the capabilities extend to even “smarter” options, which can include integration with the smart home technology you use in your home to control other automations. These are also referred to as smart window coverings. They can also be called automated window treatments because once you link them up to your smart home system, you can control them via voice control with Alexa or Google Home. Compare motorized blinds vs smart shades to find and explore all the various features.
Which Window Treatments Can Be Motorized?
Blinds, shades, drapery, and shutters are all available with this modern technology. (Yes, there are even motorized shutters.)
How Smart Home Automation Works with Window Treatments
Smart home automation means your shades or blinds are able to work with existing programs in your home. Smart blinds integrate with Alexa, Google Home, and other smart home platforms—allowing you to control your shades with voice commands, routines, or automated schedules. Powerview® Automation is also compatible with most smart home systems on the market, and our installation team gets everything set up for you from day one!
Motorization Options Available
Setting up the motorization features does not stop with installation. You are able to decide which way you want to control them. As you look at the options, consider which features you like best for your lifestyle and home environment.
Individual Motorization
SoftTouch®wand motorization is simple to use, shifting shades up and down to open and close as you apply gentle pressure up and down on the wand. Adjust without worrying about cords, and the wand detaches if handled with too much pressure. This is restricted to only one shade, useful when you want this specific control for an individual window.
Remote Control
A small, portable remote, or wall-mounted remote, adjusts the shades into position with the click of a button. You need to be in the room to set up the shades the way you want them. Save a setting for future use that moves it into position automatically.
App Control
The ability to move shades into position with a tablet or phone, or any device that can move the shades remotely. Great if you are coming home and want them up or down, or desire a schedule for light control and privacy features set up within the app.
Automation/Smart Control
Using the app on a preferred device, or integrated with your smart home system, you can adjust your motorized shades to favorite scenes or settings in each room or specific windows. You can automate control for energy savings–the smart shades will close when your smart thermostat reaches a specified temperature, keeping the hot afternoon sun from heating up your home.
How Do You Set Up the App?
To begin with, our professional installers will set you up on the day of installation–answering you questions, showing the control features and guiding you through the process. But, we love to show off how the app works. Hunter Douglas does a great job of continuously updating the app for user-friendly control. Check it out:
The Benefits of Smart Blinds for Your Lifestyle
If you are ready to explore the benefits of smart blinds in your home, you may be ready to start talking about the hidden nuances of these amazing window coverings. Here are just some of the overall benefits you will enjoy:
- Convenience: move blinds or shades with ease, whether you are home or not (if you schedule them), and create scenes you set ahead of time
- Safety: fewer cords means better safety features for your pets and children, as well as ease of use overall
- Energy Efficiency: a huge benefit is creating energy savings by letting less light in to heat your space and keeping a consistent temperature in your home
- Privacy: enhance privacy features in your home by not letting window coverings stay open when you are not home or be open at inconvenient times. Open and close with ease and schedule times for maximum privacy
Can Automated Shades Adjust Manually?
No, and that goes for any of the window coverings with motorization. Trying to adjust them manually can damage the motor. For safety and protection, never pull on automated shades.
Do Motorized Blinds Last a Long Time?
Yes–and there’s a good reason why! Without hands frequently touching them, they tend to stay flawless for a long time. The consistency of them being opened with a motor is partially responsible for the long-lasting durability.
How Do They Get Power?
You have various options for powering your smart blinds.
Battery Power
The most popular way to power smart blinds is with battery power. If you use AA disposable batteries, you can expect to change them every 1-2 years, based on daily usage. As a way to replace the use of disposable batteries, Hunter Douglas designed a rechargeable battery wand. This “wand” rests inside the headrail–replacing the area where the disposable batteries are housed. This can be retrofit to previously purchased PowerView shades.
Hard-wired Shades
This involves wiring the shades to an existing low-voltage electrical line at the window. This is popular for clients who are building a new home, or renovating their existing home. Low voltage electricity is not difficult to install when walls are being constructed, but this is obviously a more invasive option for homes that are not under construction. The benefit is less maintenance over the years, since there are no batteries to replace or charge.
Solar Power
This is a new innovation from Hunter Douglas. A solar powered charging port is placed in the window, connected to the headrail by wire. This device attaches to the frame or the glass. It uses sunlight, but can also be placed in a low light window.
Best Rooms for Smart Blinds in Your Home
Where do you picture using smart blinds? Each room can be its own mood and be a space you love. Adding Hunter Douglas PowerView into the rooms of your home can dramatically change the atmosphere and function. Let’s look at some ideas.
- Bedrooms: Place here for enhanced privacy protection and serious light control. Schedule room darkening at night and have them shift for daylight in the morning.
- Offices: Create a home office scene you love, and develop the best work environment for you, including when light comes in, keeping light out, protecting the space from UV rays, and glare reduction.
- Living room: Set scenes and schedule times for entertaining, (Friday night card group, anyone?). Set it up on the app or device to have shades move into position where you want them at different times of day.
- Bathrooms: Create privacy features with automatic shades that move and stay put.
- Hard-to-reach spaces: High windows, or windows that are out of the way, can be difficult to manage. Don’t fuss with those hard-to-reach spaces. Instead, set up scheduled times to have high window automation move shades for better light control and privacy.
Are Automated Window Coverings Considered Noisy?
No. The sound you’ll hear is described as “whisper” quiet, more like a low humming sound. This sound can only be heard as the motorized blinds adjust into position.
How Much Do Smart Shades Cost?
Most Denver homeowners are surprised at how affordable motorized shades can be.
Home improvements are expensive, and as a responsible consumer, you should make decisions based on your budget for smart shades and smart shade accessories. Did you know that adding window treatments from a high-quality brand like Hunter Douglas can increase the value of your home? And, that increases when they are automated. They’re an investment, but one that pays off day after day. Just like any other feature, adding automation to your window coverings can increase the cost of the purchase. But many clients are surprised at how affordable it can be. There are a number of factors that affect the cost of motorized shades:
- Which kind of automation do you choose (individual wand, remote control, app, or smart home control)
- The number of window shades you need
- What type of coverings do you select
- Added features, such as dual shades or top-down
- Whether or not you have smart home devices to use with them
There’s Also “Hidden” Savings: The ROI of Smart Blinds
Home investments are full of ways they improve our lives, and the hidden savings of time and money should be a consideration. Our clients frequently comment that they don’t know how they lived without them. These are some of the benefits you’ll experience:
- Maintain interior temperatures with simple adjustments
- Ability to adjust hard-to-reach windows with no effort
- Time savings for adjusting multiple windows in an instant
- Feelings of increased security at night or while on vacation
- Value of using natural light instead of overhead lights
More to Consider
If you are excited to use this window shade automation guide to make a decision about motorized blinds, we are here to help. When it comes to technology, there’s a chance you’ll have questions in the future or if problems arise. Installation is a breeze because we guide you through everything, but we are also here for you long after the sale. As you make choices, consider selecting a brand with a solid reputation–along with a company you can trust. Get in touch with our team at Rocky Mountain Shutters and Shades, and visit our showroom. Contact us for your FREE shop-at-home appointment.
