As a company that provides window shade automation to clients every day, we know we offer a high quality product. We have also heard stories about other brands…so, what’s the scoop? Today, we are sharing the top considerations homeowners should have when shopping for motorized blinds.
Installation
Believe it or not, but the installation is one of the top considerations when homeowners consider bringing window shade automation into their lives. This is not your typical DIY that just anyone can perform. When it comes to Hunter Douglas PowerView, the shades are high quality–meant to last. That means they require professional installation by certified installers.
When comparing brands, you should definitely do your homework with installation. In addition to power sources and wiring, window shade automation requires calibration of the fabric–meaning the rolling or stacking will be level and accurate to avoid snags, rips and consistent function. Another benefit of professional installation? Many times, motorized shades are chosen for windows that are hard to reach. Save yourself the risk of damaging the product–or falling from high heights. With our team, you’re leaving it to the experts.
Smart Home Features
How smart are YOUR smart shades? That’s the question you should be asking. In this day and age, so many of our home features can be controlled by an app. So, window shades? Yep. There’s an app for that. But, the actual benefits of smart shades can go way beyond just raising and lowering the window shades with push-button. (Not that there’s anything wrong with that!) Set scenes to save favorite adjustment settings based on the way the light interacts with your home.
Create the right atmosphere instantly for one time of day, and for another, change the scene to watch the adjustments in action. You also have the power to set schedules, harnessing or blocking light and heat to conserve energy. Not only that, but Hunter Douglas smart shades are compatible with other smart home systems, so you can use your the smart home device you’re comfortable with to make adjustments. You can also integrate them into other aspects of your smart home system, so everything works in rhythm.
Noise Level
Ooooh…this is a big one. Your home is your sanctuary. And, window shade automation is supposed to make your life easier, more comfortable. The last thing you’ll want is to hear the motor working to open and close your shades. Many brands will advertise “whisper quiet” operation, but you should definitely experience the sound for yourself if noise levels can bother you. Hunter Douglas has made this a priority over the years, so we are confident that smooth gliding and rolling will maintain the sanctuary state of your home. It’s easy to visit our window treatment showroom to experience the sound in person!
Battery Life
“Convenient, simple, effortless” are just some of the words used to describe automated window coverings. With good reason, you should choose ones that are true to those words. The power source is a good example of one aspect where it’s important to know what you’re getting into. With daily use, the batteries in motorized shades last between 1-2 years. Hunter Douglas also offers a rechargeable battery wand that can be charged instead of disposing of AA batteries.
We love that sustainability, and there is even a solar-powered option with PowerView shades, as well as the choice to hard-wire your automatic shades. Be sure to investigate the brand you’re shopping so you know ahead of time what’s involved in powering your window coverings.
It Starts with a Free Consultation!
We come right to you to discuss your options in Window Shade Automation. We’ll talk through the features and levels of control. You can browse sample books while we take professional measurements and double check for any layout issues that could affect the function of your window shades. When you want to see how everything works–in person–stop on by our Fort Myers window treatment showroom to experience all the bells and whistles, along with the whisper quiet motor. Get in touch with us for your free consultation.
