Did you know that 1 in 4 window coverings are now being equipped with some type of motorization? You’ve probably heard about them–maybe even seen them in action. But, when it comes to your home, you’ve got questions. Do you want remote control, motorized blinds or smart shades? And…what’s the difference? Let’s dive into the world of smart home tech for window treatments…
What’s in a Name?
To begin with, many of the names you hear and see are used interchangeably. Power blinds, smart shades, remote shutters, automation, motorization…there’s really no end. You can call them whatever you’d like. What we want you to understand is what features of automated window treatments you’d like for your home, so that you can choose the product that fits you best!
Motorized Blinds OR Smart Shades?
For all intents and purposes, motorization is often used to describe shades, blinds or shutters that move with a motor, controlled with a tap. Tap a button on a remote, phone or tablet, or use a gentle nudge on the wand that hangs alongside the window shade. It’s simple control, meant to adjust quickly and conveniently.
Automation is the term used to describe window coverings that adjust with more enhanced features. Adjust multiple window shades at once, or specific windows only. Access scenes that you’d like to create, based on the time of day or event. Watch as your smart shades jump into place on a schedule–with no effort from you. Or, call out a command to Alexa or Siri to access your favorite settings.
How Do I Choose?
This is a question we get a lot. It comes down to the way you’ll use your window shades. Cost also factors into the decision. Like most technology, when introduced, there can be a large price tag. But, over time, the cost becomes very affordable. After years of developing these products, this is the ideal time to try these out if you haven’t already. Let’s look at some of the most commonly asked questions so you can narrow down what will fit you best.
Which Window Coverings Can Be Automated?
In a nutshell, all of the categories of window coverings can be created with automation…Blinds, Shades, Shutters & Drapery! (Yes, there are even smart shutters!) This is one of the reasons you’ll hear so many different names for window covering automation, from smart shades to motorized drapes–and many, many more.
What’s the Difference Between Them All?
See one of our recent articles for a better understanding of the difference between smart shades, remote control blinds, automated shutters and drapes. They have a lot in common–they all have motors that operate the adjustments, and they cannot be manually adjusted. After that, it’s the capabilities of the features that create the differences. The control options range from simple push button or instant adjustments, all the way to voice commands through your smart home device.
How Does the App Work?
Part of the reason Hunter Douglas PowerView Automated shades have such high ratings is the user-friendly way the system is set up. They continually update the app to make sure you can easily access the features of your shades in a simple and effective way. Watch how easy it is:
Are They Plug In?
The two ways to run power for automated window coverings are by hardwiring them or using batteries. Hardwiring the motorized blinds is very convenient when your home is under construction, since the low voltage wiring can be run. Running the electrical can be an efficient choice if you don’t want to use batteries, but it isn’t always practical to run electrical.
What about Battery Powered Shades?
Most homeowners choose the ease of battery power. Remote control blinds use very little power, so you can expect to change the batteries every one to two years if your shades are adjusted every day. For a more sustainable choice, Hunter Douglas created a rechargeable battery wand that’s made to fit with the headrail of motorized shades. This eliminates the need for disposable batteries.
How Long Can Motorized Shades Expect to Last?
Since motorized shades and blinds aren’t handled as often as manually controlled window treatments, they tend to stay in good condition longer.
Are Remote Control Blinds Loud?
The sound of the motor is described as whisper quiet. You should expect to hear a low humming sound as your smart shades adjust.
How Much Do Motorized Shades Cost?
One of the most frequently asked questions, the cost of motorized shades is an important factor when determining which operating features work best for you. Investing in your home can be costly, so it’s wise to budget for each and every project. Window treatments, from a top quality brand like Hunter Douglas, will increase the value of your home if you decide to sell–even more so if they are automated. There are a number of factors that contribute to the cost of automated shades:
- Which type of automation (individual window/wand, remote control, smart home integration)
- The amount of window coverings you need
- The type of window shades you choose
- Added features (top down, dual shades)
Depending on the brand, you may need additional components if you choose smart home integration. Hunter Douglas has worked hard to ensure their automated shades are compatible with the most common smart home systems, like Control4, Elan, Logitech and more. You can easily control them with Alexa and Siri.
Don’t Miss Out on the “Hidden Savings” of Smart Blinds.
This is something we like to share when talking about the cost of motorized blinds–the savings are a valid consideration. When we talk with past clients, the first thing they say is they don’t know how they lived without automated shades. And then, they mention these valuable factors:
- How easy it is to maintain interior temperatures with scheduled or instant adjustments
- The time they save adjusting multiple windows
- Hard-to-reach window shade adjustments are a breeze
- The increased security they feel at night or on vacation with automatic adjustments
- How simple it is to bring in natural light instead of using overhead lights
Control Options
The wand motorization of SoftTouch gives you the convenience of instant adjustment at the window. The motor in the headrail is where the control starts and stops, making it an affordable option for control.
With PowerView, you can use a remote, your phone or tablet to control. The technology in the headrail means that if you have just a few windows you’d like to control, and you want to dip your toes in the world of motorized shades, this is a great place to start.
The height of control is when you want the integration with smart home technology. The smart devices you already use will be compatible with our collection, meaning that you can get the best experience. The intelligence of automation gives you:
- Connect with other smart home devices
- Control numerous shades on a schedule
- Enjoy favorite settings & scenes
- Use voice commands to make adjustments
It Doesn’t Hurt to Ask!
With one in four shades being equipped for motorization, you know we are handling a lot of questions! Don’t hesitate to ask questions, get a quote or just be curious about how smart shades could change your home. We love talking with clients about the possibilities available with automation. And, everything is set up for you on installation day. That means you’ll have access to every feature from day one. Get in touch with the team of At Home Blinds & Decor for your FREE consultation.
