The modern world has embraced home automation. Are you on board? Many clients have questions about smart blinds, and we are here with answers. We are providing details on compatibility, smartphone control, battery options, automations available, cost, and more. Explore how motorized window treatments will revolutionize your Toronto area home.
What’s the Difference: Defining Smart, Motorized & Automated
Motorized window treatments are simply shades, blinds, shutters or drapery that are adjusted with a motor instead of manually.
Motorized Shades
When we define motorized shades as those that use a motor to move and adjust, this covers ALL of our powered offerings. It’s the most simple way to adjust. But, when you are trying to decide which system works best for you, you’ll need to have the details. There are two systems that offer only motorized control.
SoftTouch: The first is individual motorization at the window. This is found with the SoftTouch operating system. The motorization is controlled by a wand that is placed connected alongside the window. Effective control when you want to automatically adjust your window shade, created with child safety in mind, as the wand will disengage if pulled too hard.
Remote Control: Hunter Douglas PowerView shades are available for remote control adjustments. The Pebble remote can control up to 6 shades on one remote. The remote can be a hand-held remote or a wall-mounted remote. It’s instant adjustments with the option to save a favorite setting.
Smart Shades
Motorized window treatments start being referred to as smart blinds once a device is involved. The entry level of smart shade control is similar to the offerings with the remote. Except–with Hunter Douglas PowerView, your phone or tablet is now the remote. You have extended control for more shades and more settings. It can be instant adjustments with a tap, or additional favorites saved as scenes to create ideal environments.
Automated Shades
This type of smart shade operation involves integrating your motorized window treatments with your own smart home system. You have the option for voice control through your smart home device, including Alexa and Google Home. This includes everything you can do with the PowerView app. Automated window treatments can be integrated help maintain comfortable temperatures in your home. Signals are shared between smart home devices for the ultimate control. Hunter Douglas has worked hard to ensure compatibility with the most common smart home systems on the market.
Which Types of Window Coverings Are Available with Automation?
The quick answer? Almost all of them! Window shades, drapery, blinds and shutters are all capable of being motorized. Yes–we even offer smart shutters. They have to be initially ordered as powered blinds–there is no way to convert previously ordered manual window coverings to motorized.
What’s It Like to Use the App for Smart Blinds?
Hunter Douglas continuously updates the app for the best experience. It’s known for its user-friendly features and setup. Just take a look…
How Do They Get Power?
There are three choices when it comes to powering your automated shades.
Battery Power
It’s the most popular way to power your smart blinds: Batteries. This is at the top of the list for Toronto condos and apartments, as it doesn’t require any wiring. Historically, most homeowners have chosen the AA battery powered option. This requires you to change the batteries every 1-2 years, based on the amount of usage. The newest battery option is a rechargeable battery wand for battery-powered smart blinds that rests inside the headrail, offering power to the shades. When you have to charge it, you simply remove it, charge it up, and place it back inside. It’s a great option for sustainability and saving money over time.
Hardwiring
Hardwiring shades is easiest done in the midst of a construction or remodeling project, where low voltage wiring is added in place for your shades. This can be done at any time, but is not always practical for homeowners due to the construction aspect.
Solar Power
One of the newest innovations to come to motorized shades is solar power. This specialized power source offers a device that is placed at the window, behind the shade, attached to the glass or the frame, using power from sunlight to activate the shades.
Are Motorized Shades Noisy?
The sound is best described as a low hum, commonly referred to as whisper quiet. This sound can only be heard during the adjustments.
Are They Made to Last?
While we can’t speak for other brands, our Hunter Douglas automated shades are designed with long-lasting durability in mind. Believe it or not, but smart blinds might even last longer than manual ones since there is no handling of automated window coverings, which can sometimes lead to wear and tear.
How Much Do Smart Blinds Cost?
This is one of the most common smart shade questions about remote control, motorized and automated shades. And, it should be. Home investments can be expensive, and they need to be budgeted for. Do you realize that quality window treatments can increase the value of your home? It’s even more if they are motorized. When we chat with clients about the costs, there are several factors that go into the overall project cost:
- The number of shades you need to purchase
- Which category of window coverings you choose
- Special features added, such as dual shades
- The type of control you select (individual wand, remote control, app control or smart home)
You Should Know These Additional “Savings” (The ROI of Smart Blinds!)
While we’re on the topic of cost, we also like to mention the hidden “savings” that you can expect to experience with automated shades. These benefits are commonly brought up when talking with past clients that have already embraced smart shades–and they don’t know how they lived without them.
- Time saved when adjusting multiple windows
- Advantage of using natural light instead of overhead lights
- Simple temperature control for adjustments
- Hard-to-reach windows have easy adjustments
- Increased security when on vacation or at night
- Enhanced child and pet safety due to cordless operation
One More Consideration…
We know there are many options for choosing smart blinds. The advice we have is to go with a company you can trust with a brand that will last. This is an investment in your home, and you should feel confident in your selection. And, considering this involves technology, it’s a good idea to choose an option with supportive resources for future challenges. Our installation team guides you through the set-up on installation day. Ready to explore smart blinds for your Toronto home or condo? Our design team can walk you through automation features, battery options, and integrations. Book your free smart blinds consultation today!
