Home automation solutions through shades, shutters and blinds for window treatment are exciting as you can control them remotely. With a remote control, the shades and blinds can be opened and shut, and even the vanes can be slid open or closed to the right angle. Through connection with smart home devices such as Alexa, or Google Smart Home, and with mobile applications, the window treatment can be controlled with voice controls, or using a smartphone or tablet. Here are a few points on motorized window treatments for the house.
What are they and how do they work?
Electric window treatment of blinds, shades and shutters are fitted with an electric motor and can be controlled with a remote. The remote control can be used to control the shutter or blind’s tilt function too. motorized shades and blinds have fewer cords hanging from them, so they are safe for houses with children and pets. There are different varieties of motorized window treatment. While some can be operated with a dedicated remote control for the window treatment, others can be managed with a mobile application and voice commands.
Power source
The power source for motorized blinds, shades and shutters is generally a lithium battery pack, but some have rechargeable motor that can be connected to an electrical outlet with a USB cord for charging. A single charge battery can last between 6 months to a year depending on the size of the window treatment and how frequently it is used. One can also choose DC power cords for some motorized blinds and shades if there is an electric outlet near the window frame.
Lifespan of a motorized window treatment
Motorized window treatments are similar to standard window treatments and the shutters and blinds will have the same lifespan as their non-motorized counterparts. However, batter operated shades will have to be periodically charged depending on the usage. Standard window treatments have an average lifespan of 3 to 10 years depending on how often you use them.
Ease of use
Motorized blinds are easy to install, though installation process depends on the type and brand of blinds, shades and shutters. Most motorized window treatments come pre-programmed with remote control. They can be reprogrammed to adjust the upper and lower limits on the shade.
Depending on the brand, product type and window size, the decibel range for motorized shades, shutters and blinds will vary. These window treatments are designed to be quiet and only produce a soft humming or whirring sound. So, the noise they make will be lower than or at par with regular corded or cordless blinds and shades.
Control the window treatment on the go
With smart home integration, the motorized blinds, shutters and shades can be controlled via one’s smartphone using a mobile app. You can preset alarms to open or close the window treatment. So, you can set the alarm for the blinds to shut at 7pm every evening in the bedroom and open in the morning at 6 or 7am so that early morning sunlight can filter in. In places like the kitchen where your hand may be busy or covered in grease, you can give a voice command for the shades to be raised or lowered. If you forgot to close the living room shutter before leaving home, then you can do it with your smartphone.
Is it worth spending on motorized window treatment?
Motorizing window treatment is not only for tech-savvy or tech enthusiastic people, but also for everyone. If you forgot to draw the blind before leaving home for a vacation, you can do it just before you have to put your phone on Airplane mode before takeoff. It adds to the room’s ambiance in commercial spaces and creates the vibe for elegance and class. For tall windows, skylights, and wall-to-wall windows, motorized window treatments make it easy to open and close the shutters, shades and blinds easily.
Motorized window treatment is apt for big homes, large office spaces, retail stores and restaurants. They are secure, easy to maintain, and you can easily find the replacement batteries, or other spare parts in case of any problems.
