Motorization & Automation
Technology is a huge part of our home these days and window coverings are no exception. There are so many ways to motorize and automate window treatments to your specific needs.
The introduction of technology to our industry allows us to cover larger windows, carry weight for ease of adjustment, synchronize your window adjustments and connect to a variety of devices to control your shades from home and afar.
Many types of motorized blinds
Motorization can be as simple as a Power Wand added to a shade to assist if it’s heavy allowing shades to be larger and still have easy fingertip adjustment.
Motorized blinds can also come with a battery-operated motor that includes chargers that need charging from time to time.
Motorization can be as sophisticated as automated shades all over the home being hard-wired and controlled by several Smart Devices.
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MOTORIZATION & AUTOMATION FAQ
Learn more about motorized and automated window treatments.
How often do you need to charge your motors?
It really depends on how heavy the shade vs the size of motor. If the motor is the appropriate size for your shade you should only need to recharge your motors every 4-6 months, so it isn’t a difficult task. If you are charging your motor very frequently then it means you have a motor that’s not large enough for the size/weight of your shade.
Can I control my automated blinds using my Alexa or Google home?
Yes, if you get a bridge or a hub then you can connect your smart device accounts and control your shades with voice activation or using an app.
Do I need access to power to have motorization?
Not necessarily. You can power your shades by hard wiring them or using low voltage power. If you want a simpler solution, you can use battery-operated motors which will need to be recharged using a plug-in from time to time.
What’s the difference between motorization and automation?
A good question – both terms are used synonymously in the window coverings industry, but they aren’t the same thing. Motorization is simply adding some sort of powered motor to assist the user in adjusting the window coverings, making them more user-friendly.
Automation is when you program the window coverings to automatically adjust at a certain time or point of the day. Just because you have motorization doesn’t necessarily mean you have automation.
Can I control my blinds using my phone?
If you have a bridge or a hub it allows you to control your blinds using various devices such as tablets, phones or a handheld or wall-mounted remote.
Do I need to be tech-savvy to have motorization?
No! A Power Wand is as simple as pressing a button and charging it is no different than charging a phone. Motorization and automation don’t need to be hard or intimidating. Our installers walk you through the process to ensure you know exactly how to use and maintain your new motorized and/or automated window coverings.
Can I motorize my curtains or drapes?
Yes, even drapery can be motorized and automated to open and close when needed. The fabric of drapes can be very heavy so it’s important to have a strong enough motor to do the job but leave that to us! Contact us to discuss the possibility of motorizing your drapes or curtains.
Can I have motorized blinds that go into the ceiling?
Yes! It’s possible to install your blinds or drapery into a ceiling cavity so the hardware is completely concealed, and your blinds will disappear into the ceiling when raised.
This is called a ‘blindspace” and is best done during construction so that a proper coordination is done with trades. The result is a value-added modern, clean aesthetic and function.
Can I add motorization to my existing window coverings?
Unfortunately, not since the motors are located inside the header of the shade and is designed and built specifically for that type of motorization so adding it afterwards isn’t that simple.
Can automation make my home safer?
Yes! Home security is a great part of automation! Your blinds can automatically be adjusting each day and night while you are away from home giving the perception that someone is home. If you coordinate having your lights turn on and off (also using smart technology) then that is even more effective.
Program your shades to follow the sun!
Automating your window coverings can be as simple as opening them all with one button or as sophisticated as programming your window shades to open and close based on the sunset and sunrise tables.
As the sun changes throughout the year, so does your window covering functions, and this can be automated with our technology.
Connection with all your devices
Remotes, smart phones, tablets, laptops, Alexa or Google Home systems are all connection options to allow you to adjust and control your blinds – while in your home or even far away.
Get your free consultation today!
On the look-out for new window shades and need help assessing your motorization needs? We can help with that. Let us help you integrate more technology into your home’s window treatments.
Get your best sleep!
Automation for the bedroom?
If you are a light sensitive sleeper then automation of your bedroom shades is ideal.
You can set all your bedroom window shades to close at a specific time so your bedroom will automatically start becoming darker helping to wind down and sleep. You can also automate your blinds to open in the morning at wake-up time to encourage the natural circadian rhythms of your body.
A perfect shade for your workspace!
The moving sun throughout the day can be disruptive and distracting to your busy day. Programming your shades to adjust throughout your workday is very efficient and lets you focus on your important task at hand.
Simple and consistent adjustments of multiple blinds
When you have a room with many windows it can be time-consuming to open or close all the blinds at the same time. It can also be tricky to adjust them to the same height and may not look as good if they are at different levels.
An easy thing about automation is you can program your shades to all open at the same time and set them to the same height, all with the touch of a button.
Simplify your life with smart automation
Smart blinds are window blinds that can be operated using an app, voice control, or other smart methods, eliminating the need for manual operation. They offer the convenience of scheduling, allowing users to automate opening, closing, raising, and lowering at specific times or in response to environmental cues. For instance, smart blinds can be linked to a UV sensor to automatically close when a specific light threshold is reached indoors.
