Have you ever considered motorized blinds but looked at your window frames thinking you would have the hassle of running electrical wiring to operate them? Or did the thought of changing disposable batteries regularly to operate your window shades discourage you all together?

Whether for tall windows, skylights, or a simple bay window, you can automate your window shades without having to call an electrician. With the use of long-lasting rechargeable batteries to operate your motorized shades, you won’t have to take out your 12-foot ladder to change disposable batteries all the time.

So, now that you know you don’t need to rewire your entire home or throw batteries into a landfill, the next question is: how do automated shades make life better?

“Simply put, automated window shades are not a single solution investment, you get numerous benefits for years to come, and those benefits go right back into your pocket.”  Luis Caceres | Owner – Expressions at Home 

Home automation is here to stay. Consider this, the global Smart Home market – also known as the home automation market – has been steadily growing over the years, and forecasts show that it will reach a whopping $53.45 billion by 2022. Home automation uses a network of devices connected through your home network or the internet. These intelligent control systems allow you to control your entertainment units, appliances, home security, thermostats, and more. Automated window shades are in a class of their own.

Simply put, automated window shades are not a single solution investment, you get numerous benefits for years to come, and those benefits go right back into your pocket. You can reduce your energy bill, protect your home interior, ensure privacy, or wake up to your electric window shades welcoming the sun into your living areas and bedroom. Motorized shades are not a one-trick device.

Here are a few key points to know and consider:

1. Certified installation a must for blind motorization and automation

The right vendor/dealer greatly influences your enjoyment of your automated window shades.

Make sure your dealer is certified to design, install, and program your automatic shade system. Remember: where there are moving parts, there can be maintenance, but it does not have to be complicated; it should be as automatic as the operation of your shades.

Getting support after installation, where and when you need it makes all the difference in any home automation product. Having a single point of contact for all your needs that is local is essential. They have a profile of how your shade automation is set up and programmed and can quickly help troubleshoot over the phone or visit your home to resolve any issues.

2. Automate your window shades to be controlled by your phone, remote control, or voice

Hunter Douglas PowerView® Automation system features the PowerView App, making operating blinds easy with your smartphone or tablet. PowerView® integrates with other third-party home automation systems and smart home hubs like, Control 4, Crestron, Apple’s Siri, or Amazon’s Alexa, which means you can also operate it through voice command.

AUTOMATED SHADES SHOWCASE: Edmonton, The Maclaren Rooftop Lounge

3. Maximize Energy Efficiency in Your Home – Schedule Your Window Shades

Can motorized shades help you save on heating and cooling costs?  The answer is yes.

There are many types of smart window treatments, but those that can help you save the most energy are programmable. It can be next to impossible for homeowners to adjust their blinds/curtains according to the light of the day at every given moment.

Programmable automated window blinds can easily program the times at which you want them to open, close, or be semi-open to optimize your space’s temperature. Your furnace or air conditioner will have to work a lot less, reducing your monthly bills. From insulation to solar energy reduction to better daylighting, you can program motorized shades to optimize your space.

4. Cordless shade operation for child safety

When window shade cords are accessible to small children, these seemingly harmless products may become very hazardous. The inherent cordless design of the Hunter Douglas PowerView® Automation system provides you and your family with the ultimate in motorized blinds convenience and enhanced safety at the window for both children and pets.

5. Your quality of life with automated blinds depends on how they are powered.

There are many ongoing debates on the use of hard-wired versus battery-powered shades. If you’re in a new construction phase, hard-wiring your automated shades is the best. However, this is typically not an option in a post-construction or renovation setting. When considering battery-powered shades, the battery life depends on the quality of the batteries, window size, and amount of use.

Hunter Douglas PowerView® shades with rechargeable battery wands last an entire year and will recharge up to 500 times. The recharging process is simple. You get an email notification through the PowerView® App regarding low batteries. You then unsnap the low battery pack from the magnetic mount behind the shade and put a fully charged one back. Put the low battery in the dual charging station, and it will be ready in under 3 hours! The dual charging station will also safely store fully charged battery wands until you’re ready to use it again.

6. Experience the wow factor of automated shades in your home

The best part about converting to smart windows is that they never fail to provide you with a cool experience. Seeing your shades move throughout the day to optimize your home’s temperature, privacy, lighting, and as your morning alarm is simple bliss.

Here’s an extra hint: your interior design is only as good as the light that filters through it. With typical blinds and curtains, you only get a one-dimensional ambiance that requires you to put in an effort. But with automated window shades, you can manage your blinds in a way that will let in light to complement the mood and ambiance, ultimately improving the overall experience of your home.

PowerView® Automation is a great articulator of this point. Your shades will operate independently and move at the touch of a button or when you choose to schedule them, providing the most customized lighting experience for your space.

Motorized and automated window treatments have a lot to offer. They are cool, intelligent, easy to operate and provide you an atmosphere that suits your mood and style more than just a general window treatment. With the right setup, they can greatly enhance the quality of life in your home.

Have more questions? Give us a call or visit our showroom to learn more.

BOOK A HOME CONSULTATION