Motorized vs Automated Blinds
Is there a difference between Motorized and Automated Window Coverings?
You’ve likely heard those terms and others when referring to the operation of blinds and window coverings. Smart Shades or Smart window Coverings, Motorized blinds, Automated Window Treatments. There are plenty of buzz words out there. But what are the differences between these different terms?
We love to enjoy nature, and take in our views - especially living on the beautiful west coast of Canada. So we have big windows, and lots of them! The sun comes streaming in and provides beautiful natural light, but it also brings harmful UV rays and heat. So we use window coverings to help control how much sun comes in. Over the past few years the way we operate those window treatments has changed, especially with changes to Health Canada’s Corded Window Covering Regulations. Motorized shades are becoming the norm.
Simply put motorized shades or window coverings are any treatment that operates with the aid of a battery or hard wired motor. Automated or Smart shades are motorized shades with the addition of programming.
Benefits of Motorized Window Coverings
Convenience
Motorized Window Coverings provide so many benefits to users. The most obvious being convenience. The ability to operate your window coverings with the touch of a button makes things easier for every user whether they have limited mobility or can’t reach the windows.
Simplicity
Motorized window coverings need not be complicated. A simple solution that is worry free and user friendly is the star of the show when it comes to motorized blinds and shades.
Energy Efficiency
Whether it’s the blasting sun of summer, or the cold chill of winter, your window coverings are a key component in keeping your home energy efficient. So being able to operate them easily and automatically with the changing climate will increase energy efficiency exponentially.
Security
Programmable window coverings means that you can add another layer of security (and privacy) to your home by setting them to operate at specific times.
Customizable
Not only are the window treatments themselves customizable, with a huge range of styles, materials and colours, but so are the way they operate. With the addition of Automation to your motorized shades, you can create your own schedules.
Operation
Motorized blinds and shades can be operated several different ways.
The most simple option is a motorized wand which is attached to each shade and uses either a touch of a button, or tug on the wand to raise and lower each shade independently. Now risk of losing the remote with this option. It means that you can operate hard to reach windows with ease, but don’t have to go looking for the remote control to open the shade.
Most motorized window treatments use a remote control. Remotes can operate each shade independently or several shades at once. There are many different styles of remotes available and some can even be a decorative piece like the Pebble from Hunter Douglas®.
Some motorized shades also have a tap control built in like Norman’s® Smart Motorized Honeycombs. They include an auto brake feature that will stop if it hits an obstacle making it safe for children, pets & house plants.
Automation comes into ply with the use of Apps to operate your shades and create schedules. Most products will require the use of a Hub or Gateway that connects to the internet and allows you to operate your shades from anywhere in the world with the use of a smart device.
Batteries vs Hardwiring
Motorized shades are most often operated with batteries - either alkaline or rechargeable. The rechargeable options are a more environmentally friendly solution which will pay for itself within a few years worth of Costco trips for AA batteries! Most rechargeable batteries will last about a year between charges - but completely depends on how often the shades are operated.
Hardwiring is also a great choice especially if you are planning it during construction. Low voltage and line voltage options are available for different products (speak to your window covering specialist to determine what is the best solution for you.) By hardwiring your shades, you save time having to recharge batteries every year and some hard to reach windows and skylights make it impossible to access them regularly for charging. Low Voltage shades can use back up batteries in case of a power failure, so you’ve got all your bases covered.
Smart Home Integration
You can also integrate many motorized shades into an existing Smart Home system, putting everything in one place. You can also connect them to Amazon Alexa, Google and Apple HomeKit to utilize voice control and other automation options.
The possibilities are endless with motorized window coverings!
