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Mastering Motorized Shades: Everything You Need To Know For Smart Living

Everything You Need To Know About Motorized Shades

The Evolution

Motorized shades have evolved significantly since their inception in the early 20th century, transitioning from rudimentary, motor-driven systems to sophisticated components of home automation. Initially found in commercial settings and luxury homes, they have benefited from technological advancements, including quieter motors, integration with home automation, and digital controls, which are becoming more accessible and efficient. Today, they are part of the smart home ecosystem, offering users advanced features like programmability, remote access, and energy efficiency, reflecting broader trends toward convenience, sustainability, and integrated home design.

Why You Want Shades

When it comes to shades, they enhance the comfort and ambiance of your living space. Shades offer a range of benefits, with temperature regulation, energy efficiency, room darkening, and light filtration being among the most notable. Shades represent a significant investment, encompassing costs associated with materials, labor, and the training and skills required for proper installation.

All For One or One for All.

In the realm of home automation, it’s crucial to harmonize the integration of automated shades and lights, envisioning a symphony of convenience and comfort. When selecting a system, prioritize solutions that seamlessly choreograph the interaction between shades and lights, creating an orchestration that responds effortlessly to your needs. User-friendly interfaces are paramount, allowing homeowners to navigate and customize their smart home environment as uniquely as conducting an orchestra. 

What Determines the Costs?

Consideration must also be given to the financial notes of this symphony. The brand you choose plays a significant role, with premium brands often contributing advanced features and reliability. Likewise, the fabric selected for shades adds a visual aspect and can influence the cost and functionality. Striking a balance between quality and cost ensures ease of automation that resonates with your preferences and budget, transforming your living space into a finely tuned masterpiece.

No matter where you are located, there are stores that have solutions without cutting corners on what you need. These stores want to sell what they have to boost the salesperson and the store’s earnings, which will be usable but not truly custom. Often, stores team up with brands to get discounts and make extra earnings. However, when you opt for a company like Smarter Homes of Austin, which focuses on blending home automation seamlessly, they prioritize what’s best for your home and your individual preferences. Instead of pushing what’s convenient for them, they’re all about finding the right fit for you, making your home more intelligent in a way that suits your lifestyle. So, it’s not just about selling products; it’s about crafting a solution that truly works for you.

A pro tip: contact a home automation expert before even installing shades. It’s like having a guide before embarking on a long journey ā€“ it ensures you make the right decisions from the start, setting you up for a smoother and more enjoyable experience in your home for the long haul. It’s not just about installing things; it’s about creating a setup that stands the test of time and makes you fall in love with your home’s tech daily.

Budget:

Knowing your budget is critical ā€“ not just for the current project but also for future upgrades or additions. It’s like planning a home improvement roadmap; you want to prepare for what’s coming. A handy budget tool at HTA Certified can give you a clearer picture of the financial landscape for your tech projects.

When building:

Consider motorized shades during the design phase to integrate them into the architecture. Plan for proper wiring to accommodate the motorized components. Collaborate with architects and electricians for optimal Placement of electrical outlets. Do a sunlight analysis: Consider the orientation of your home and the sun’s path to place motorized shades for energy efficiency strategically. So when it comes time, you can have Automated scheduling: Set up schedules to open or close shades based on the time of day to optimize natural light and reduce energy consumption. Home Automation Systems: Integrate motorized shades with smart home systems like Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, or custom-made ecosystems for convenience control.

Ensure that the chosen motorized shades are compatible with your home automation platform.

When Remodeling or Upgrading the Current Home

Conduct a window assessment to evaluate existing windows and their orientations to determine which areas would benefit most from motorized shades. Evaluate existing wiring and infrastructure for compatibility with motorized shades. Retrofit non-motorized shades with motorized components for an upgrade.

Indoor vs Outdoor Shades and Bug Screens

Indoor shades have their considerations. Knowing the depth of space between your window casing and pane will determine a few things. You can mount it inside for a flush look if you have over 3 inches of space in your window frame. If there’s no space, you will have to choose an outside mount above your window space; this will not be as sleek of a look but will serve the same purpose.  The goal of indoor shades is to filter light, improving energy conservation. Standard indoor options offer various styles and lighting control; some include but are not limited to Roller Shades, Roman Shades, and Cellular Shades. 

There are some options regarding the type of casing or roll. Forward roll is when the roll is further away from the window surface that it’s trying to mask. Reverse roll is typically closer to the surface that it’s trying to conceal. Some are enclosed with a phasia to hide the roll, leading to a more elegant feel.

Installing outdoor shades is different – they have their tracks outside your home. They look similar to blackout shades but with tougher materials.

Refrain from being confused with bug screens for outdoor spaces to keep insects out.

Constructed with a see-through material, you can still enjoy a view and fresh air without unwanted visitors.

Patio shades and exterior roller shades provide shade and protection from the elements for outdoor spaces. It is not typically supported with wireless connections and is designed to handle heavier fabrics with more robust motors.

Motorized vs Non-motorized:

Motorized shades offer remote or automated control when you want to integrate convenience into your home. If you have cost considerations, non-motorized shades may be more budget-friendly. Combining motorized and non-motorized shades provides flexibility for specific areas, allowing manual control where needed and automation in other spaces.

Having an integrated ecosystem smart enough to drop down before the sun heats up your home is a solution to minimizing energy consumption. 

Integrating motorized bug screens with shades on the same ecosystem can be tricky and expensive. Customization is the best way to have a seamless setup. Some companies specialize in customizing bug shades integrated with indoor or blackout shades. Getting the experts will help support your project needs if your goal is to connect everything.

Getting energy to your shades

Regarding power, batteries are convenient but need regular charging; the typical battery size is C, also known as R14 battery; you will most likely need to change these around the 16-month mark. Some brands opt for lithium batteries, which have a wand docking station. There is also the option to have solar panels hidden from sight to trickle charge the batteries during the day.

Additionally, powering shades can be achieved through various methods such as plugging into a regular household outlet (110 volts), connecting to a low-voltage transformer in a rack room, utilizing solar panels, or even using a Power over Ethernet (POE) setup by getting power from a network switch. Hard wiring is more secure and reliable, and the choice depends on your needs and budget. Builders and designers often prefer hard wiring for the added security of always having a power source for your shades. Hardwiring should be a prelude, ideally completed before construction starts, minimizing disruptions and ensuring a clean and concealed installation that aligns with the construction process. The wireless option becomes a favorable choice for already-built units, offering flexibility without requiring an extensive construction encore. 

Getting Internet/control to your shades: 

A managed network connects all devices in smart homes. When it comes to providing power through Ethernet without integrating it into the network or the internet, Power over Ethernet (POE) offers a solution. This method allows you to send power through Ethernet cables while keeping the shades offline and ensuring they donā€™t have an IP address, reducing the risk of hacking.

POE is typically connected to a network switch. Two wires send information to shades: DC for solar panels and AC for plugging into the wall.

Getting power to your shade and setting up the internet or control for your shades are separate things. Regarding internet control, most customers prefer not to have wireless shades on Wi-Fi for reliability and to prevent interference with the network traffic, ensuring the smooth functionality of the shades. Without the correct Wi-Fi setup, issues may arise, and during a power outage, customers often wonder if their shades will still work.

Leviton offers solutions in this regard, providing options for managing power and control efficiently within the context of smart homes.

Hunter Douglas:

Hunter Douglas is known for its commitment to quality and innovation, making their shades popular for homeowners seeking stylish and functional window treatments. When considering Hunter Douglas for motorized shades, there are essential factors to remember. The average price falls within the mid-range category ($$), making it a reasonable investment for those seeking quality window treatments. However, one notable aspect is the sound of the motor, which tends to be on the louder side on average.

Hunter Douglas shades offer wireless options, performing decently in this regard. The wireless functionality is beneficial for those prioritizing convenience in controlling their shades.

Hunter Douglas offers a standard option in many shade stores for those who prefer hardwired solutions. However, their hardwired systems may not be as user-friendly and may not integrate seamlessly with third-party systems.

Hunter Douglas offers two central systems: PowerView and PowerView Plus. The PowerView system provides both wireless and supports two-wire configurations. The PowerView Plus is a four-wire system designed for wireless operation.

Hunter Douglas provides a Hub-based EcoSystem, a comprehensive solution for controlling shades in larger homes. The hub base connects online, allowing communication with shades throughout the house. Larger homes may have two hubs for more efficient coverage. The shades then link back to the closest hub. It’s important to note that the Hunter Douglas EcoSystem sometimes has trouble integrating with lighting but works seamlessly with various integrated systems, including but not limited to Control4, Crestrans, RTIs, and Sevants.

Powershades:

This brand provides both wireless and hardwired options for motorized shades. Wireless communication is versatile and suitable for various applications. On the hardwired side, there are several options, including high-voltage hardwiring, DC (2-conductor) hardwiring, and Power over Ethernet (PoE) over Cat6 cabling. This diversity allows users to choose the most suitable hardwiring option based on their needs.

Regarding a more budget-friendly option for motorized shades, this brand is in the lower price range ($). The motor’s sound tends to be louder, falling into the category of not entirely quiet.

Regarding communication protocols, the brand offers an open API (Application Programming Interface), making it compatible with various integrators and home automation systems. This API support ensures the brand works well with third-party devices and platforms.

One notable aspect of this brand is its versatility as a brand that can do virtually anything, offering a comprehensive range of features and capabilities. It excels in communication options, making it compatible with different integrators and systems.

While the motors are typically louder, the brand suits DIY (Do It Yourself) enthusiasts and professionals. This flexibility in installation options caters to a broad range of users, whether they prefer a hands-on approach or rely on professional assistance.

Lutron:

Lutron, a well-established brand in the world of motorized shades, positions itself at a higher average price point ($$$$). Notably, the sound produced by Lutron’s motors is generally quiet, contributing to a softer and more luxurious user experience.

Lutron offers wireless and hardwired shading solutions, catering to diverse user preferences and installation requirements. Their shading product line includes but is not limited to Sivoia QS, Triathlon, and Palladium, all seamlessly integrating into the Lutron ecosystem. Specifically, Homeworks and RA3 are part of this ecosystem, providing comprehensive and sophisticated control options for shading solutions.

The Sivoia QS series, known for its quiet operation, stands out as an elegant choice, especially with the Palladium roller shade that adds a touch of sophistication. It is the only shade system built to be without a need for fascia cover-up. Caseta, a contract roller option, offers Hyperion Solar Adaptive Shading and showcases Lutron’s commitment to fabric quality. Lutron emphasizes the synergy between shades and lighting in solutions like Type X, where keypads communicate with both lights and shades, creating a harmonious home environment.

A unique feature in Lutron’s lineup is the DIY-friendly Caseta system, although it has some limitations. Including doesn’t support light control as effectively and may face challenges in the long run, impacting the overall luxury feeling. Interestingly, Caseta is the only Lutron system that doesn’t require certification, making it available for direct purchase by the public.

The RadiaRA3 and Homeworks QSX lines demonstrate Lutron’s commitment to providing comprehensive solutions. However, it’s essential to note that everything associated with Lutron comes at a higher cost, including technicians and equipment. While Lutron products are recognized for their quality and performance, the investment in a Lutron system reflects the brand’s reputation for providing top-tier solutions in the motorized shading industry.

Although Lutron has more than 200 shade fabrics, some fabricators will order Lutron shades with 1 inch of fabric and then hodge podge some fabric to create an extra custom look for their customers while still enjoying the lack of sound that Lutron motors provide.

Legrand:

Legrand (formally QMotion), a significant player in the motorized shading industry, positions itself at a mid-range average price point ($$$). The companyā€™s roots trace back to a certification-based system known as QMotion, offering luxurious solutions for motorized shades renowned for their ease of prewiring. Lagrand, post-acquisition, diversified its offerings to include wireless and hardwire solutions, accommodating usersā€™ diverse preferences and requirements. Their products are designed for use in both commercial and residential settings, showcasing the versatility of Legrand’s shading solutions. The sound produced by Legrand’s motors is considered mid-quite on average, striking a balance between audibility and user comfort. 

Regarding pricing and quality, Legrand is comparable to Lutron. We are placing Legrand in the mid-range segment, balancing affordability and performance. An advantage of Legrand is its emphasis on quiet operation, with its shades recognized for being very quiet. This feature enhances the overall user experience, especially in residential settings where a more silent motor is often preferred.

Somfy:

Somfy, a prominent player in the motorized shades market by providing shade motors for multiple companies, positions itself at a mid-range average price point ($$$). The sound of the motors is very loud on average due to the nature of the products the motor has to support.

Somfy motors can handle fabric weights exceeding 200 inches, allowing the motors to move huge screens on the fabric roll. Fabricators can partner with Somfy, as they provide fabrics for creating extra-custom, one-of-a-kind shades, basically transforming any fabric into a shade.

Somfy provides both wireless and hardwired solutions for motorized shades. Their product range of motor support systems includes exterior shades and various applications, such as large windows, drapes, curtains, and rolling metal shutters. Despite the loud motor, Somfy is known for its robust, heavy-duty solutions.

A new addition to Somfy’s lineup is a Power over Ethernet (PoE) shade, addressing the need for a quieter motor. This upcoming product will provide a more user-friendly experience, especially for motor noise-sensitive people. Moreover, the PoE shade is expected to be compatible with third-party PoE control systems, offering flexibility in integration with other smart home devices.

Somfy is recognized for its simple plug-and-play solutions, making motorized shading accessible and convenient for users. Two-way communication is a notable feature, enhancing the overall control and monitoring capabilities of Somfy’s motorized shades.

Disclaimers:

With no endorsements from any company, Smarter Homes of Austin remains neutral and will continue to provide/recommend what is best for our client’s needs and viewers reading blogs within budget. However, with Peteā€™s time and skills, we prefer certain brands depending on budget and need.

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