How to Customize and Program Automated Blinds for Different Scenarios

 When it comes to smart home upgrades, few items are more logical than replacing your existing Smart Blinds with made-to-measure motorized versions. This will not only make your house more energy-efficient and comfortable, but it will also add to the overall value of your home, especially if you live in a market that has a good track record of rising property values.



 HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant

The key is to ensure the motorized blinds you purchase will work with your smart home system, whether it be Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Nest or another system. Some brands (like Graber's Virtual Cord cellular shades, above) offer standalone systems that work with the respective assistants and hubs; others — such as Lutron's Serena Shades and its accompanying Smart Bridge — are "agnostic" and can be incorporated into most any system.

Graber's Virtual Cord motorized blinds

Almost all smart blinds require more than just a motor to function, however. They must have a communications protocol that transmits command and control messages, which can be carried wirelessly or over an ethernet cable. Those that go the wireless route rely on a standard like Z-Wave, which is used by Graber's Virtual Cord motorized blinds; Lutron's Caseta Wireless blinds rely on its own proprietary Clear Connect RF specification.

 Maximize natural sunlight during

A few smart blinds even incorporate in-built sensor technology that can communicate with your smart thermostat or other sensors throughout the home. That way, the shade can sense when it is getting too hot and shut itself down, minimizing electricity use; or conversely, close in time to maximize natural sunlight during the winter to help reduce heating costs.

A remote control with easy-to-use controls

Most of the smart blinds we've reviewed feature a remote control with easy-to-use controls; some have mobile apps that give you more customization options and automation potential. Some allow you to set schedules, so your shades will open and close at the same times each day; others use geofencing to automatically adjust based on your location.

Limited mobility or disabilities

Lastly, some of the smart blinds that we've reviewed offer features to help those with limited mobility or disabilities. These might include voice or manual controls, a built-in motor that lifts and lowers the shades without the need for a physical action, or a solar panel that collects energy during the day and powers the shade's built-in motor each night.

Conclusion

You can find a variety of Smart Blinds at most home improvement stores; some are offered online through companies like Home Depot, Lowe's and Walmart. Other options are available from manufacturers that specialize in this type of product, such as Ikea Tredansen and SmartWings; or from companies that offer a wide range of home automation products, such as the popular iHome brand. If you're going with the latter option, we recommend comparing a few models before making a purchase. Ideally, look for a smart blind that has a color LCD screen so you can easily identify the settings you want to change. Also be sure to download the app for your chosen smart blinds if you're not already using one and to test out voice control if possible.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How to Address Common Issues with Wrinkles and Creases in Silk Curtains

Image
  Silk Curtains  are a luxurious addition to any window in your home. They offer a soft, lustrous appearance that will intensify any room’s decor. They also come in a variety of styles and colors, making them versatile enough to suit any taste. However, there are some things you should keep in mind when selecting silk curtains for your home. Advantages of silk One of the primary advantages of silk is that it resists wrinkles far better than other natural fabrics. It also withstands crushing and rumpling, which makes it an excellent choice for drapes that will be hung over furniture. It is also soundproof, which will help to quiet down a noisy room. Finally, silk has a natural protein fiber that helps to slow the aging process, which means it will stay in good condition for much longer than other fabrics. Another advantage of silk is that it is hypoallergenic. This will make it a great option for people with sensitive skin or allergies. Additionally, silk is also fire-resistant...
Read more

How to Style Silk Curtains for Different Home Decorating Themes

Image
  Silk Curtains add a luxurious feel to any living space. Choose from a wide range of colors, fabrics and patterns to create a style that suits your room. You can also opt for a plain or twill weave fabric to enhance the look of the fabric, or go with a jacquard pattern that adds texture and dimension. When choosing a color, think about whether it will work with your furniture and accents. If you want your curtains to be the focal point of the room, consider a bolder color. However, be sure to consider the lighting in the room; bright colors tend to fade more quickly under direct sunlight.  Curtains is fabric type and thickness Another important factor when selecting curtains is fabric type and thickness. A thinner fabric is less durable than a thicker one, and it’s more likely to wrinkle. Consider the amount of light filtering you need as well. If you’re looking for privacy, cotton or linen curtains are a good choice as they block out more light than silk. A lining will add ...
Read more

How Sensor Technology Works in Smart Curtains for Light and Temperature Regulation

Image
  As Smart Curtains Home Technology takes over the market, it has brought many conveniences to everyday life and made people’s lives easier. One of the key components is a Smart Curtain Control System, which allows you to operate your curtains with an app on your phone or via voice commands from a smart speaker like an Alexa or Google Assistant. Besides the obvious benefits of preserving privacy and adding an appealing ambiance to your house, this technology has other advantages as well, including energy efficiency and reduced costs.  Open or close at certain Smart Curtains use motors to open and close automatically, which means you don’t have to get up from your couch to manually pull them up or down. You can also program them to open or close at certain times of the day based on your schedule or sync them with your home’s heat sensors. A wide range of sizes and styles to suit any room They are also a lot easier to install than traditional curtains, as they can be easily fit...
Read more