Adding elements of automation in your home has risen in popularity over the past few years. The way we take care of our home has changed dramatically. Whether you choose to automate your lights, locks, security cameras or even your window treatments, there have been plenty of innovations in home automations.
If you’re one of the people considering getting motorized window treatments, there can be a lot of information to sift through. Making the right choice when buying motorized blinds can feel challenging, but this is why we’ve created this guide to help you find the best motorized blinds for your home.
4 things to look for when choosing motorized blinds
Warranty
When trying to determine which type of blinds will work best to suit your needs, the first advice we recommend looking at is the warranty that comes with the product. Some brands offer a limited warranty that only covers certain parts of the motor while other brands will offer a complete warranty. The duration of the warranty is another factor to take into account, some manufacturers may offer longer warranties while others have more comprehensive ones that are for a limited time.
Since your windows are a central component of your home, you will want to select a product and manufacturer that offers a complete warranty for a minimum of 3-5 years. You will want to pay close attention to the fine print, some companies offer 5 or more years of warranty but prorate them. What that means is they cover a smaller percentage of the blinds each year the longer into the warranty. A good warranty is a good testament to the quality of product and the amount of faith the company has in it.
Customer Support Options
Another element you’d want to consider when looking at motorized blinds is the customer service. While in an ideal world, you wouldn’t have to interact with customer service, there is always a chance you will have to. Customer service is an important part of problem solving and ensuring that your product is working efficiently and effectively.
Having the proper support in place can assist you with any problems, questions or concerns with your motorized blinds. Taking a look into a company’s review will help you filter through those with excellent, good and sub-par quality customer service. You want to choose a brand that supports their customers and is capable of answering inquiries or concerns.
App integrations
Most of today’s motorized and automated blinds or shades are controlled with remotes but can also have app integrations. In order to get the most out of your automated blinds, you’ll want to check and see if the brand you choose is compatible with smartphones or tablets. This somewhat simplistic feature can have a significant impact on your daily living. Some brands allow you to have a customizable schedule for when your blinds open and close or you can choose to have them set to rise and close with the sunset or sunrise.
Make sure to spend some time researching different remote options since some remote controls can integrate with other automated home features. Depending on how automated gadgets you have in your home will help you narrow down your options contingent on if this is a necessary feature for your home. You’lll also want to ensure that remote control is covered in the brand’s warranty.
How the motor is powered
Now one of the last factors to look for in the motorized blinds is how the motor is actually powered. There are 3 ways the motor can be powered which include: battery, solar powered, plug-in or wired.
Battery powered motors generally are on the cheaper side of the motor options, since with this option you don’t need to worry about wiring and electrical costs. A good battery can last several years before needing replacement, but this is dependent on how much you use it. Some brands have even integrated solar-powered batteries, if green technology appeals to you this is a great option for you.
“Plug and play” options are maintenance free operation, and work by plugging into standard household outlets. This option does have a power cord, but it can easily be concealed behind draperies, side panels, furniture or along the window frame in order to preserve the decor of the room.
Wired motor features are more ideal for those who don’t like cords out in the open. This feature has lines that run from each shade or blind to a central power hub behind the walls.
