Controlling your lights automatically with home automation is a great start, and disabling your alarm system as you pull into the driveway is even better. However, if you really want to make an impression on your guests, open your window shades with a remote control.
Building Remote Control Window Shades
If you can control something with electric power, you can control it with your home automation system. Exterior awnings, indoor blinds, plantation shutters, pull drapes, or a pull down projection screen can all be motorized.
You can control your drapes or blinds once you’ve motorized them. However, home automation kits don’t include motor controllers for window shades; you have to do that part yourself. There are many manufacturers and resellers of shade motor systems including blindshademotors.com and somfysystems.com.
Why Automate Your Window Coverings?
Consider these benefits to using automated remote control window blinds:
Increase Your Privacy – When the sun goes down, your windows become portals to the inside of your home. During the day you are afforded some privacy. When it grows dark outside, and the lights come on inside, your private business becomes public to anyone passing by. Using an ambient light sensor like the one made by SimpleHomeNet gives you the ability to automatically close your blinds or curtains after dark.
Hard To Reach Places – Motorized and automatic control makes opening and closing blinds in high or hard to reach places a snap. Window blinds and skylights in high places like cathedral ceilings look attractive but rarely get opened because of the monumental effort required to do so. Automating these blinds allows you to get full enjoyment from them. Once you’ve automated them, opening or closing is as simple as using a remote control or controller.
Save On Energy Bills – Closing your shades automatically during the summer months can reduce your air conditioning use by stopping the hot sun’s rays from heating up your home. Likewise, closing them when its cold outside can help hold your valuable heat in. Programming your system for either of these energy saving events prevents costly forgetfulness.
Reduce Sun Damage On Your Furniture – Direct sunlight takes it toll on expensive furniture. Using automatic timers or computer control to program the times your blinds or shades are open, allows you to protect your valuable furniture from direct sunlight. Simply program your system to close your window coverings during those times when the sun blares through and then open again after.