Motorization is a tricky topic that still raises a lot of questions for people in the window covering industry. We surveyed professionals and asked them what issues were still vexing them, then put those queries to a variety of manufacturers and window covering pros. Their responses are included here. If you still have motorization questions, join us for a special edition of VISION Seat, Window Fashion VISION’s Facebook Live show, on Wednesday, July 21 at 4 p.m. Eastern.
What are some of the benefits of motorized treatments that I can communicate to consumers?
According to research, these are the main drivers of smart home purchases:
Safety: Smart window coverings make spaces safer, as children and pets can no longer get tangled in hazardous loops or control cords. Next, thanks to preset scenes and timers, smart window coverings are continuously in motion, making the home always seem inhabited. It creates a sense of security and helps to prevent break-ins.
Energy efficiency: Smart window coverings are able to automatically adapt to changing conditions inside and outside the home. This makes it possible to regulate the indoor climate and save energy by making the best use of the insulating properties of window coverings.
Put simply, the key benefits of smart window coverings perfectly match the main motivators for consumers to make their homes smart. The extra investment makes life safer, more energy efficient and more comfortable. These are major considerations when selling motorized window coverings. —Roy Ebbekink, Coulisse
How do I sell motorization, especially given that it’s a considerable upsell?
Motorized shades contain a certain “wow” factor, but as with any emerging technology, price is generally the primary hurdle to overcome. That is why selling the experience is the preferred approach to rationalize the investment in motorized shading systems.
The connected home continues to trend upward, and motorized shades are a natural fit to expand a home’s capabilities. —Jennifer LaBollita, Rollease Acmeda
Do you need different motors to power different window treatments like shades, shutters and drapes?
Yes, there are different motors for large or small windows and roller shades, draperies, roman shades, blinds and even transitional shades. There are many reasons for this. A motor that powers a shade is different in form than a motor that powers a motorized drapery track. Other factors to consider are the size of the shade and the weight of the fabric being motorized. Plus, you need to consider whether your client wants a wired solution or a battery-powered solution. —David Parrett, Somfy
What should I look for in drapery-specific motorization products?
Motorized drapery hardware products should offer a rich experience and simple, integrated solutions for your customers. Look for a belt-driven track that can be bent, spliced and is available as a single or double system. It should be compatible with decorative fascias and available for both ripplefold and pinch-pleat headings. Tracks should have automatic, manual and adjustable end limits and a manual override.
Don’t forget to check the manufacturer’s warranty and customer service reputation. Motorization is a more complex, technical process and you’ll want real-time answers. —Sunil Patel, Orion Ornamental Iron
What do I need to know about motorizing very large shades, screens or other window treatments?
Shades can be motorized practically without limit, even to large sizes. In fact, motorization enables the largest of shades, as they cannot practically be opened or closed by a person without motorization.
The good news is these large systems still operate inexpensively with current radio frequency remote controllers and home automation hubs, so you can take advantage of all the systems currently available (e.g., Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant) to command even the largest of shades. — David Biedermann, Leviosa Motor Shades
How do I know what type of motorization controller technology to use in different situations?
It depends on what you’re trying to achieve. If the goal is to integrate window treatments into a smart home system, the Z-Wave protocol is the leading technology used in millions of devices around the world today, including Google, Alexa, SmartThings and Wink. Z-Wave-powered shades utilize lowpowered, advanced wireless radio technology with two-way communication for reliable, effortless operation and are compatible with all control types and power sources. It is an allencompassing, easy-to-use platform.
Lastly, if you are looking for a more price-conscious way to motorize window treatments without the use of remotes, consider a motorized wand. A simple and affordable solution, motorized wands offer intuitive operation with a three-button controller. As a safer alternative to corded lift options, these wands provide function as well as peace of mind. —Julia Dorn, Graber
When is it appropriate to use a solar battery charger?
Although solar panel efficiency relies on numerous factors (the direction it’s facing, shadows going over the window during the day, the height of the window, etc.), in most cases, solar panels are more than enough to charge a blind’s motor. Because solar chargers typically need a few seconds of some really good sun to get started, it is sometimes difficult to get them working in some locations during darker months of the year. However, newer solar systems are more efficient and can provide enough energy for the work even in isolated conditions. For example, as our office in Estonia, even the north-facing windows get enough sunlight to charge the battery of our smart shades fully, even in the middle of winter. —Danylo Herasymov, SOMA Smart Home
How is specifying motorized products for residential different than working on commercial projects?
At its core, motorization is similar between residential and commercial projects in that they both utilize motors to provide handsfree operation of blinds and shades. However, commercial and residential projects have several key differentiators.
While automation is still an essential part of a residential project, the integrations are much simpler, easier to install and focused on on-demand use and predictable scheduling. For example, residential motorization is often integrated into the Amazon Echo or Google Home system for voice commands such as, “OK Google, raise my living room shades.” Further, scheduling the window treatments’ movements in residential projects typically revolves around optimizing one’s home experience by coordinating the shades’ movements with routines, such as waking up, watching TV and going to bed. —Mickey Fain, Stoneside Blinds & Shades
What are the differences between indoor and outdoor motorization hardware? What do I need to watch for in outdoor hardware particularly?
You also need to consider power. It typically comes to the header, but it might need to come up the side channel based on the location. Due to the heavier product and environment, higher-voltage, slower- RPM motors are required. Radio obstacle detection motors are popular options for outdoor applications. —Clint Childress, Draper
What tips can I share to make clients’ experience with smart hubs better?
The single most important tip we provide to our clients and customers is to keep it simple. When setting up automation and scenes between your apps and smart hubs, you can tweak and fine-tune controls almost to an infinite level. We recommend that customers keep the commands simple and specific. For example, a good command would be “Living Room Close” or “Ryan’s Room Open” (my favorite for the teen trying to sleep in a little too long). By keeping the commands simple, they become easy for all users to remember. Making statements difficult can lead to users forgetting the commands and make the automated hubs ineffective and less user friendly. —Dan Carpenter, Turnils North America
My customers are concerned about the security of the device they use to operate their motorized treatments. How can I reassure them that this technology is safe and won’t get hacked?
As we have learned through recent events, there are vulnerabilities in technology, and this creates concerns for smart home automation. But there are a number of safety nets you can look for and share with customers to put them at ease.
Last, look for manufacturers who don’t monetize the data they get from smart home devices. Many companies these days will give you a low-cost product in exchange for your private information. Others will not ask for or collect personal data, which gives you the greatest option for protecting your data and home. —Joseph Astran, Alpha Tubular Motors V
