VSC Window Coverings offers motorized window coverings that enhance convenience, energy efficiency, and security by allowing users to adjust their window coverings with the push of a button or through automated schedules. The various technologies range from simple button pushes to integrated smart blind systems.
Power Wands
The simplest and least expensive way to motorize shades is through the use of a “wand’ that incorporates a down function, up function, and stop. The wand is primarily available on roller shades and cellular shades. All run off rechargeable batteries, or in some cases, may be direct wired from an alternate power source. The wand length can be specified to accommodate your ability to reach and operate the shade.
Remote Capabilities
Next are popular remote control operations. Depending upon the manufacturer, either through the use of radio frequency or Bluetooth technology, a remote or cell phone is used to control the shades. Remote control uses motors powered by battery packs, rechargeable batteries, or wired directly to a power source. The battery packs and rechargeable batteries generally last 10-12 months and some even longer depending upon the size and weight of the shade.
Solar power is also used to power the movement of the shades in conjunction with rechargeable batteries. The sun’s rays trickle-charge the batteries to provide the energy necessary to operate the shade during nights or lower sunlight times. Solar power is best suited for good east, south, or west exposures. North exposures may not be ideal for best results.
Skylights and hard to reach windows may be perfect for solar powered shades, given the right directional exposure. If windows do not have electrical outlets, or are not conveniently located for replacing batteries, solar power is a great solution. We have solar power options for cellular and roller shades.
Smart Blinds Systems
With the advent of smart home technology, many motorized window coverings are now compatible with voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. These systems can be controlled through apps on smart phones or tablets, allowing for personalized schedules and automatic movement of shades. You no longer need to manually raise and lower your shades.
Many smart blind systems may also be integrated with home lighting and security systems. This allows the user endless opportunities to maximize energy efficiencies, set scenes such as dimming lights and lowering shades for movie watching, dimming the light to reduce glare on computer screens, etc.
Hunter Douglas has introduced their new Aura® illuminated shades. This is a group of smart blinds that incorporates not only light filtering and room darkening shades, but also LED lights to softly illuminate a room when needed. For example, the shade can be programmed to slowly dim the light at night to help a child comfortably fall asleep. Also, if you need light to wake up during winter’s dark mornings, the shades softly illuminate the room simulating the light a natural sunrise would provide. For a demonstration visit our showroom.
For your convenience, efficiencies, comfort, and security, shades can move automatically whether home or away. You can set schedules, or move the shades with your phone or tablet (with an internet connection).
Come see us today to help determine the best system for your needs. We are at W. 6th and Polk, Eugene.