Motorized Shades: Answering the Most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Have questions or trepidation about motorized shades? Start here
When we talk to clients about motorized shades, we tend to get lots of questions. They tend to be about styles, fabric choices, wired vs. battery power, control, and other matters. We think that anyone considering new window treatments should at least consider motorization for a variety of practical and purely luxurious reasons – they are amazingly convenient, increase comfort, and can even save money on energy bills, especially in the sunny and hot Nevada climate.
If you are wondering whether motorized shades are right for your Las Vegas home, peruse our FAQ below. And if we don’t have all the answers here, we’d love to hear from you!
SEE ALSO: Save Money, Energy, and the Environment with Motorized Shades
Do motorized shades need wiring?
No! There are wired options, but many styles run on batteries. Wired models might be needed for really large shades for big windows – some Lutron battery-powered shades can go as big as 12 ft by 12 ft!
How long do batteries last in shades?
That’s a great question. It depends on the size and weight of the shade and how often it goes up and down, but you can expect 1-3 years of normal operation on regular D-cell batteries.
How quiet are the shade motors?
Shade motors are extremely quiet. They emit just a faint hum.
Do shades go up and down together in the same room, or are they hopelessly unsynchronized?
That’s another great question. When it comes to Lutron shades, their proprietary Intelligent Hembar Alignment ensures that shades are coordinated within a quarter inch when raising or lowering. It’s like a symphony.
Do I need to use another app or a touchscreen to control powered shades?
You can use an app if you choose, but you have options. There are regular button remotes or convenient, elegant wall-mounted programmable keypads that give you easy control of your shades and window treatments.
I just want my shades to go up and down at certain times. Or when there’s too much sun coming in. Can they do that?
Yes, absolutely. If you don’t want to think about raising or lowering your shades, put them on a schedule of your choosing. You can even vary it with the season. And you can use light sensors to automatically trigger the shades on one side of the room to lower if you so choose.
Do I need to connect my shades to the internet like every other smart device?
Not necessarily. If you only want to use them at home or automate them via schedules and sensors, you do not need internet access to manage them. If you want access to them while you’re away from home, internet access is required to get into your home or shade control system.
We realize you may have many more questions about motorized window treatments, and the team at Fusion Home Systems would be happy to answer them. Get started by reaching out to us today! We look forward to working with you.
