June 10, 2024

Smart Shades, Smarter Living: NYC's Guide to Motorized Window Treatments

Look, we believe in a world where everything inside your home can be controlled by a mobile device. And while most people have already done this with their lights, security system, HVAC, locks, and outlets, why not extend your smart home to include your shades?

We all have a morning routine – and, perhaps more importantly, have a certain thing we do the moment we wake up. It’s that thing that gets us started in the morning and sets the tone for the rest of the day. 

For some people, that ‘thing’ is to make a cup of coffee, hop in the shower, or chug a glass of water. 

For me, my ‘thing’ is to open up the blinds and let that New York City sunlight wake me up. 

Maybe I’m different, maybe I’m not, but I can’t start – and don’t want to start – my day any other way, 

But there’s one small problem with my morning routine – and it’s that it takes forever to go through and open up every blind or shade in my home. Especially since I have nine windows in my living room, alone. 

It’s a problem I struggled with for years, but it wasn’t until someone suggested swapping out my vintage, 1970s-looking shades for something a little newer, more modern, and more technologically advanced. 

Let’s just say I’ve been using motorized shades ever since – and I have no plans of switching back!

Battery, Solar, Hardwired: The Three Shades of Innovation 

Motorized shades are a hit or miss with most homeowners today – not because people aren’t interested in them, but because people either aren’t aware they exist or are worried they won’t be able to afford it.

But that’s what brings us here today – because they do exist. 

And they’re much more affordable than you’d think. 

The truth is there are a wide range of different types of motorized window treatments, but the availability (and cost) will largely boil down to your preference – both in the design of the shade and its function. 

With that said, let’s take a look at the three most prominent types of motorized shades today: 

  1. Battery-powered shades, as the name suggests, are powered by batteries – meaning there’s no wires and they don’t need to be plugged into an outlet. 
  2. Solar-powered shades, as the name suggests, are powered by sunlight – while there aren’t any wires, they do require a solar panel to be placed in sunlight.
  3. Hardwired shades are connected directly to the home’s electrical system – the wires can be hidden, but this usually requires an electrician or professional installer. 

There are pros and cons to each, but hardwired shades will always be the best option – and as an authorized Lutron dealer and installer, we will always recommend the use of Lutron motorized shades. 

Effortless Elegance: Why Lutron Motorized Shades Are a Game-Changer

Motorized window treatments are all the rage today, but too many people are still trying to figure out if they’re worth the investment. If you’re one of those people, then we’re going to try and clear things up. 

Because motorized shades can be a game-changer for the right homeowner. 

And sure, we might be a little biased, but we think they’re more than worth it!

Don’t worry – we don’t expect you to take our word for it without first hearing all the good things we have to say about them. So, let’s take a look at some of the most prominent benefits of motorized shades. 

1. Convenience & Accessibility

If you’re like me and have 10+ windows throughout your living room, dining room, and kitchen, then having to manually open and close the blinds on a daily basis is more than just a routine – it’s a chore. 

With motorized shades, it’s as simple and convenient as pushing a button. 

Not only that, but motorized shades are ideal for those hard-to-reach windows that no one can reach – unless you have a ladder, but who wants to go through all that trouble? Don’t worry – you won’t have to!

2. Safe for Pets & Children

If you have children or pets in the house, then you understand how dangerous dangling cords and random wires can be when left unattended. All it takes is one small mistake for everything to go wrong.

With motorized shades, you can eliminate the need for cords – and, therefore, eliminate the risk. 

And since the safety risks are minimized, parents and pet owners can live peacefully knowing their loved ones are safe around the window – especially when you’re not home to supervise them or stand watch.  

3. Energy-Efficient & Money-Saving

Many people think shades are only good for letting in (or keeping out) sunlight, but they also play a major role in regulating the temperature inside your home by keeping warm air (and cool air) from entering. 

This not only reduces the need for artificial light, but also means your AC unit won’t have to work as hard.

With motorized shades, you can program your window treatments to open and close at certain times of the day – opening when you want to let sunlight in, but closing when you want to regulate temperature.

4. Security & Privacy

How many times have you left your home in a hurry and forgot to close the blinds? Depending on how long you expect to be gone, this can pose a significant security risk since people can clearly see inside. 

If you didn’t have motorized shades, then that paranoia would start to set in fairly quickly. 

With motorized shades, you could open and close the blinds from anywhere – whether you’re at work, shopping, or on vacation in another state (or country). In other words, that paranoia would be gone!

5. Increased Home Value

Having motorized shades might not increase your home’s value in the same way a renovated kitchen would, but they make for an excellent selling point when potential buyers compare your home to others. 

It might not add a lot of monetary value to the home, but it’ll make the property more appealing. 

Homes equipped with smart technology, including motorized shades, are often perceived as more advanced and convenient, increasing their marketability – which could result in a good ‘ol bidding war.

PSE Audio-Visual: Motorized Shades for a Modern Home

Are you tired of walking around your house everytime you want to open or close a blind? Do you want your shades to integrate with the rest of your smart home setup? Are traditional blinds just not cutting it anymore? 

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of those questions, then you’ve come to the right place. 

Welcome to PSE Audio-Visual – where traditional shades are a thing of the past. 

Look, we believe in a world where everything inside your home can be controlled by a mobile device. And while most people have already done this with their lights, security system, HVAC, locks, and outlets, why not extend your smart home to include your shades? Well, that’s possible with Lutron motorized shades.  

To learn more about Lutron motorized shades or to receive a quote from one of our trusted experts, please don’t hesitate to contact us today at (347) 460-4590 or schedule an appointment with us online.

Thinking about integrating voice control in your home? PSE Audio Visual can help set up your devices with a seamless voice control system.
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