What Qualities Should You Look for in Motorized Blinds?

As home automation has become more popular and more affordable in recent years, the motorized blinds options have expanded. While it is always good to have more options, it can make it harder to tell the wheat from the chaff. In order to help you hone in on the solution that will work best for you, here are the top questions you should ask of your motorized blinds dealer before you sign on the dotted line.

1. How durable is this motor?

Making the decision to invest in motorized shades or blinds is not something that most people do lightly. Depending on a variety of factors, including the number of windows you need treatments for, the type of motors you choose, and the cost of the window treatment themselves, you could be looking at a high price tag. That said, the old adage “you get what you pay for,” also holds true in the world of window treatments.

When you are trying to decide which solution will work best for you, seek a product that comes with a complete warranty. Some brands will provide a limited warranty that does not cover all of the parts, while some provide a complete warranty, but for a more limited time period.

When it comes to something that is as central to your home as the way you use your windows, you will want to select a brand that has a complete warranty that is guaranteed for between 3-5 years (be careful to read the fine print of a warranty. Some companies offer 5+ year warranties, but prorate them—meaning it covers a smaller percentage of the product each year). Anything less than this suggests a lack of confidence in the product, and that is not a brand you want to place front and center in your home.

2. What kind of customer support can I expect if I am having trouble?

We’ve all experienced the difference between poor and truly excellent customer service. Sub-par customer service can leave a bad taste in your mouth about that particular brand or product for years to come, while quality customer service gets you up and running and on your way again.

While ideally, you will rarely have to interact with customer service regarding your motorized blinds, you will want to ensure that the proper support is in place to meet your needs. Often, if other consumers have negative customer service experiences to report, they will report them loudly online. A quick web search should reveal patterns of poor customer service that might send you looking in another direction.

3. Which window treatments is this motor compatible with?

Before you get too excited about a particular motor, you need to know what type of shades or blinds it's compatible with. Most window treatment options can be motorized, but not all motors work with all solutions. You’ll want to verify early on that your motor and your window treatments are simpatico, otherwise you’ll be spending some time on the phone with customer service in the near future!

4. What remote options and apps will integrate with this motor?

Gadget and app lovers rejoice! The decision to install motorized blinds or shades in your home is a gateway to a wide variety of other gadgets. In order to get the most out of your blinds and to control them remotely, you will want to make sure that your motors will play nicely with your smart phone. Before purchasing your motors, make sure that your phone supports one of the apps associated with your chosen product. When you realize you need to close the blinds but are on your way to the airport, you’ll be glad you did!

All motorized blind solutions can be controlled by a remote. Before you make your final decision, it will pay to spend some time exploring the different remote options that integrate with your motors. Some remotes serve as a central hub for a variety of different automated home features, while others only control one set of blinds. Just as you researched the warranty and durability of your motor, you will also want to make sure that the remote you choose to control your blinds is backed by a comprehensive warranty.

5. How noisy is this motor?

Consumer demand coupled with advances in technology and motor design mean that you can now expect a nearly silent motor.

Before you purchase your motorized solutions, you will likely have the chance to see your chosen motor in action. Make sure you pay attention to the sounds the motor is making to see if it is at a level you are comfortable with. Noise is especially important for motorized blinds that will be installed in a bedroom.

6. How is this motor powered?

Typically, motorized window treatments are battery powered, solar powered, plug-in or wired. All of these options have their benefits, and preference and the size of the window coverings are the primary factors that dictate choosing one over the other.

Battery powered motors will generally be the least expensive of the three motorized options, because you don’t have to worry about wiring and electrical costs. A good battery should last you several years before you need to replace it, depending on how often you use it. Some brands, Somfy included, feature solar-powered batteries. If green technology appeals to you, look no further! Motorized blinds that help you manage your home energy use and are powered by the sun is about as green as it gets.

Plug and Play options provide maintenance-free operation and simply plug directly into standard household wall outlets. The thin power cord may be hidden behind draperies, side panels, top treatments, furniture or along window frame molding to preserve the décor of the room.

Wired motors feature an individual line that runs from each shade or blind to a central power hub inside your walls. People who hate cords and appreciate out of sight, out of mind approaches to home automation will find this option appealing.

Congratulations on your decision to install motorized blinds in your home! Your home will soon arrive at the next level of smart, and that's something you can be excited about. However, not all motorized window treatment systems are created equal. Before making a final purchase, it is important that you spend time thinking about the functions and capabilities that you need and want to make sure you buy the right product.