Smart blinds are a new kind of window covering designed to help you save money on your energy bills and ensure that your home stays at the right temperature, even when you’re not there to control it directly.
They are also known as automatic blinds, smart shades or automated blinds
Some smart blinds come with home-based integrations that let you, for example, integrate them with your Apple HomeKit and Nest smart home systems. Other smart blinds, like ones that come with virtual assistants like Alexa or your Google Assistant, let you control them simply by using your voice.
What are some features of smart blinds?
Smart blinds systems are composed of a few key components: sensors, motors, blinds, and a controller/hub. The sensors detect things like sunlight and heat, while the motors move the blinds up and down. The controller is the brains of the operation, connecting to your smart home’s Wi-Fi and receiving commands from you.
- Remote Control: You can control smart shades remotely, either through a remote control or through a mobile application that allows you to open or close them without direct manual input. You can set timers or schedules for certain remote controls to control when the blinds will open and close.
- Built-in Motor: The actual physical work of raising or lowering the blinds is done by this device, which can be controlled with a remote control, an app, or your voice.
- Built-in light sensor: A light sensor in some smart blinds lets you control the shades based on the exterior lighting. These sensors can also be set to detect different times of day, such as dusk or dawn.
- Virtual assistant integration: Certain smart shades have integrations with popular virtual assistants such as Siri and Alexa, meaning you can send voice commands to control them.
Are Smart Blinds Worth it? How do they work?
Yes, they are definitely worth the investment because of the energy saving features. Smart blinds can help to regulate the temperature in your home, which can save you money on your energy bills. They can also help to block out sunlight, which can keep your home cooler in the summer months.
In addition to energy savings, smart blinds can also provide privacy and security. If you have smart blinds that are connected to a security system, you can rest assured that your home is safe and secure. And if you have smart blinds that are controlled by an app, you can easily adjust the privacy settings to suit your needs.
How much do smart blinds cost?
On average, smart blinds cost between $200 and $500. The cost will depend on the size of your window, the type of blinds you choose, and the features you want.
Many people wonder if they are worth it because they don’t get to see what they’re paying for until they purchase them. However, you can get some budget picks of between $100 and $200 depending on the type and brand.
Some popular smart blind brands include SmartWings, Yoolax, Ikea, Lutron, MySmartBlinds, Serena Shades, and Neo Smart Blinds.
What are some disadvantages of Smart Blinds?
While smart blinds are worth it for some people, there are also some disadvantages to be aware of. One is that they can be quite difficult to install depending on the model you choose and sometimes quite expensive.
Additionally, they require electricity to run, so if there’s a power outage, your blinds will be unusable. Additionally, smart blinds can be difficult to troubleshoot and repair if something goes wrong.
Smart Blinds for a smarter home
Overall, we think smart blinds are a great choice if you want to automate and make your home smarter. They’re relatively inexpensive and easy to install. There are also many benefits of having them such as privacy and energy efficiency.
You can set up timers to close the blinds when you leave the house or open them when it gets dark outside. Not only that, but they also come with features like phone alerts and compatibility with home automation systems like Alexa or Nest thermostats.