THINGS TO CONSIDER

Things to Consider When Buying Motorized Window Shades or Blinds

Power: Tapping a power source for the operation of your motorized blinds may involve hiding a wire behind existing furnishings, plugging into an existing outlet, or wiring into a local outlet. High- or low-voltage power requirements depend on the size of the window shades.

• High voltage: 120V motors are needed for a shade wider than 9 feet or for 2 or more shades powered by the same motor (also referred to as 2-on-1 application). Wiring may be subject to building codes.
• Low Voltage: 24V motors are needed for shades less than 9 feet wide or for smaller 2-on-1 applications. Wiring of low-voltage power sources is simpler and not subject to building codes. Low-voltage motors sourcing power from high-voltage sources require a transformer.

Room Usage: A sunlit room that is used often requires frequent operation of shades, necessitating the convenience of a motorized shade system. Lighting and privacy needs make bedrooms and media rooms the best choices for installation of motorized shades.

Sun Exposure: Rooms with large windows that do not receive direct sunlight and are not regularly used are not the best candidates for a motorized shade system.

Child Safety: Injury and death from entanglement in the control cords of manually operated shades are a persistent concern. With motorized shades, cords are unnecessary, and fears are eliminated, especially in rooms frequented by children. Automated shade systems can also operate on a timer customized to your child’s sleeping habits.

Control Options: Radio Frequency (RF) technology allows for a great deal of flexibility in the operation of motorized shades and electric blinds. Motorized window treatments can be controlled by a Wall Switch or Remote, both of which can be wireless. With the press of a single button, you can simultaneously operate all shades in a room, floor, or zone of your choosing. Control can also be integrated with lights, AC, and Audio-Visual components for customized operation of all elements with a single remote or touch panel. Integrated Control can be arranged in addition to (or instead of) Stand-Alone control systems.

Value & Performance: There are simple ways to lower the costs of your motorized shade system without compromising performance. The key is configuration:

• You may operate multiple shades with a single motor, sacrificing individual control of each shade.
• You may avoid extra-large shades and opt for multiple shades to cover large windows, utilizing a 2-on-1 control configuration.

Warranties: Most motors come with a 5-year warranty and electronic components come with a 1-year warranty from the manufacturer. Installation is covered for 1 year by the company that installs your window treatments. If any unlikely problems occur, it is typically within the first year (3 months) of operation, and trip charges and service fees will be covered.