The Best Smart Blinds for Alexa, Google Assistant, and HomeKit
Smart blinds and window treatment Indianapolis, similar to conventional window treatments, offer privacy, prevent sunlight and other sources of heat, and may reduce your energy expenses. However, unlike conventional blinds and shades, the majority of motorized versions are endowed with the technology to communicate with your other home automation devices and connect over the internet. This means that you can open and close them using an app, a voice assistant such as Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri, or even your smart speaker, all without having to get up from the settee or raise a finger.
There are two methods by which smart blinds and window treatments operate: some are hardwired into your home’s electrical system or can be plugged into a receptacle, while others operate on battery power. There are advantages and disadvantages to each approach. An electrician will be required to install hard-wired models, which may be more cost-effective than the more expensive battery-powered alternatives. The battery-powered devices operate effectively; however, they may necessitate installation of a charger and necessitate replacement every few months.
Both varieties of smart shutters are available from the majority of manufacturers. Rechargeable batteries are the most prevalent; however, they necessitate climbing a ladder to be replaced. The majority of these are expected to operate for approximately one year before requiring replacement. However, for optimal results, it is recommended that you invest in lithium AAs, which are typically priced at $35 per pack.
Smart Blinds from Ikea are among the most cost-effective alternatives. They are available in eight predetermined configurations, with a width ranging from 23 to 48 inches. Installation is effortless, and the interface is straightforward. However, in order to activate their intelligent capabilities and connect them to your smartphone, you will require a gateway or bridge (sold separately). Click here for more information about blinds and windows.
The Serena Smart Wood Blinds from Lutron are the most intelligent option. They are both visually appealing and user-friendly, and they operate with reliability. Natural Light Optimization is the most notable feature, as it autonomously adjusts the slats of the shutters to accommodate the sun’s movement throughout the day. The Lutron Caseta Smart Hub enables you to integrate your customized room scenes with other smart home devices, and you can also create and schedule them through the app.
The majority of motorized smart blinds are compatible with other home automation systems, such as security systems, thermostats, and lighting. For instance, numerous PowerView shades from Eve and Lutron are compatible with Apple HomeKit and other smart-home ecosystems. Additionally, their actuators can be integrated with your voice assistant, enabling you to operate them by simply saying, “Hey Alexa, turn on the kitchen lights.”
For families with active lifestyles or frequent travelers who wish to create the illusion of an occupied residence while they are away, smart blinds may be the optimal solution. Additionally, you have the option to program them to autonomously open and close on a daily basis, preventing your air conditioner and heating system from working excessively by blotting out the sun at specific times and allowing it in at other times.