How Do Motorized Shades Work?

One moment, you’re settled into a nice, comfortable seat, and the next, a ray of sunlight falls across your face and blinds you. It’s not always convenient to get up and close your window shade. Fortunately, modern technology has solved this problem. Enter motorized window shades. Adding motorization to window shades lets you adjust them with the click of a button. But before ordering yours, learn how motorized shades work so you can choose the best operating system for your needs.

The Ins And Outs Of How Motorized Shades Work

No window treatment is easier to use than a motorized shade. Instead of walking across the room to open or close the shade manually, you simply push a button on a remote controller to engage a small motor on the shade. The motor moves the shade up or down to the perfect place to achieve the level of natural light you want. 

As with other custom window treatments, you have options for customizing motorized shades. You can choose from different power methods and even consider incorporating smart technology. Ask your window treatment installer how their motorized shades work before ordering. They’ll discuss your options and help you decide what works best for your window.

Battery-Powered

If you want to keep your motorized shade simple, battery-powered motorization will appeal to you. These shades have a tube at the top that lifts and lowers the shade. Its motor is powered by batteries, usually AA, lithium, or rechargeable ones. Battery-powered motorized shades are easy to install and don’t require an electrical outlet. However, you will have to buy and replace the batteries occasionally.

Hardwired

If you don’t want to change batteries, you can get a hardwired shade motor. You’ll need an electrician to wire the motor to your home’s power distribution panel. This option is excellent if you’re having multiple motorized shades installed. You’ll enjoy easy-to-operate shades without the cost of batteries. Just keep in mind that the motor won’t work during a power outage.

DC Power Adaptor

You can also power motorized shades with a DC power adaptor. These shades have a cord that plugs into an outlet to power the motor. They’re easy to install and don’t cost as much to run as buying batteries. Their only drawback is that you need an outlet by the window, and you might not like the look of the cord.

Smart Motorization

If you thought motorized shades couldn’t get any easier, ask your installer about smart motorized shades. Their motors connect to your smart home hub and can even communicate with your hand-held devices. You can use an app or even voice commands to operate them. Additionally, you can program smart shades to automatically rise or lower on a schedule. So if you like sunlight in the morning but don’t want to come home to a hot house after work, you could program your shades to lower and darken the room in the afternoon.

What Types Of Shades Can Be Motorized?

Virtually any window shade can have motorization added to it. That includes

• Cellular shades

• Roller shades

• Transitional shades

• Roman shades

• Sheer shades

• Woven fiber shades

Work with your window treatment installer to choose the perfect shade style for your window and then ask about motorization options.

Find Motorized Shades For Every Window At Sunburst Shutters!

You’ll find the best motorized window shades at Sunburst Shutters & Window Fashions. Our motorized shades combine beauty and convenience. Discover your new favorite shade when you schedule a free in-home consultation. Call 877-786-2877 or fill out the form below to schedule your appointment, and we’ll send an experienced consultant to your home to demonstrate our motorized shades and help you order yours.