The smart home automation market is growing at a rapid pace, poised to reach US $722.63 billion by 2032. Window covering automation shows continued innovation and is seeing a compound annual growth rate of 4.7%.
Below, we share the pros and concerns around smart window coverings, and what building developers need to consider when opting for automated window treatments.
5 reasons to adopt smart window coverings
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Energy efficiency and savings
With increasing risks from climate change, the recent wildfires in Los Angeles, and the constant threat of floods, it isn’t surprising that homeowners and developers are prioritizing sustainability. The eco-friendly mindset is one of the factors driving adoption of smart window shades. For the eco-conscious buyer, a smart home is an excellent energy efficient option. Automated motorized window shades can be programmed to adjust to external conditions – window coverings lift during the day so occupants don’t unnecessarily turn the lights on.
Automated window shades also optimize spaces for heating and cooling, so the home or office doesn’t get overheated with too much sun, nor does it become too cool when there is sufficient sunlight outside. When connected to smart thermostats and lighting, smart window shades create an even more efficient system that reduces energy bills.
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Home monitoring
It isn’t possible to be in one’s home, office or building all the time. But it’s hard to combat worries around security, no matter how rational or irrational they may seem. Smart automations in residences and commercial buildings are a great way to improve security even when owners are at a distance.
Automated window coverings can be programmed to randomly move throughout the day to simulate presence of occupants even when away from your home or building. Window shade automations can work alongside smart security cameras to improve the security of a property. Security cameras can detect suspicious people or objects and trigger an alarm, as well as a response from smart window coverings.
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Accessibility
According to the CDC, 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. have a disability. Yet, homes, offices and most cities aren’t made accessible. Smart automations are critical to making places accessible for disabled communities and older members of society. Smart technology like voice-activated systems, smart lighting, temperature controls, and smart shades make it easier and safer for people with disabilities to navigate their homes, offices and the world around them.
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Improved comfort and wellness
The rise of remote and hybrid work has put a greater emphasis on the importance of homes and office buildings that promote wellness. The need for more light and sunshine, as well as good ventilation, is making smart window coverings a more attractive solution for working professionals. Automated window shades can improve the overall comfort of a residence or building through programmable options. For instance, shades can be programmed to open with the sunrise for occupants to wake up naturally. The automated window coverings can also adjust to temperatures, lowering to protect occupants from excess heat, harmful UV rays, or glare, while bringing in enough natural light for people to do their work.
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Increased property value
Green homes can increase the value of a property by 3%. The increase in eco-conscious property buyers has made homes and buildings that are built using sustainable materials, and that have in-built energy-efficient features more attractive. Smart automations also have the potential to boost the value of condos, homes and buildings on the property market as they’re seen as value-added features that distinguish them from non-tech homes. Smart properties have been found to sell not only at higher prices, but also faster than non-smart homes.
Disadvantages of automated window shades
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Getting started
While smart automations have a number of advantages, some smart features can be complicated to set up, especially when connecting them with wireless protocols. When choosing smart window coverings, consider the setup process before making the decision.
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Variable costs
The more smart devices and interconnectivity one wants to add to a property, the pricier the process can become. Research the needs of the home, office or the building you want to add smart features to. If the property can function efficiently and sustainably without too many smart devices, it may be best to keep it as is.
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Technological incompatibility
The smart automation sector is still growing and as of now, not all devices are compatible with each other. While centralized control protocols like Zigbee, Z-Wave and Matter are on the rise, be aware of which automated systems offer interoperability with each other while also allowing for OTA (Over the Air) updates to be sure the products are future proofed before investing in them.
Ready to choose smart window coverings? What's next?
Now that the pros and cons of smart window coverings have been laid out and you’re ready to choose smart devices for a property, here’s what you need to keep in mind.
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Smart features are popular
Increasingly eco-conscious property buyers are leaning toward homes and buildings that include smart features because they make properties more energy-efficient and comfortable.
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Automations are value-additions
The addition of automation makes properties safer and more accessible for all occupants, but especially for people with disabilities and older communities. These value additions also make smart properties more attractive on the market.
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Always consider device compatibility
When deciding on smart devices to add to a property, developers must consider whether a non-smart device would work just as well, and whether the smart devices are compatible with each other.
