Remote control operated, motorized shades are increasing in popularity day by day. Sometimes, however, customers don’t get exactly what they had imagined. With a bit of planning, you can avoid being disappointed.
Years ago there were fewer options. The first remote controllers were infrared, point and shoot devices. Today radio frequency remotes are the norm. Hard wiring and replaceable batteries powered most motorized shades. Rechargeable shades are, today, a great choice.
Motorized Shades Checklist:
Controller options
Most systems require or, at least, offer a hand held remote controller but smart phone apps and whole house automation systems are on the rise.
Consider these hi-tech enhancements but I think it’s a great idea to have a traditional controller as a backup.
Inexperienced sales people may not think to suggest having a controller for each room but the wisdom of multiple remotes will become apparent as you run from room to room searching for your controller.
Power Supply
Replaceable batteries are still quite common. Generally, you will have to load a ‘tube’ or ‘wand’ with up to 8 AA batteries. If you have several shades in a room, this can represent a significant expense each time your batteries run down.
Rechargeable batteries solve this problem and also offer the greater convenience of not having to run out to the convenience store when your bedroom shade is stuck in the up position.
Hardwiring to a multi-shade power supply can add a lot to your ticket but it is the most convenient and reliable option.
Battery placement
Not all shades are available with internal batteries. If not, discuss external battery placement with your salesperson.
For outside mount applications, it can be difficult to find an unobtrusive spot to install an external wand or tube.
Again, inexperienced consultants will not explain this, leaving the hapless installer the task of choosing the location AND dealing with the consumer’s frustration.