Now you can control your motorized shades effortlessly with just your voice, using simple commands like, “Alexa, open primary bedroom shades.” Motorized shades—also known as smart, electric, or power shades—feature an integrated electric motor that allows for seamless opening and closing via remote control or app. When integrated with Amazon Alexa or Google Home, these shades elevate your smart home experience by offering unparalleled convenience and automation.
Voice control lets you manage shades in a single room, multiple rooms, or throughout your entire home. For example, you might say, “Google, set nursery shades to 50%,” or “Alexa, open all shades to 75%.” These voice commands enable precise adjustment of your shades anytime, enhancing both comfort and privacy with ease.
You Can Also Set Up Custom ‘Routines’ and ‘Scenes’:
- Routines automatically open or close shades at specific times. For example, saying “Alexa, good morning” could open all the shades in your home.
- Scenes integrate your shades with other smart home devices for a cohesive experience. A command like “Alexa, start movie night” could lower the shades, dim the lights, adjust the thermostat, and turn on your TV simultaneously.
Additional Features & Advantages
Beyond basic voice commands, motorized shades offer enhanced features when connected to Alexa or Google Home:
- Control from Anywhere: Use Alexa or Google Home apps to operate your shades remotely, whether you’re at home, work, or traveling. You can also set schedules for your shades to open or close automatically at preset times.
- Hands-Free Convenience: Voice commands remove the need for remotes or wall switches, making shade operation accessible for everyone, including those with mobility challenges.
- Energy Efficiency: Automated shades help regulate your home’s temperature by blocking heat during summer and retaining warmth in winter, reducing energy consumption and lowering utility bills.
- Enhanced Security: Automatically moving your shades while you’re away creates the illusion of occupancy, helping deter potential intruders and adding an extra layer of home protection.
If Acadia has installed your motorized shades or if you’re considering adding them, here’s what you need to know: to enable voice control with Alexa or Google Home, a smart hub or gateway is necessary. This hub connects your shades to your home network and allows them to respond to voice commands.
Your Sales Consultant will assist you in selecting the appropriate hub for your system. While Acadia can guide you on where to purchase the hub, the device setup will be your responsibility. The type of hub and accompanying app depends on your shade motor type:
- Z-Wave Motors: Require a Bond Bridge and the free Graber Motorization App, available on both Apple and Android devices. The Bond Bridge is priced between $120 and $380 on Amazon.
- RTS Motors: Need the Somfy Tahoma Hub, costing approximately $280 on Amazon, along with the free Somfy App for Apple and Android.
Motorized shades are rapidly gaining popularity due to their sleek design, modern convenience, and energy-saving benefits. They offer far more functionality than traditional window coverings, seamlessly integrating into your smart home ecosystem. Ready to upgrade your home with automated window treatments? Schedule a free consultation with one of our experts today!
In addition to voice control and automation, motorized shades offer customization options such as light filtering, blackout settings, and fabric choices suited to your décor. Modern motorized systems often provide quiet operation and battery-efficient designs, minimizing maintenance. Integration with other smart devices like lighting and thermostats allows for comprehensive environmental control tailored to your lifestyle. As smart home technology evolves, motorized shades continue to lead in convenience, energy management, and home security, making them a worthwhile investment for any homeowner looking to blend technology with comfort.
