Windows, Shades & Drapes

Without doubt, natural light and the warmth of the sun through our windows, is a welcome aspect at home and in the workplace. It has even been shown that natural daylight increases productivity levels of workers, while reducing energy consumption.

Nevertheless, there are times when a certain level of protection from the sun, or a need for privacy or a lower level of light, requires that blinds or curtains/drapes should be drawn. An automation system can help.

By linking the control of blinds, shutters, drapes or curtains, with an automated control system, this can be a simple procedure.

For example, using logic to close the blinds automatically when sunlight falls across the windows, can reduce glare in the workplace, or protect furnishings in the home.  An additional benefit with much of the sunlight reflected back by the lowered shades, is that the HVAC system doesn't need to work so hard, thus using less energy.

Home automation means you can schedule drapes to open or close at certain times of the day (and lights to come on and off) can be useful to provide that "lived in" look, while the family is away on vacation!

Including blinds or drapes in scenes (see creating scenes) can ensure the blinds close in the boardroom as the AV presentation starts, or the drapes close in the living room at home, when the "Movie" scene is selected!

In New Zealand we appreciate the high number of sunlight hours we receive for much of the year.  Often our greetings to colleagues on arrival at work are about