There was a time when the automated home was nothing more than pure fantasy. The convenience and functionality of a home that could adjust to the preferences of the resident at the push of a button was a notion that was better suited to science fiction – but as technology continues to grow by leaps and bounds, so too do the opportunities to catapult our homes into a new, technological age.
The arrival of the automated home has brought with it an unprecedented level of comfort, but comfort is only just the beginning.
The Internet of Things: Being More Connected Than Ever
The Internet of Things is exactly what it sounds like – physical objects that were once standalone appliances are now being connected with users and manufacturers over the web. While doomsayers might claim this to be the beginning of the robot apocalypse, the vast majority of us have come to acknowledge this as an age of increased convenience and functionality – especially where it concerns our homes.
It is estimated that by the year 2020, more than 50 billion objects – from the colossally big to the infinitesimally small – will be connected via the Internet with a singular purpose: to enhance the quality of our lives.
The Benefits of Automation – Window Treatments
Much like any addition to your home, privacy, security, style, and convenience are all factors to consider when in the market for window coverings. Automated window coverings, while designed to execute the same purpose, provide a wide range of benefits that exceeds those offered up by conventional blinds.
Enhanced Privacy
Gone are the days of having to settle for the most basic of window coverings – aluminum blinds. While they do a reasonable job of keeping out prying eyes, they are no match for some of today’s more advanced window covering solutions when it comes to ensuring your privacy and the privacy of your loved ones.
There are a number of excellent styles of window shades available that not only provide maximum privacy, but also do so at the touch of a button. Roller shades for one provide a solid, opaque barrier between your home and the outside world – and the best part is, you don’t even need to be home to activate the system.
Unparalleled Convenience
Conventional window treatments certainly don’t emphasize convenience. Think about it – how many times have you fumbled with an antiquated pull string system, only to tangle the string or have your blinds hang askew? Or better yet, what if you’ve forgotten to close the blinds before leaving for work, only to realize that the sun’s rays will enter your home unabated and cause your air conditioner to work overtime to cool an empty home?
With many of today’s more advanced systems, this is a non-issue because they can either be connected to work with your existing automated system (and thus be set to close/open automatically), or they can be controlled from anywhere in the world via your smartphone or other device.
This remote connectivity results in another big selling feature: security. We’ve already alluded to the fact that today’s systems are vastly superior to conventional window coverings because they increase the amount of privacy in your home – but having window covers that you can adjust remotely gives your home the appearance of being lived in even when you’re halfway around the world – ultimately dissuading potential thieves from targeting your home.
A Source of Style
In many homes, window treatments are a focal point for style. When it comes to style, sometimes less is more; that’s why so many automated window solutions are operated using battery power. Nothing, it seems, can detract more from the style of room than a jumble of power cords. A battery operated system is ideal for the type of customer that prefers a clean look, but know that there are also wired solutions available for those who would rather never to be caught off guard with a sudden lack of power.
Reduce Energy Costs
Having an automated system can do wonders for reducing your home’s energy costs. We’ve already mentioned that many of today’s more advanced products can work with your existing automated systems, but doing so can benefit you where it matters most – your wallet. Consider programming your blinds to close when the sun is at its most formidable, and open when the rays won’t directly enter your home. Doing so will keep your home’s ambient temperature lower – meaning your air conditioning unit need not constantly turn on to keep your home cool during the day.
Photo Credits
The internet of things – by wilgengebroed on Flickr – Some Rights Reserved
Lovely Room and Roller Shades – Courtesy of Elite Smart Shades
Guest Author Bio
John Berwick
John Berwick may be a Technical Writer by trade, but he enjoys blogging and voicing his opinion on a wide variety of topics more than anything else in the world. He has written for many different sectors including health care, software development, security, marketing, and e-commerce industries.
Visit John’s Site: John Berwick Freelance
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