Popular Smart Home Systems & How to Control Roller Blinds
A home automation, or ‘Smart Home’, system is where household appliances and devices can be controlled remotely and automatically, usually via a control panel, wall switch or mobile app. These systems can give the occupant control over functions such as security access, temperature (i.e a thermostat), lighting or devices such as TV’s and smart plugs that control appliances.
The benefits of having a smart home are that it provides the occupant with convenience and cost savings compared to manual control. Sequences can be set up in advance to automatically turn off central heating when internal temperatures reach the desired point to reduce energy usage, or so that lights automatically turn off when a room is unoccupied.
According to this article there are now 2.22 million Smart Homes in the UK in 2021, with over 66.44 million people owning at least one smart device.
As the popularity of smart homes continues to grow, more and more areas of the home are becoming compatible with these systems. Automated window blinds are just one industry that has seen the increase in home automation and has developed products to meet the demand.
There are a host of benefits of automating your shading, and multiple levels of automation that can be achieved depending on your smart home system.
Key benefits of Smart Blinds:
- Blinds can automatically lower and rise depending on light and heat levels recorded by a smart sensor, which saves energy
- Voice control and app control is available with many systems
- Occupancy simulation can be set up so that blinds will operate as they normally do, even when the occupant is out of the house or on holiday, for added safety
- Time saving by operating multiple blinds at once as opposed to manually opening and closing each one indiviually
- Reduce the demand on central heating or air conditioning by using the blinds to allow more or less sunlight into the home which saves money and is more environmentally friendly
- Convenience of controlling shading from the touch of a button
Smart blinds are best to install when the home is still being constructed, as that gives you the most choice when it comes to choosing your smart home system due to different wiring requirements. However, there are options available for a retro-fit solution in existing homes.
Here are a few of the most popular smart home systems on the market, and how your blinds can be connected and automated by each one.
TaHoma by Somfy
TaHoma by Somfy is one of the most popular shading smart home systems on the current market. The TaHoma Switch hub only needs an internet connection (wired or WIFI) to work, and is compatible with all Somfy RTS and IO controlled devices, including battery motors which are ideal for retro-fitting without needing wiring work.
TaHoma has its own app which can be used to set up sequences and operate the blinds, but it is also compatible with many other devices such as Alexa and Google Home so the blinds can be used with voice control
This system is also compatible with other brands so the entire household can be managed by the app. These brands include Phillips Hue, Hitachi, Sonos and Honeywell.
Control 4
Control 4 is a whole-home automation system that is becoming more and more popular in recent years. This system gives you complete control over every aspect of the home from one app, from the thermostat to security cameras, and of course window blinds and curtains.
This system can be used with any blind motor with a 230v switched or volt-free input, and may require a compatible relay to wire directly to the Control 4 head end. Digital motors can also be connected to Control 4 to give increased functionality and real-time feedback. This system is commonly operated via a touch screen panel, or a local wall switch for added flexibility.
Loxone
Loxone is another popular smart home system that offers the homeowner complete control of their home from one device. The Loxone system even offers control over intercoms, door locks and pool care.
Similarly to the Control 4 system, Loxone is compatible with any 230v switched or volt-free input motor and compatible relay. This system is usually operated via a touch screen panel or wall switch.
Lutron
Lutron are one of the most recognisable names in smart lighting and automation. The company has over 50 years of experience offering smart home solutions.
The key benefit of using a Lutron system is that they manufacture their own roller blind motors, which are able to give feedback to the Lutron controller. However, any motor with a volt-free connection can be connected to the Lutron system for standard one-way communication. 230v switched motors can also be used in conjunction with a Lutron shade controller.
Lutron roller blinds are usually controlled via a control panel, remote handset or the official Lutron app.
Homey by Z-Wave
The Homey system by Z-Wave is a simple automation system for use with Somfy RTS blinds. The Homey system allows homeowners to dim lights, close blinds and operate other appliances remotely via the app.
The app can also be used to create ‘zones’ to control sets of blinds within the home separately for ease of use.
Crestron
Crestron is a well-known brand in the world of electronics and large scale automation. They have been a popular choice for architects and developers for over 50 years. Whilst Crestron are mostly known for automating large skyscrapers, in recent years they have delved into residential properties with the ‘Crestron Home’ app.
With Crestron Home, everything is controlled easily from one platform. Security systems, locks and heating can all be automated in one place.
Crestron is compatible with multiple roller blind motors and like Lutron they even have their own range of motors so there is an option for every level of automation requirement.
KNX
KNX is a state of the art system with a broad range of control and automation capabilities. The key benefit of the KNX system is that it is an open and flexible system so it is possible to integrate with a wide range of devices.
The KNX system is often used in large commercial buildings where there is a broad range of requirements, but in recent years this system has been a popular choice for tech-savvy homeowners and architects who want a complete automation package without being tied to a specific brand.
The KNX system is compatible with a variety of motor options using a 230v relay or digital motors. Controlling KNX blinds is usually done via a touch screen controller or mobile app, which is also where automation ‘sequences’ can be created.
For more information on smart homes and automated blinds, get in touch with an expert today!