Most dealers of smart home and smart-security products understand the growing popularity of automated window shades. In fact, automated shades are already having a positive impact on their business. According to a July 2024 Global Market Insights study, sales of automated shades, which were valued at $1.7 billion in 2023, are forecasted to reach $2.5 billion by 2032, with a 4.2% CAGR (compounded annual growth rate).
Dealers may already know the convenience-enhancing features of automated shades, as well as the ways automated shades can reduce the cost of heating or cooling a home. But dealers may not be as aware that another significant benefit of automated shades is also one of the top reasons why homeowners buy smart home products: enhanced security. In fact, automated shades can play a feature role in a smart-home security ecosystem, right up there with alarms, smart locks, cameras, and lighting.
How do smart-automated shades scratch that security itch for smart-home device buyers?
1. Remote possibilities. The most obvious security benefit of motorized shades is homeowners can schedule the shades to be down when they are not home, through integration with smart hubs or home-control systems. They can also be activated by smart thermostats, smoke alarms, and other devices that receive triggers when the house is empty. The shades can receive those triggers and automatically lower the shades so no one can see inside.
2. Sweet dreams are made of these. Integration with any popular home automation system like Control4, Crestron, URC, or others means homeowners can connect their automated shades with other devices to create custom scenarios at various times of day or night. Before going to sleep, users can rest easy knowing the alarm is set, the doors are locked, the lighting is the way they want it, and the shades are all drawn—and they can confirm all that right from their bedroom.
3. Not a routine solution. Smart shades can also be programmed to lower automatically when it gets dark outside, enhancing privacy and security. They can even be put into vacation mode, creating random patterns of opening and closing, making it difficult for potential housebreakers to detect a routine.
4. Having a safer day. While smart lighting can also be an effective deterrent against break-ins, it may not be quite as effective during the day because of the natural sunlight, a concern since most home burglaries occur between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Window treatments, with their various fabric choices (sheer, light filtering, room darkening, and blackout) can be a useful backup for smart lighting, creating a powerful one-two punch.
5. Part of a dream team. Integrating both smart lighting and smart shades with other home-automation devices will further enhance the effectiveness of the homeowner’s security plan. If someone tries to enter the home forcefully, the window shade sensor will detect the activity, smart programming will turn on the lights, and a security camera will record all the activities while sending an alert to smart gadgets such as a smartphone or tablet.
For smart home and security dealers who don’t want to leave money on the table, bringing motorized shades into their overall smart-security sales effort is a smart move.
About the Author
Ryan Chacon is the president and co-founder of PowerShades. With more than 20 years of experience in the automation and controls industry, Ryan is an expert in engineering, product development, and IoT. Ryan currently holds 21 issued patents and two pending patents. Follow him on LinkedIn here.