Make Your Home Smarter & Your Savings Bigger

This Summer, Manage Natural & Electric Light with Motorized Shades & Draperies

Daylighting is the practice of bringing natural light into a home. It reduces the need for artificial light and reliance on heating systems. As we strive to adopt more sustainable living practices, it has become a strong consideration when building or renovating homes.

Not only does it reduce energy consumption, but it also brings in the health benefits of the sun, from balancing our sleep-wake cycle to elevating our emotions. And then, of course, there’s the beauty of natural light streaming through a home, enhancing textures and colours with its touch.

As summer approaches, however, the beauty of natural light gives way to solar heat gain, causing us to turn on the HVAC system in search of relief. We close our shades, turn on the lights, and find our energy bills increasing while the gifts of natural light diminish.

There is a better way—a way to create a comfortable home environment in the summer while reducing cooling costs and boosting energy efficiency. It’s called motorized shades, and it’s the key to smarter homes and bigger savings this summer. Let’s dive into this blog to explore how!

SEE ALSO: How Can Automation Improve My Home’s Energy Management During Seasonal Changes

Creating a Greener Home with Smarter Shades

Over 75% of the sunlight that falls on standard windows enters a home as heat. Because of this, and before the advent of motorized shades, we tended to lower our shades when direct sunlight entered our homes and leave them in that position. In the process, we missed out on the beauty of sunlight and used more electricity to illuminate our homes. 

With motorized shades, you can press a button on a remote to raise or lower one or every shade. Plus, these shades can be programmed to automatically adjust based on the time of day, temperature, and amount of direct sunlight entering a window. 

Automated for Greater Comfort

Smart shades are a benefit you can enjoy in every part of your day. In the morning, the shades rise, letting in the early morning sun. As the sunlight intensifies, South-facing shades lower, reducing direct heat gain. In the afternoon, when sunlight enters the West-facing windows, these shades lower until the sun nearly reaches the horizon. As the golden hour approaches, they open to ensure you never miss another beautiful sunset. 

Because sunlight and electrical lights are intricately tied together, you’ll notice the lights in your home brightening when shades close in occupied rooms. When the shades open, these same lights dim. Managing sunlight to this level takes the pressure off your HVAC system. By using your interior lights less and reducing the need for air conditioning, you’ll find that your energy bills decrease and your home becomes a sustainable example of greener living. 

Managing Every Window with Ease

Today’s modern homes are often built with floor-to-ceiling and unique architectural windows, as well as skylights. These types of windows offer a unique challenge when managing sunlight and heat gain. 

Now, motorized shades can manage them for you, closing as sunlight enters and opening when diffuse light becomes available. Not only does this reduce your energy usage, but it also protects your furniture, flooring, fine artwork, and photographs from the sun’s UV rays, which can cause irreparable harm. 

Are you ready to manage daylight and privacy effortlessly? For those seeking an eco-friendly lifestyle, there’s no better option than automated window coverings. At Lucent Controls, we’re excited to share this technology that delivers precision control of daylight and privacy with the touch of a button or automated programming. 

To learn more about saving energy this summer and creating a comfortable, welcoming environment, contact Lucent Controls today.