Many businesses have already realized the ease of simply pushing a button to make window blinds and shades open or close. It’s convenient, sleek and helps portray a sense of professionalism in a facility. But contrary to what you may believe, these electrically-operating shades don’t have to hardwire into a building’s electrical system to function. Rechargeable battery models are a favorite among facility managers and users and realize they are better than ever before. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the features and benefits of today’s rechargeable window shades to help you decide if they would work well in your facility. Here’s a look:
Rechargeable Window Shades Explained
There are two main types of window shades: Those that work via manual operation and those that function via electronic operation. Rechargeable window shades are those that work by electronic operation, but aren’t connected to a facility’s electrical system. Instead, these types of shades draw their energy from battery power, and this battery is typically hidden within the shade so as not to impact the overall aesthetics of the room.ย
What’s more is that today’s rechargeable window shades are absent of the points of pain from previous generations of window shades. Specifically, we’re talking about short battery life. In fact, today’s batteries can last for up to 500 open/close cycles, which is much more long-lasting than previous models. Assuming that you open and close the blinds one time each day, today’s batteries can last for more than half a year before a recharge is necessary.ย
Additionally,ย today’s rechargeable window shadeย models can also integrate with Google and Amazon Alexa voice-activated technology, so you won’t even need to reach for the remote control to open and close your shades.ย
Features and Benefits of Rechargeable Shades
Rechargeable shades offer much of the same benefits as conventional window treatments. For instance, they can help control glare and the amount of natural lighting that a particular room or building receives. They can help prevent furniture and carpet from fading. They can help control cooling and heating costs. And, of course, they can help improve a room’s overall aesthetics.ย
However, rechargeable shades offer a whole new slew of benefits for the facilities that install them. We already mentioned how much battery life has improved with newer generation models, now let’s take a look at some of the other benefits that can be realized by installing rechargeable shades:
- Convenience: In addition to the convenience of pushing a button or activating the blinds with voice technology, rechargeable blinds are also convenient from a cost perspective. Not only are they easy and faster to install, but there’s no need to hire an electrician to hardwire the automated blinds into the electrical system. This saves both time and money. Finally, it’s also worth noting that these types of blinds operate automatically, and can even integrate with mobile apps so users can control these blinds even while they are away.
- Sustainability: Unlike some motorized shades that use disposable batteries, rechargeable shades permit users to continue to utilize the same battery between charges. This means that users don’t have to find recycling centers to properly discard electronic waste after batteries have been depleted. It also reduces the number of batteries entering landfills if disposable batteries aren’t disposed of properly. Some types of batteries can even be charged by the sun if a solar panel is added for recharge purposes, making these window treatments even greener.
- Flexibility: No matter the window, there’s likely a rechargeable shade that can fit it. Rechargeable shades are available in sizes up to 12 feet wide, and there are also a variety of finishes that can be selected from to complement the decor and style of any room.ย