From child safety to energy bills, there’s more driving the automation conversation than convenience alone.
With over 30 years in the industry, Clayton Sceats, Director at Lahood® Window Furnishings has a simple way of putting the shift to automation into perspective. “I tell clients: you’d never buy a TV without a remote now. Window furnishings are going the same way.” While the convenience of opening your blinds to the morning sun without leaving your bed is undeniable, Clayton says the real reasons people are choosing automated blinds and curtains extend far beyond that.
Smart homes now mainstream
Many New Zealanders already live with some form of home automation, such as voice-controlled speakers, app-controlled lighting, a connected thermostat. The infrastructure is there. Adding electric blinds or curtains to platforms like Google Home, Amazon Alexa, or Apple HomeKit is a natural next step, and for anyone already running their home from their phone, it feels completely intuitive.
A safer home for families
“This is one I feel very strongly about,” says Clayton. Traditional corded and looped-chain blinds present a genuine strangulation risk for young children and pets. It is entirely preventable. “Motorised window furnishings eliminate dangling cords and chains completely, and Lahood regularly works with parents who choose automation for this reason alone.”
Additional peace-of-mind is also provided by scheduling your blinds to open and close when you are away, giving the appearance of occupancy.
Energy Efficiency you can Measure
Your windows are responsible for more heat gain and heat loss than most people realise. Automated window furnishings that respond to the sun, time of day or a set schedule make a real difference, with testing in the USA showing an annual savings of 10-15% on energy bills when used consistently. “Honeycomb blinds such as Lahood’s Duette® Shades from Luxaflex® provide up to 33% more thermal insulation than double glazing and can reduce solar heat entering a room by 60%. That kind of performance, running quietly in the background every day, can make a real difference to energy bills,” says Clayton.
What and How to Motorise
Motorisation is available across almost the entire Lahood range – roller blinds, curtains, Luxaflex® Duette shades, Venetian and Roman blinds, shutters and exterior screens and awnings. There are varying levels of automation to consider depending on your needs:
· Motorised (wall switch or remote control with one or multiple channels depending on the number of windows).
· Automated (programmable timers from simple apps and sensors for wind, sunlight, rain, temperature, etc).
· Smart automation (integrated with your home ecosystem, with programmes linked with lighting, heating, security, etc and controlled via apps, voice or remote controls).
Lahood uses Somfy®, one of the world’s leading automation technology companies, across the majority of its installations, and the Luxaflex PowerView® Gen 3 system for premium soft shading products such as Luxflex Duettes.
Is Retrofitting Possible?
If you are refreshing your current space and want to upgrade your existing blinds, battery-powered motors provide a high-performance retrofit option that requires no complex wiring and are easily recharged via USB.
For those building a new home, hard-wired systems are the preferred option and can be integrated seamlessly. “If you are hard-wiring, conduits need to be included in the plans before construction begins,” Clayton advises. “Early planning gives you the best outcome.”
Worth the Investment
When you consider the energy savings, UV protection for flooring and furniture and the peace of mind that comes from a cord-free, child-safe and secure solution, automation quickly proves its value as a considered long-term addition to your home.
15% off Automation on Luxaflex Blinds & Shutters during March
If you are thinking of automated blinds, now is a great time to act. Throughout March, Lahood is offering 15% off Somfy and PowerView Gen 3 motorisation on Luxaflex blinds and shutters.*
Book a complementary in-home consultation at lahood.co.nz, call T: 0800 444 331 or visit the showroom at 104 Mount Eden Road, Auckland.
Lahood | Elegance Materialised.
*15% discount applies to motorisation only, not blinds or shutters themselves.
Smart & Safe
