Posted on

Is it a good idea to install automated lighting control?

Home automation has transformed many homes into smart homes. Initially, home automation was thought to be for wealthy home owners. But with today’s more advanced home automation technology, home automation is within the reach of almost every home owner. Home lighting system is one of the home aspects that can be automated to save energy, thereby making your lighting system energy efficient.

What are some of the lighting automation devices that save energy?

There are smart lighting controls that you could integrate with your lighting system to give your home energy efficiency. They include the following:

  • Smart occupancy sensors

Occupancy sensors are smart automated lighting controls that switch on/off your lights when you need them on or off. They could be placed in places such as in ceilings or even on doorway walls. They detect presence of a person in a room then automatically turns on the light. This means that you will not have any trouble trying to locate a light switch when entering any room with this smart device. As soon as you exit the room, the lights automatically turn off. When lights turn on only when they’re needed, you will use less electrical energy. As such, smart occupancy sensors are energy efficient.

  • Motion sensors

Sometimes, all you need is a clear pathway leading to your home from the main road. Lighting the pathway could be less expensive if properly done. Leaving the pathway lights on even when they’re not in use makes you incur large energy expense. But with motion sensors, your pathway will be lit only when you are walking along the same path. This not only makes your pathway clear for you at night but also cuts down your monthly energy bills to very affordable level. Your outdoor security lights could also be controlled using motion sensors. When motion sensor is used, your security lights will switch on the moment the intruder sets foot on your door front. Since motion sensors only switch on the lights when you really need them, they help you use less energy. As such, they are automated lighting controls that are also energy efficient.

  • Timers and schedulers

Timers and schedulers are automated lighting controls that switch on/off the lights depending on how they’re programed. When you program your timer or schedulers to switch on the lights at exactly 6:30 pm, all the lights connected to it will be on at that time. And the lights will also be switched off when it is time. Timers and schedulers work by switching on the lights only when you need them. They therefore help you save energy. For this reason, they’re energy efficient.


Posted on

Motorized window shades- What to consider when purchasing them

There are a lot of motorized shades in the market today. This makes buying a motorized window shade a daunting experience for most buyers, especially those who are buying then for the very first time. So, what are the key things to consider when you are shopping for some motorized shades?

  • Motorized shade’s ease of use and operation

When looking for a motorized windows shade, choose the one that is easy to use and operate. Most motorized shades have few buttons on their remote controllers, making them easy to use even for people with visual impairment. They’re, therefore, the best for you because you will have an easy time controlling your windows using these motorized window shades.

  • Cost of the motorized shade

Since you are likely to stay within your budget when you are out shopping for some motorized window shades, you should know the cost upfront. This will help you plan your windows treatments and have your windows done according to your needs. Motorized shades cost differently depending on many factors such as the number of motors needed to operate the shade, the material of the shade and window’s total size.

  • The motorized shade style

Motorized shades also come in different styles. Some of the styles include: roller shades, solar shades, roman shades and pleated shades. You could choose a specific style, depending on your preferred taste and cost preference. Also, you could choose a particular shade based on what window you plan to put it on. In case you need any expert opinion when buying these shades, you could consult Lutron.

  • Safety of the Motorized shade

When buying your motorized shades, safety should be one of your major concern especially if you have young kids and pets. Cords that are just laying around could pose choking risk as well make your kids to trip on them. When buying the motorized window shades, you could buy battery powered ones. They are cordless and are therefore safe for use.

Posted on

Saving money with energy efficient lighting control

Using less energy not only save you some money but also saves the environment. You should therefore save energy because this will benefit a lot of people. There are efficient lighting controls that you could use to reduce your monthly energy expense. These efficient lighting controls include the following:

  • Occupancy and Vacancy sensors

These lighting controls switch on/off the lights depending on which rooms have been occupied by the family members. Occupancy sensors detect the presence of a family member in a room and then automatically switches on the lights. Even if you enter a room which has an occupancy sensor lighting control with your hands full, you are assured of an efficient room illumination. Vacancy sensors work by switching off the light as soon as the last person exits a room.

When using these lighting controls, your lights will be switched on only when they’re needed. You will therefore use less electrical energy, which will save you some money in the long run. Also, you will be saving the environment from global warming.

  • Lighting Dimmers

Dimers work by reducing your lights’ brightness. When your light bulbs glow dimly, they use less electrical energy. This saves you money in great ways. Some dimmers adjust your lightings to match your preferred lighting requirements. This not only provides convenience but also helps you to save some money over time.

  • Lighting timers

The key to saving money is using as less electrical energy as possible. One way through which you could use less energy is by reducing your lighting time. Timers are a good lighting controls to help you save that precious and hard to find money. They only switch on/off the lights as required thus cutting down the lighting time. This saves money since you will pay less as your monthly energy bill.

Posted on

Experience the convenience of Motorized shades

The advancement in technology has seen many homes advance in equal measures. All aspects of our homes have advanced in the recent past because of this ever advancing home automation technology. Window treatment is one of the home aspects that has benefited from home automation technology. With the introduction of motorized shades, a lot of homes have experienced convenience in window control and operations.

What are some of the conveniences that motorized shades bring?

The question of how motorized window shades are convenient to homes is already flowing through your mind right now. Motorized shades provide convenience to homes because they:

  • Provide safety to homes

Motorized shades cordlessly control your windows. No cord is needed to control the opening and closing of your windows if you are using these window treatment solutions. As such, your home becomes safer for your kids and pets since there are no cords tangled up to trip your young and curious beautiful baby. Unlike the traditional window shades, the motorized shades are cordless and are therefore safer to use.

Also, motorized shades protects you from your neighbor’s prying eyes. No one will be able to peep and see something when you roll down your motorized window shades. Since it prevents people from spying on you and your family members, motorized window shades offer security even further.

  • Ease of controlling your window

Motorized window shades helps you to control your window treatment with a lot of ease, no matter your base of operation. Just by the touch of a button, you can adjust the shade to your preferred position. You could also control all your motorized shades using just one button. Some motorized shades can also be automated to adjust according to the position of the sun. How convenient could that be? Even when you are at work, you could still adjust them from your control panel. You don’t have to be physically present to adjust them since they automatically adjust themselves depending on their settings configurations.

  • Motorized shades help you maximize your house use

Do you own a small home and use your living room as a home theatre as well? Do you wish to block sun rays when you want to watch that favorite movie? With motorized shades, you can comfortably and conveniently use your living room as your home theatre. Just press that button on the remote controller and let the motorized shade roll down to give you the atmosphere that favors watching a movie. And when you’re done watching, hit that button again for your motorized window shades to retract back and allow in the light again.

Posted on

Home lighting solutions that will improve your lifestyle

Sometimes, you may be too busy to remember everything that is going on in your home. So many things may occupy your mind that you forget to switch off any light that you aren’t using. Here’s a good news for you! There are smart lighting solutions that will help you keep unwanted lights off so that you may have low electricity bills at the end of the month.

What are some of the lighting solutions for my home?

Home lighting solutions can be categorized into three groups as shown below:

  • Wireless lighting controls

These home lighting solutions include motion sensors, occupancy sensors, vacancy sensors, photocell sensors. They are self-operated devices that work to precisely control lighting systems connected to them. Once connected to a group of lights, they switch them on/off without any human intervention. When you leave the comfort of your house for work in a rush, you won’t have to worry about any light consuming more electrical energy when it is not needed. For example, motion sensors can be connected to your front door security lights. When an intruder trespasses, it automatically switches on the lights thereby scaring away the intruder before any break-in.

  • Centralized lighting controls

These lighting controls could be placed in places that you can easily reach such as inside your bedroom closet. This allows you to control all your home lighting system from one central place. This provides convenience since you don’t have to walk all the way to the living room just to switch on/off the lights. With its numerous stylish keypads, central lighting controls accords you the chance to control your home lighting system from the comfort of your preferred room.

  • Remote lighting solutions

Not all lights can be efficiently controlled by wireless and centralized lighting control devices. Some may actually need remote lighting controls especially when you are in your favorite tourist destination and you need to control your lights as though you are at home. You already know that occupancy sensors switch on the lights only when someone enters a room. What if you want to switch on such a light when you are hundreds of miles from home? In this case, you’d need a remote lighting control. Also, you may need to remotely switch on or off some security lights that are not connected to your motion sensors or photocells.

Posted on

Key considerations when choosing motorized curtains and Electric Drapes 

Home automation has transformed many homes, both large and small, in the recent past. Everything, from lighting systems to window treatments, has been automated or made easy to control. Advanced motorized curtains and electric drapes have also been made available to many home owners to help them control their home’s security aspect. They are also used to control the amount of sunlight that penetrate the windows of homes. Even though motorized curtains and electric drapes are ideal window treatment solution for your home, you need to understand that they come in different styles and designs. For this reason, you will need some key considerations when buying one.

What are these key considerations?

There are a few factors that any buyer should never overlook. They include the following:

  • The style of the motorized curtain and electric drape

Motorized curtains and electric drapes come in two styles: the pinch pleat and the ripple fold. These two styles stack differently. The pinch pleat stacks tighter and smaller than the ripple fold which stacks in S-shape style. So, if you’re looking for a style that stacks tighter and smaller, then you know which to opt for. Besides the styles, you also have the option to choose a fabric that works for you best.

  • How the motorized curtain will open and close

Window treatment companies have manufactured and designed electric drapes to open in three major styles: right, left or center. When the motorized curtain open to the right, it will stack itself on the right side of your window. If it opens to the left, it will stack itself on the left side of the window. But if it opens from the center, your curtain will stack itself on either side of the window, i.e. on both sides of the window. Motorized curtains normally cover about 30% of their entire length when they stack. If proper space is not left on your window’s side(s), then you will have ‘stacking off the glass’ problem. You should therefore leave some space on your window sides to make sure that the curtain doesn’t cover any window section when fully opened.

  • The fabric weight of your motorized curtain

Weight of the fabric of your motorized curtain is also a very important factor to consider. If your fabric is heavy, you will need more than one motor to operate your motorized curtain. Fabrics that weigh less need only one motor for operation. When buying motorized curtains, you could consult window treatment professionals like Lutron for expert assistance.

Posted on

Why Should I Installed Advanced Home Lighting technologies


Home lighting technologies have opened up new possibilities that were once thought to be impossible. Today, you could control your home lighting from anywhere in the world because advanced home lighting technologies have made it possible for you.

What are some of these advanced home lighting technologies?

There are tons of advanced home lighting controls that you could use to control your home’s lighting systems. They include: motion sensors, occupancy sensors, vacancy detectors, timers, photocells and remote lighting controllers. These lighting controls have robust application. You could use them to control both indoor and outdoor lighting systems.

With these advanced home lighting technologies, you do not have to be physically present to switch on/off your home lights. For example, room occupancy sensors will switch on the lights of a room that has occupants inside it. Even if there is one occupant, it will switch on the lights and the lights will remain on. Once you exit the room, vacancy detectors automatically switches off the lights without your intervention. You don’t have to worry about leaving your lights on when you exit a room.

Other advanced lighting controls such as timers are set to switch on/off the lights at specific times. You could set your timer to switch off all lights at exactly 7am when you leave for work. Also, you could set them to switch on all lights at 6pm when you are from work. These lighting controls provide convenience and efficiency in homes, including average homes today.

What are the benefits of using these lighting technologies?

Since these advanced home lighting technologies automatically helps you control your lights, they provide convenience in your home. You can control your lights from anywhere in the world if you use remote lighting controls. Besides providing convenience, they also provide efficiency since you only use low amount of electrical energy. As such, they are cost-effective. You will reduce your monthly energy bills if you use these advanced lighting solutions because your lights will be on as long as they’re needed. Once you don’t need them, they automatically switch off.

They are also cost-effective in the sense that they increase your bulbs’ lifespan. Normally, bulbs have short lifespan if they glow for many hours. Leaving them on when you head out for work reduce their lifespan even further. But if you use these advanced home lighting technologies, your bulbs will serve you longer because they will only be switched on when they’re needed. This is why these lighting technologies are cost effective. Reduced energy consumption also saves the environment.

Posted on

5 Reasons Why Motorized Shades Are A Good Investment

Earlier people used to put simple shades on their windows but technological advancement has given them the opportunity to invest in motorized shades. With the availability of brands like HDH Tech, people can experience an extra level of protection, comfort, beauty, and convenience at their home.

Today, you are going to learn about 5 good reasons to invest in motorized shades. Here are they:

  1. Security: Motorized shades can automatically open and close. It doesn’t matter if you are away from home, your shades can still move upwards or downwards. There are some control systems which moves the shades randomly and because of this random movement, your house looks occupied.
  2. Convenience: Suppose that your house has several windows and closing shades of each one of them are nothing less than a hassle, then you can clear that hassle by installing motorized shades on their windows. You just need to press or touch a button and the shades will quickly move up or down.
  3. Monetary Savings: In summers when the days are hot and sunny, the sun’s rays enter through window panes and increases the temperature of your home. If windows are covered by shades, they will prevent heat from entering your home. Your A.Cs will run less and you will save huge on electricity bills.
  4. Upholstery Protection: The solar radiations entering your home through windows are also capable to damage your furniture’s upholstery. They fade with time but this can be prevented if you cover your windows with motorized shades.
  5. Gracefulness: Even the best efforts often fail to put the shades perfectly. When motorized, the shades can swiftly and precisely move up or down. They align perfectly and you don’t need to use unattractive rope-shaped pull cords anymore.

So, these are the 5 reasons why motorized shades are a good investment. With motorized shades, complete satisfaction is guaranteed.

Posted on

SMART LIGHTING MAGIC: TURN THE LIGHTS ON WITHOUT A SWITCH!

Smart home personalization has come to great heights these past few years, and home living has never been as easier as today. Home automation has become a key player in the home building industry, as more and more people shift to automated systems to power up virtually everything in the house, from appliances to security, to lighting.

Now, we can’t emphasize enough how handy automated lighting is. What used to be the tedious task of turning lights off in the morning or lighting up at night has transformed into something so easy that it gets done as fast as you blink.

Smart lighting control system interconnects all of the home lights into a central control hub that allows the user to set the time in which they may be turned on or off. Some systems also light up any space by detecting movement through motion sensors.

COST- AND ENERGY-SAVING SYSTEM

Automated lighting control systems actually offer a great deal of benefits, one being that it promotes energy efficiency. In smart lighting, lights can be turned on or off at intervals. There is also an option to adjust brightness, dimming or ramping light as needed.

Based on studies, 38% of the electricity consumption go to lighting. With automated light controls, you can definitely lower this number significantly.

HEALTH AND SECURITY BENEFITS

Homes with smart lighting not only allows brightness adjustment, it can also set the tone of light whether it be cool or warm. Having lights that automatically adjust to the time and season can help improve sleep and mood.

Smart lighting also gives an added layer to the house security built in place. For example, when you are on vacation, you can still set the lighting times remotely through your handheld device. This gives the impression of an occupied home, potentially preventing any attempted burglary.

At HDH Tech, you will find experts who understand the importance of smart lighting, and guides you to the right lighting system that works for your home. With the use of Lutron Lighting Technology, HDH Tech will bring automated illumination that you yearn. Call them now!

Posted on

MOTORIZED VINYL BLINDS AND SOLAR SHADES—ARE THEY DURABLE?

Motorized options for window treatment are an elegant twist to blinds and shades, and people are loving the idea of automizing their shutters. The convenience and sophistication this home automation equipment for windows is definitely a step above the manual versions.

There are so many selections to choose from when it comes to the make of motorized blind and shade—you can choose to personalize them with your preference of fabric, texture, size, color and opacity. This customizability feature not only adds to the charm of any home or private space, it also gives a unique touch that defines you.

Here we will focus on the vinyl motorized blinds and motorized solar shades—are they worth purchasing, and do they last?

MOTORIZED VINYL BLINDS

Vinyl is a synthetic (man-made) material made up of ethylene and chlorine, which forms a plastic consistency. Vinyl has many uses, one popular use being the phonographic records for music, but they can also be an option for your motorized blinds.

Automated vinyl blinds are preferable because of their durability. Motorized vinyl blinds have good resistance to extreme weather, and also considered to be robust. More so, vinyl come in different colors and sizes, making it very versatile and easy to customize according to your fondness. Maintaining vinyl blinds are also easier since the material is pretty easy to clean.

MOTORIZED SOLAR SHADES

Shades for windows are also popular especially in brightly lit areas. They minimize the glare and control the ambience of the room. One of the best options for window shades is the motorized solar shade, which can be battery- or electricity-operated depending on your choice.

The best feature of solar shades is the ability to block harmful UV rays that seep through even when the windows are closed. This comes in a mesh-like, see through fabric that effectively blocks UV rays while still letting in enough light to brighten up the room. Material for solar shades are highly durable, making them cost-effective for you.

Having motorized operations for your windows is the next best home automating decision you will make. Head over to HDH Tech’s website and find out how you can get customized motor blinds and shades. They use the special Lutron deals so you are sure to receive high quality materials and service. Make a consultation here right now!