A window into the future: motorized blinds

Image courtesy of Somfy.

As the 2050 deadline for a net-zero Canada approaches, designers and engineers are developing more efficient ways to improve modern window coverings. Blinds may appear to be a minor aspect of a home but in actuality, they play an important role in creating an energy-efficient space and contribute to Passive House standards. 

Passivehouse Canada defines a Passive House as, “buildings that consume up to 90 per cent less heating and cooling energy than conventional buildings.” Triple-pane windows are a typical upgrade in a space to create an energy-efficient home, but why stop there? Motorized blinds reduce up to 35 per cent of energy costs and can adapt to a homeowner’s behaviour by incorporating artificial intelligence (AI). 

“There has been a big revolution in smart home innovation,” says Karthick Kanagalingam, Somfy specifications manager for Canada. Kanagalingam explains that motorized blinds can adapt to a user’s habits through AI. 

Somfy, an automated window-covering company, uses AI in its shading products. Using AI allows for Somfy shades to adjust automatically to light, depending on the day and time. Which, according to Kanagalingam, optimizes energy consumption by minimizing heat loss or gain during the seasons. Motorized blinds, can recognize when shading or sunlight is necessary which ultimately leads to a comfortable temperature in any given room 

Somfy shades can also recognize behavioural adaptation through AI, says Kanagalingam. “They will be in the right position without any human intervention.” 

Based on U.S. Department of Energy statistics, about 25 to 30 percent of home’s heating cost is lost through the windows. Motorized shades and sensor automation can mitigate solar heat gain within a home, explains Kanagalingam, “Which can increase energy savings on top of comfort.” Air conditioning can be a bigger contributor to a home’s energy budget than heating, even in Canada. However, most windows sold in Canada were made to maximize solar heat gain out of concern for minimizing winter heating costs. Advanced shading solutions can prevent high energy costs and carbon impacts in the summer without expensive window upgrades. And still, let in the sun in the winter.

In 2022, Health Canada reduced the length of window blind cords to no longer than 22 centimetres. This change was to prevent the injuries or in serious cases, death of children who would find themselves tangled. This adjustment of length has made motorized chords a much safer option not only for residential builds but commercial as well.  

Kanagalingam anticipates motorized shades will become more popular as energy-efficient design continues to evolve in Canada. “It’s safer,” he says. “And more cost-efficient.”