Smart irrigation, smart lawnmowers, smart awnings - the term "smart" is on everyone's lips at the moment. You can find out exactly what that means and what you need to watch out for here.
The word "smart" comes from English and means "clever, clever". So, in translation, these are smart devices that want to support and facilitate people's everyday lives. This in turn works thanks to the latest technology and the connection of the individual devices to a smartphone or tablet.
High quality technology for individual sun protection
Let's take a closer look at the example of smart sun protection. Whether blinds, awnings or roller shutters, they all provide shade when they are operated by people, i.e. extended or lowered. As long as someone is at home, the sun protection also works very well. At the latest, however, when nobody is at home and the sun shines all day on the terrace or through the windows and rooms and terrace floors are heating up as a result, many people want help.
This is where smart sun protection comes into play. For this purpose, awnings and other sun protection are equipped with various sensors such as rain, sun and wind sensors. These record the current weather conditions, forward this data and the awning, for example, is then automatically extended or retracted. Depending on what is desired.
Of course you have to communicate your wishes and needs beforehand. To do this, you need a control center in your home to which all smart devices are connected. Nowadays, this is mostly done digitally, for example via Bluetooth or WLAN. You can also connect other smart devices such as refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines to this smart center. The prerequisite is that the respective end devices are suitable or intended for smart use and that they can all communicate via the same network.
Can also be used on the go
You, in turn, have an app on your smartphone that is tailored to the control center, with which you can communicate your very specific needs. For example, you can enter fixed times at which theawning should be extended.
Example: If the sun always shines in your house at midday in summer and you need shade, program this wish in the app. If there is a change in the weather or if you have perhaps forgotten to check the weather report, the rain and wind sensors then ensure that the awning is retracted again. It stays dry and is not damaged by the wind.
You also have access to awnings, roller shutters and blinds without pre-programmed times. You can use the app to control all smart devices directly and trigger certain actions, even when you're on the go.
Example: You are at work shortly before the end of the day and would like to relax on the terrace at home with a book. The afternoon sun hits your terrace directly, making it impossible to relax. With your smartphone, while you're still at work, you can set the awning to open and provide shade, so you can relax at home just like you intended.
Anyone who has set up a compatible smart speaker such as Alexa, Siri & Co. at home can also use voice control to provide shade on the balcony, terrace or in the garden if this is required.
So you see: Whenever devices such as roller shutters and awnings can be operated conveniently and intuitively via app or voice control, we speak of smart devices or smart sun protection.
If you are interested in smart sun protection, keep in mind that only motorized models are suitable. Either you buy motorized awnings and blinds in a smart version. Alternatively, you can also smartly retrofit many sun protection systems that have already been installed. Sun protection that can only be operated manually cannot be retrofitted or smartly equipped.
Where to buy smart sun protection?
You won't find smart sun protection in the hardware store around the corner. Even if some hardware stores now offer many smart products for the household, you will mostly find standard awnings and standard roller blinds there. In this case, standard means sun protection in conventional dimensions for conventional terraces and balconies. There is no question that these products can be of good quality.
But even with deviations from the standard dimensions or individual color requests, it can be difficult to find suitable sun protection in the hardware store and unfortunately no smart sun protection at all.
For this, see theInternet many manufacturers who have specialized in individual sun protection. Since the overview of products, new products and innovations can quickly get lost, especially on the Internet, some sun protection providers have joined forces on the independent advice portal Schattenfinder.
All providers have specialized in tailor-made and individual solutions and offer sun protection for all conceivable eventualities. Whether sun protection is needed for the balcony, the terrace or the garden. Whether it can be attached to the wall of the house or must remain free-standing - an online product advisor will guide you through various questions about the sun protection that meets your personal needs and wishes for sun protection and privacy.
What are the advantages of smart sun protection?
But what are the advantages of smart sun protection? Why should you buy something like this? With smart awnings, you combine sun protection with the major topic of energy saving and with the aspect of security for your home.
Benefits- Especially in winter you can save on heating and energy costs if roller shutters and blinds are automatically retracted and extended.
- When you are away, automatic sun protection systems provide more security as they deter potential burglars. Especially in combination with smart garden lighting.
- Instead of shading each window individually, you can conveniently control the blinds from your smartphone. This is an enormous relief, especially in multi-storey houses.
Cons
In order to give you a transparent overview when choosing a suitable sun protection, the disadvantages that smart-controlled sun protection entails must not be ignored.
Cons- The initial setup of the smart system and the use of the app will certainly take a little time, especially at the beginning. But routine and intuitive use will set in quickly.
- The acquisition costs are higher than for sun protection without smart function. Since highly intelligent technology is installed, this can also be explained logically.
- Topic security: Here you should have at least basic knowledge of how to be safe on the internet. The rules there can be transferred to the handling of smart systems. First and foremost, you should have the latest updates for the app and other software installed. A password-protected WLAN goes without saying.
» Tip: TheFinding the right awning is not always easy and sometimes requires professional advice. I definitely recommend this to you if you opt for smart sun protection. It's not just about choosing the matching color of the awning fabric. Rather, the software and technology must be coordinated, especially if you want to connect several devices to your smart network. So take advantage of the service of good and serious advice with a clear conscience.
Conclusion
Smart sun protection means much more than providing shade using a remote control. A sophisticated technical system that can be easily and intuitively controlled with apps or voice assistants not only increases the quality of life. It also offers protection during the holiday season and helps to save energy. However, a detailed consultation should be at the beginning of all planning regarding a new purchase or a conversion. This ensures that you can enjoy the smart sun protection for a long time.