Pella Debuts Innovative SmartSync™ Technology for Today's Smart Home

PELLA, Iowa, Jan. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Looking for a way to conveniently use technology to help save energy in your home? This year, the ability to do so is as close as your smartphone or computer as Pella® Windows and Doors introduces its newest innovation, SmartSync technology.

Pella SmartSync is an integrated system that allows shades or blinds — like snap-in options in Pella Designer Series® windows and patio doors — to be controlled simply by a remote control or by a home or building automation system through Web-enabled devices like computers and most smart phones.

Pella unveils its SmartSync innovation at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas Jan. 10 – 13. At CES, Pella technology will be featured in the re-launched Schlage® LiNK™ system, which now expands as Nexia™ Home Intelligence — a smart home automation system that according to Schlage, "helps your home speak one simple language."  Nexia enables consumers to remotely manage features and functions of their homes including door locks, heating and cooling systems, lights, and blinds or shades like those in Pella Designer Series windows.

Nexia Home Intelligence and Pella SmartSync technology are showcased in Schlage's booth 20842 in the South Hall at CES. The Nexia Home Intelligence system is supported by Ingersoll Rand brands Schlage and Trane®. The Nexia system gives consumers a convenient, affordable way to self-monitor and control access to their home 24 hours a day, seven days a week whether they are home or away.

Designed with purpose

Upon its entry into the emerging smart home market later in 2012, Pella will provide products that can be easily integrated through SmartSync technology to provide convenience and peace of mind. With SmartSync you can program blinds or shades to open and close on your desired schedule, to help your home look occupied whether you are home or away, any time of the day or night.

"Like other Pella products, Pella SmartSync technology is designed with purpose.  It's engineered to provide convenient benefits and ultimately help you save energy," said Polly Tousey, Pella strategic programs manager. "For example, you can quickly and conveniently adjust blinds or shades in your Pella windows to control light, privacy and help save energy in your home or business," she said.

To help save energy, Pella suggests homeowners open southern-facing window treatments in the winter to help let in the sun's warming rays during the day, and close them at night to help keep heat in as outdoor temperatures drop. Likewise, closing blinds or shades during the day in the summer helps limit interior heat gain, helping reduce potential cooling costs.   

Tousey said the Pella SmartSync technology helps increase a home or building's energy efficiency. In fact, between-the-glass blinds or shades featuring this technology can manage the sun's light and heat over two times more efficiently than windows without blinds or shades, according to Tousey.

"When Pella SmartSync systems are integrated with a home automation system to create a carefully-controlled interior environment, the energy usage of a home can be optimized easily and efficiently," Tousey said.

Industry innovation leader

Pella debuted windows with between-the-glass blinds in 1966. Today, it offers a variety of optional blinds and shades between glass in its windows and doors.

"Pella is again leading the industry and helping home and business owners conveniently save energy through its newest sustainable solution — SmartSync technology," Tousey said. "Look for more information about the availability of this dynamic, energy-saving innovation from Pella later this year," she said.

With an 86-year history of innovation, Pella is known for making outstanding products, providing quality service and delivering on customer satisfaction. Headquartered in Pella, Iowa, the company is committed to incorporating new technologies, increasing productivity and practicing environmental stewardship.

About Pella

Pella Corporation is a leader in designing, testing, manufacturing and installing energy-efficient windows and doors for new construction, remodeling and replacement applications.

Pella manufactures quality windows, patio doors and entry door systems sold through a Direct Sales Network operating Pella Window & Door Showrooms across the United States and Canada. For more information, call 888-847-3552 or visit pella.com. Follow Pella on Twitter.com @Pella_News, on Facebook at facebook.com/pellawindowsanddoors and on YouTube at youtube.com/pellawindowsanddoors.

About Ingersoll Rand

Ingersoll Rand (NYSE: IR) is a world leader in creating and sustaining safe, comfortable and efficient environments in commercial, residential and industrial markets. Our people and our family of brands—including Club Car®, Ingersoll Rand, Schlage Thermo King® and Trane — work together to enhance the quality and comfort of air in homes and buildings, transport and protect food and perishables, secure homes and commercial properties, and increase industrial productivity and efficiency. Schlage is the leader in security devices, trusted for 90 years, spanning both the commercial and residential markets. Ingersoll Rand is a $14 billion global business committed to sustainable business practices within our company and for our customers. For more information, visit ingersollrand.com or schlage.com.

SOURCE Pella Corporation