With what type of windows does fenestra work with?

Our first model works with most horizontal sliding windows. To check if fenestra works with your windows, measure the size of your window sill; you will need an available free footprint of 2” from the edge of the window. Also, if your windows have a self-locking mechanism, you will need to disable it, but do not worry, fenestra acts as a lock itself given how the mechanism is designed, so prying open a windows is just as difficult as if your lock was engaged. Additionally, based entirely on your feedback we will decide what the next type of window will be.

Is WiFi required?

No. In order for fenestra to truly be an eco-friendly solution, it had to be a net-zero energy device. That meant not using power hungry Wi-Fi but instead using SmartThings and Zigbee technologies.(Hub required) The SmartThings hub does not require a WiFi network, but does need to be plugged in to your router.

How do I install fenestra? Is it easy?

Yes, it’s really easy. After many iterations, we created a design that is very simple to install. Every kit comes with a template that allows you to precisely mark where each fenestra should go. Once this is done, install the base plate with the included 3M© adhesive strips or screws (included). Once the base plate is installed, fenestra just snaps into place.

I suffer from allergies, is fenestra aware of the quality of air outside?

Yes, fenestra not only knows your weather forecast but also knows your local Air Quality Index (AQI) and outdoor pollen count and can react to this information instantly only letting high quality air inside your home.

Is fenestra compatible with my smart thermostat? Is one required?

Yes, fenestra is compatible with the Nest, Ecobee and Lyric smart thermostats. Using the desired indoor temperature set on your thermostat as well as its status and your preferences, fenestra knows what to do and when. Having a smart thermostat is not required.

Can fenestra be linked to a home Air Quality monitor?

Yes, fenestra is able to talk to and react based on information provided by smart Indoor Air quality monitors such as those sold by Withings, Foobot and AWAIR. With the help of IFTTT, creating a recipe to open a window when the air quality of a certain room decreases is really easy. Check out some of our recipes or create your own.

How fast does it open?

fenestra can open your windows as fast as 1 inch per second. When on set-and-forget mode, speed will slow down to conserve battery power, as well as to be inconspicuous and quiet.

Is fenestra child and pet-friendly? Can someone or something get caught by a closing window?

fenestra constantly monitors the system load and position while closing or opening any window. If at any given moment, an obstruction prevents the window from closing, the system will automatically detect it, stop the window, and will notify you via a phone notification.

How is this better than an Air Purifier or a Dehumidifier?

Unlike Air Purifiers and Dehumidifiers, fenestra is solar powered and does not need to consume energy in order for it to work. Additionally, fenestra takes advantage of the natural forces of wind to create air drafts which flush stuffy air out of your entire home, unlike Air Purifiers and Dehumidifiers which clean air in just one room. (Don't even get us started on the hassle of having to empty Dehumidifier's every day or the cost of replacing air filters)

Does the solar panel have any positioning requirements?

For not so sunny areas, or perhaps shady and north facing windows, we suggest you place the solar panel outside your window, on the indoor side of your screen. The special wire harness we have designed, will allow the cable to snake indoors without any problems. If you live in a very sunny area, with south facing windows, the solar panel could also be placed on the indoor side of the window.

What if the battery runs out after a long stretch of bad weather?

Situations like this should be extremely rare – the product itself was developed and tested in rainy Seattle. In the rare case that your window unit runs out of power, a cell phone charger can be used. The solar panel connects to fenestra using a micro USB connector; the same connector used on most cell phone chargers.

How do I open a closed window in case of an emergency?

Building code states that windows should be able to open in case of an emergency; our product design includes a quick release latch, which allows users to easily open or close a window in case you need to.