Understanding the Different Ways to Motorize Your Blinds
Imagine pushing a button and your chic blinds begin to open or close, granting privacy or allowing beams of light into your home. Whether you are renovating your home or just considering updating your current window treatment, you may want to consider the advantages of electrically operated blinds. Extremely convenient, this high-tech window covering allows you to easily open and close your blinds to create the ideal ambience. Never again you will spend time and effort manually adjusting heavy or hard to reach blinds.
If you are after the easy, safety, or cutting-edge technology of electrically operated blinds, understanding the different types available – hardwired, battery, DC power or solar powered – will help you choose the best fit for your needs.
Battery
This is a popular choice that consists of a small wand that runs on 8 to 16 AA lithium ion batteries. This kind of battery is required as they can withstand the sun’s heat without melting. Battery wands can be installed either above, beside, or behind the shade depending on the mounting. One drawback of this option is that the batteries tend to last one year, so they must be changed whenever the blinds start to run slowly. But still, this is a simple process; just remove the battery cap and the old batteries will fall out.
Hard Wired
If you are renovating your home or building a new one, you should consider the addition of hard wired blinds as you will need an electrician to help with installation. While these window coverings create some energy costs, they are very easy to maintain as you won’t ever have to change batteries. Because this option is also more powerful, it is ideal for heavy blinds.
DC Power Adaptor
Similar to hard wired blinds, DC power adaptors will also plug into an outlet. However, the installation of a DC power adaptor is easy as one two three. There is no additional wiring and all you have to do just hang your blinds, plug in your power and you will be good to go. The only drawback of these blinds is that you may find the wired unsightly and you will also need to stick close to a power source.
Solar Powered
Solar powered blinds have a small solar panel with a rechargeable battery wand behind the window. The blinds are raised and lowered with help from the sun’s energy. No electrician is required to install these blinds, making it a DIY project. The rechargeable solar battery may need to be changed after a year or two, once your blinds start to slow down.
With all these options you should be able to choose one to suit your personal lifestyle and decorating preference. Before you notice, you will be kicking back on the couch and adjusting those blinds to block out the blinding sun!
