Electric Window Blinds: Things for You to Know

Window blinds have been present in homes around the world for more than a century. Electric blinds, window blinds that can be moved up and down using a small tubular motor, are a more recent invention. This small motor powers a system of ropes, wheels and levers.

By taking advantage of radio emission and infrared technology, this motor can be operated with the use of a remote control. A timer can also be used to program electric blinds to move without any human action. Light sensors can also be installed to raise and lower the blinds according to the brightness of the sun and adjust how much light should enter a room.

If you want to have motorized blinds, ordinary window blinds can be turned into electric ones by installing a small motor inside its top tube, that is, if the top tube is wide enough for such a thing to be done. In many situations, however, new blinds need to be bought and installed in the rooms.

A lot of people worry about the possible danger of electrocution when using motorized blinds. This is unfounded because their motors are battery-operated and have low voltage. They do not pose any electric shock hazard to anyone.

Having such blinds can be used in bathrooms, in the kitchen and in other rooms which usually have high levels of humidity. However, the motors should be well encapsulated so that the moisture does not affect their smooth functioning.

Why should you have electric window blinds? Although some people think that laziness and not wanting to move are valid reasons for having electric blinds, they should be used by people:

1. who are elderly or those with physical impairments and have trouble walking around, raising their arms, or craning their necks;
2. who have to stay in bed due to some illness or condition;
3. who have installed windows in places that are difficult to reach, like in skylights, conservatory roofs or stairwell windows; and
4. who have nurseries or similar types of rooms where pets and small children go to lot and can get tangled from the long cords of non-automated blinds (motorized blinds do not need cords).

The following are remote control options from well-known names in the field of window coverings:

1. Hunter Douglas - There are multiple options from this manufacturer, the most popular of which are Hunter Douglas Duette with its trademark PowerRise technology%2@lower and raise the blinds. It also has other window blinds with motorized tilt options.
2. Velux Siesta - It uses a kind of battery-operated motor which does not dig tracks or groove in walls. They are a wise choice for rooms which have just been renovated or painted.
3. Comfortex - Many people like motorized blinds with this name because the window treatments come with a translucent fabric vanes. The blinds can be opened or closed independently from moving the clot vanes. Homeowners who are interested in having these should order color swatches before purchasing the blinds.