Motorized Electric Blinds | How They Work, Costs, and Benefits

Today, blinds can be operated with the touch of a button, thanks to the innovation in window treatments. Motorized electric blinds, or motorized blinds, as they are sometimes called, is a cutting-edge window covering that can be utilized in both homes and offices. They unarguably serve three purposes: motorized blinds increase comfort, provide luxury, and save energy. You no longer have to walk to the window to adjust the blinds. This article discusses everything you need to know if you are considering purchasing motorized electric blinds.

In this blog, we’ll discuss, “Is it possible for me to convert my blinds into motorized?”, “What is the cost of hardwired motorized blinds?”, “In what way are the blinds powered?” and “Is there a significant power draw from electric blinds.” We will also explore the added convenience of operating the motorized blinds with voice commands and their integration benefits to your existing devices, so you can make an informed decision.

What Are Motorized Electric Blinds?

Motorized blinds are an advancement in blinds since they are adjusted to position controlled by motors, which use electricity to operate wirelessly. They can be operated with remotes, wall switches, or smartphones. More advanced electric blinds could also be employed with home automation systems such as Amazon’s Alexa, Google Home, or Apple Home Kit. Users are able to adjust them either through voice commands, or the system could be programmed to operate them on a schedule.

Some examples of motorized blinds are: 

• Roller Blinds   

• Venetian Blinds  

• Roman Blinds  

• Vertical Blinds  

These kinds of blinds are perfect for people who need high levels of control concerning illumination and privacy, both in residential and corporate settings.  

Is It Possible To Convert Traditional Blinds Into Motorized Blinds?  

This is possibly one of the most asked questions, whether it is feasible to convert standard manual blinds into electric motorized ones. The reassuring news is that it is indeed possible to convert standard blinds to motorized blinds.  

This can be done in multiple ways:  

Motorized Retrofit Kits: There are several companies that specifically manufacture retrofitting kits to automate existing styles of blinds. Generally, these kits have a motor that can be fitted to the control mechanism of the blinds, which in turn makes the blinds operable electronically. Usually, retrofit kits are inexpensive and relatively simple to install, although they do not look as good as fully integrated motorized blinds. 

Smart Motors: An additional option involves retrofitting existing blinds with a smart motor system known as smart motors. Usually, this type of system comes with a remote control, or integrated with an app to allow for smartphone control.

Professional Installation: If you want a seamless and more advanced upgrade, you can hire a professional to retrofit motorized systems onto your existing blinds. This solution is ideal for people with sophisticated window coverings or if you are looking for something more bespoke.

Not every type of blind can be retrofitted. If your blinds are fitted with a manual system that is hard to adjust or is not compatible with retrofit kits, then it would be more worthwhile to consider purchasing a new set of motorized blinds.

How Much Do Hardwired Motorized Blinds Cost?

The cost of hardwired motorized blinds depends on the brand and type of blinds as well as the size of the windows and the intricacy of the installation. Hardwired systems are permanently linked to a building’s electrical system and offer a more stable and continuous power supply.

Here is the breakdown of typical cost ranges for some motorized blinds:

Basic Motorized Blinds. For smaller windows and simpler roller blinds, options begin at around $200-$400 per window.

High-End Motorized Blinds. Larger windows incur more expensive custom-made blinds, which may include advanced systems (such as integration into smart homes) and cost between $500 to $1,500 per window.

Installation Fees: The hardwired systems can cost an additional $100-500 for professional installation, depending on the complexity of the job.

Unlike battery-powered options, hardwired motorized blinds tend to be pricier due to their uninterrupted power supply and the refined aesthetics they provide, eliminating the constant need for battery changes.

How Do Motorized Blinds Get Their Power?

Motorized blinds receive power from either a battery or a hardwired electricity connection from your home. Let’s discuss both options:

1. Motorized Blinds Powered by a Battery

For individuals who prefer not to deal with electrical wiring, battery-powered motorized blinds are an ideal option. The convenience of interchangeable or rechargeable batteries is certainly a plus, especially when these batteries are concealed within the headrail or housing of the blind.

Pros: No electrical wiring is required, making them simple to install. Their mobility to different windows is also a plus.

Cons: Batteries, whether rechargeable or replaceable, may require frequent changes over time.

Motorized blinds powered by a battery are perfect for individuals who want quick and easy installations with minimal hassle. However, constant high usage may result in needing to frequently replace the batteries.

2. Hard Wired Motorised Blinds

As was noted before, hardwired motorised blinds are affiliated directly with the electrical system of the house. They pull electricity from the grid which provides a constant or uninterrupted supply.

Pros: No battery substitution is required, operation is unbroken, and blinds have a clean appearance (no visible wires).

Cons: Installation is a lot more difficult and is usually done by an expert as the system has to be integrated into the electrical wiring of the house.

For someone seeking a permanent solution that requires no maintenance and is free of costs related to upkeep, hardwired motorized blinds are the best choice.

Do Electric Blinds Use a Lot of Electricity?

An often raised issue with regard to electric blinds is the amount of electricity consumed. The positive part of the issue is the fact that motorized blinds for windows do not consume a lot of power in comparison to other gadgets within the household, and for this reason, there is no need to worry. Below are the reasons:

Low Energy Requirements

The amount of power used by motorized blinds is very low. This is because the motor only uses electricity when repositioning the blinds; once the blinds are at their desired position, the motor is inactive. Actually, the average energy consumption of a motorised blind is lower than one watt per hour.

Motorized blinds can save a bit of battery, but the energy these blinds consume is trivial.

Benefits of Energy Efficiency

In terms of energy savings, motorized blinds can help reduce your energy costs. With proper adjustment, the amount of sunlight that enters your house can allow you to save on air conditioning or heating. For example:

In summer, motorized blinds can be lowered during the day to cut out direct sunlight which reduces the temperature of your space and the stress on your air conditioning.

In winter, you can lower the blinds and raise them during the day to allow natural sunshine to enter and help warm your home without relying on the heating system.

In this way, motorized blinds improve the energy efficiency of your home, considering their almost negligible power consumption.

Benefits of Motorized Electric Blinds

In addition to saving time, motorized electric blinds have various advantages:

1. Increased Accessibility

You no longer have to stand up to change the position of your blinds – all it takes is one press of a button or a voice command. Motorized blinds are very helpful for hard-to-reach windows, such as high or large windows, or for rooms that have more than one window that you want to operate simultaneously.

2. Enhanced Security and Privacy

When away from home, you can set motorized blinds to open and close at specific times, creating the illusion that someone is there. This additional feature may discourage burglars and protect against home invasion. In addition, motorized blinds enable you to set the blinds for optimal privacy at any time.

3. Better Light Control  

With motorized blinds, the level of natural light entering your space can be fully controlled at the touch of a button. Motorized blinds allow you to perfectly block out sunlight or let it in completely.

4. Aesthetic Appeal  

The sleek modern appearance of motorized blinds compliment any room in the house. It can be incorporated into smart home systems and customized to specific décor adding sophistication to the home.

Conclusion  

In terms of elegance, convenience, and energy efficiency, motorized electric blinds have no rivals. These blinds are a great addition for those who wish to automate their home or improve the functionality of their window treatments. Myriads of FAQs like “Can I convert my blinds to motorized?” along with the power sources and energy consumption information, it’s easy to see how accessible and cost-effective motorized blinds have become.

Motorized electric blinds offer additional features like saving energy, added privacy, and convenience which makes them a great asset for contemporary homes. The question now becomes, when should you invest in them?