Motorized blinds have become staples in homes and workplaces around the world. What was once seen as a complete luxury is now a regular part of everyday life, and for good reason.
Motorized shades come with many different benefits, such as being convenient, energy efficient, and increasing both the privacy and safety of your home.
Now, what we're here to do today is to provide you with a complete list of the most frequently asked questions about motorized blinds.
This is your motorized blind FAQ, and we're going to answer all of your pressing questions, so you can make an informed purchasing decision when choosing your blinds from reputable retailers such as BlindsMagic.
What Are Motorized Blinds?
Motorized blinds are special types of window treatments that feature built-in motors, which allow them to operate electronically instead of manually.
By using a remote control, voice commands, or a smartphone application, these blinds can be adjusted in terms of their position to control privacy, energy efficiency, and light in your space.
Motorized blinds come in many different styles, materials, and types, providing you with many different aesthetic options to suit any home or office space.
How Do Motorized Shades Work?
Motorized shades use an electric motor, usually powered by batteries. With that being said, there are models that can also be powered directly by solar panels or through a direct connection with your home's electrical system.
The motor is usually always inside of the housing, which makes it virtually invisible, thus preserving the sleek and elegant appearance of motorized blinds.
What is really convenient is that users can control the blinds in many different ways, including using a remote control. However, it is also possible to use a smartphone application or voice commands to control your motorized blinds.
What Are The Benefits of Motorized Blinds?
Motorized blinds come with many different benefits for the home. First and foremost, motorized blinds are just very convenient, because as we've mentioned above, you can control them in many different ways. This makes them ideal for people with mobility issues and for hard to reach windows.
However, it goes much further than that, because motorized blinds are also very energy efficient. They help optimize natural lighting, thus reducing your reliance on artificial lighting and air conditioning alike. Overall, motorized blinds can help you save a whole lot of money on your energy bill.
Also worth noting is that motorized blinds allow for great security and privacy, because with a remote control and scheduling, you can make sure that your blinds adjust even when you're not at home.
Moreover, motorized blinds also don't feature any cords, which means that there aren't any entanglement or choking hazards for kids. Overall, motorized blinds can also look very nice, making them a great addition for any home decor setup.
Are Motorized Blinds Hard to Install?
The great part about motorized blinds is that they are generally very easy to install. Now, if you go for a hardwired option, you'll likely need professional help to connect the motorized blinds to your home's electrical system.
However, this is not the case with battery powered motorized blinds, because they don't require any wiring. This means that homeowners can install motorized blinds that are battery powered all on their own.
For most installations, all you'll need to do is mount the brackets to your window frame or wall, secure the blinds in place, connect the motor to the power source, and then pair the blinds with the smart home system, app, and remote control.
Furthermore, manufacturers generally always provide instructions which are highly detailed in nature, therefore simplifying the installation and mounting process even further.
How Long is the Battery Life on Motorized Blinds?
Battery life on motorized blinds does of course depend on the model in question as well as usage. With that being said, the average battery life of motorized blinds is usually around six months, even if used frequently.
There are many low energy motors out there that don't require much power, and can therefore be used on a daily basis without having to be recharged constantly.
If you can find some motorized blinds that only need to be recharged once every six months, then you are certainly on the right track. Even better is that there are many motorized blinds that can be recharged, some even with solar energy, therefore not only being convenient, but also reducing your overall energy costs.
Are Motorized Blinds Compatible with Smart Home Systems?
Another neat aspect about motorized blinds is that they are generally compatible with smart home systems. Motorized blinds from BlindsMagic can integrate seamlessly with a variety of smart home systems, including, but not limited to sounds on Alexa, Google Home, and Apple Homekit.
However, this is not the case with battery powered motorized blinds, because they don't require any wiring. This means that homeowners can install motorized blinds that are battery powered all on their own.
For most installations, all you'll need to do is mount the brackets to your window frame or wall, secure the blinds in place, connect the motor to the power source, and then pair the blinds with the smart home system, app, and remote control.
Furthermore, manufacturers generally always provide instructions which are highly detailed in nature, therefore simplifying the installation and mounting process even further.
How Long is the Battery Life on Motorized Blinds?
Battery life on motorized blinds does of course depend on the model in question as well as usage. With that being said, the average battery life of motorized blinds is usually around six months, even if used frequently.
There are many low energy motors out there that don't require much power, and can therefore be used on a daily basis without having to be recharged constantly.
If you can find some motorized blinds that only need to be recharged once every six months, then you are certainly on the right track. Even better is that there are many motorized blinds that can be recharged, some even with solar energy, therefore not only being convenient, but also reducing your overall energy costs.
Are Motorized Blinds Compatible with Smart Home Systems?
Another neat aspect about motorized blinds is that they are generally compatible with smart home systems. Motorized blinds from BlindsMagic can integrate seamlessly with a variety of smart home systems, including, but not limited to sounds on Alexa, Google Home, and Apple Homekit.
This type of integration is integral to the overall functionality of motorized blinds, as they allow you to automate them along with the other smart devices in your home, as well as to use voice commands to control them. Just for an example, you could set your blinds to automatically rise when your thermostat detects lowering temperatures.
What Types of Windows Can Motorized Blinds Be Used With?
Motorized blinds are extremely versatile, in part because they can be used for many different types of windows. First, they can be used for standard windows, including bedrooms, kitchen, and living room windows.
However, it doesn't end there because motorized blinds are also ideal for larger oversized windows, because many are customizable in terms of the size.
On that note, many types of motorized blinds are also ideal for sliding glass doors and even skylights. With that being said, make sure that you choose a style and size of motorized blind that fits your specific needs and window dimensions.
Do I Have to Spend A Lot On Motorized Blinds?
Many people think that motorized blinds are extremely expensive, but this really isn't the case, especially if you factor in long term cost savings due to the energy efficiency benefits that smart home motorized blinds come with.
Generally speaking, basic motorized blinds may cost anywhere between $200 and $1000 per window, or more for high-end options.
Yes, motorized blinds are more costly upfront than regular blinds, they also come with many long term benefits that will end up saving you money. Just imagine the cost savings possible with automated blinds that help reduce your heating and cooling needs.
How Are Smart Blinds Energy Efficient?
Seeing as we mentioned energy efficiency above, this is another concern that many people have. However, the fact of the matter is that motorized blinds contribute to energy efficiency in many different ways.
For instance, they help with light control, which means they help regulate natural light. This helps reduce the need for artificial lighting during the daytime.
Next, motorized blinds also help with temperature regulation. By closing the blinds on a hot afternoon or opening them during a sunny winter morning, you can reduce both your cooling and heating costs.
Even better is that most smart blinds come with smart automation with scheduling features so you can adjust the blinds automatically based on the room temperature or time of day, therefore optimizing energy usage and minimizing your heating and cooling costs.
How Durable Are Motorized Blinds?
Motorized blinds are generally quite durable. The most important part to consider is the motor. Most motors can usually handle many thousands of cycles, while the blinds themselves need to be made with high quality materials to make sure that they can withstand daily use.
If you buy high quality motorized blinds, such as those from BlindsMagic, they should last for many years or even decades to come. With that being said, regular maintenance does help, with checking the motor and power source, as well as regular cleaning being essential.
What Kind of Maintenance Do Motorized Blinds Require?
Next, you're probably wondering what kind of maintenance motorized blinds require. Now, the good part about motorized blinds is that they are extremely low maintenance, although there are a few things that you should do in order to keep them in good shape.
First, you should regularly clean your motorized blinds. You should dust them on a regular basis to prevent any buildup of debris on the slats or fabric.
Next, you should check the battery on a monthly basis to make sure that it is in good condition, and check the power levels regularly to recharge the batteries as needed. You'll also want to periodically test the motor to make sure that it still operates smoothly.
Can I Control My Motorized Blinds Remotely When I’m Not At Home?
Yes, the really cool part about motorized blinds is that when you connect them to a Wi-Fi enabled smart hub or application, you can actually control them from anywhere in the world.
By simply accessing the application on your smartphone or tablet, you can easily control your smart blinds no matter where you are.
For instance, this means that you can adjust your blinds when you're on vacation, therefore improving home security by providing the illusion that there is somebody home.
How Eco-Friendly Are Motorized Blinds?
Something that really stands out about motorized blinds from BlindsMagic is that they are quite eco friendly.
Now, you might think that motorized blinds aren't eco friendly because they use power, but the simple fact of the matter is that well-built rechargeable batteries that can be recharged using solar energy are about as eco friendly as it gets.
Moreover, if you get the right type of motorized blinds, the motor itself won't use a lot of energy to begin with. Furthermore, there are many motorized blinds that are made out of highly sustainable materials, such as recycled fabrics and bamboo.
What Types and Styles of Motorized Shades Are Available?
Something that many people will appreciate about motorized blinds is that they come in many different styles that suit virtually any type of interior.
For instance, you can get roller shades, which are minimalist and sleek, making them very ideal for modern spaces while still providing many benefits.
Another type of shade that you may choose to go with is the zebra shade, which is ideal for providing a mix of natural light diffusion and energy efficiency.
If you're looking for something highly energy efficient, even better are cellular shades, which feature small cells or air pockets that create an insulating layer. You also have vertical blinds, roman shades, sheer shades, and more.
How Safe Are Motorized Blinds for Pets and Children?
Motorized blinds are extremely safe for children and pets. The reason for this is primarily because motorized blinds are cordless. Unlike traditional blinds that require a chord to open and close, motorized blinds use a motor.
This means that there's no chord hanging down, and therefore no choking, tripping, or safety hazard for pets and children. This makes motorized blinds much safer for homes that have pets and young children.
How Customizable Are Motorized Blinds?
Motorized blinds are highly customizable, especially if you get them from the right source. For instance, blinds from BlindsMagic can be customized in terms of size so that they fit both small and wide windows alike.
Furthermore, you can choose from many different options, colors, and finishes. In general, motorized blinds can be customized in virtually every way imaginable, therefore making them the perfect option for any home decor, size, and setup.
Will Motorized Blinds Work During Power Outages
One of the best aspects of motorized blinds is that they do work during power outages, at least if they function with a certain energy source. Of course, hardwired blinds that rely on your home's electrical system will not work during a power outage.
However, if you have battery powered blinds or solar powered blinds, these will continue to function during a power outage.
This means that the batteries need to be charged, but if you have a solar charger, this should never be an issue. Even with prolonged power outages, if you have a battery powered motorized shade with a solar charger, you should be able to keep them powered nearly indefinitely.
How Loud Are Motorized Blinds?
Many people may be concerned that motorized blinds are loud and might wake up their children while they are trying to sleep. However, this really isn't the case with modern motorized blinds, such as those from BlindsMagic, which are designed with extremely quiet motors.
This makes them barely audible during opening and closing, with their noise levels generally falling well below 40 decibels. That's comparable to a soft whisper. Just make sure that you go with the high-quality model, and you can rest assured that your motorized blinds won't be very loud.
Are Motorized Blinds Good for Rental Properties?
Many people might think that motorized blinds are only good for homes that they own, because of Installation and permanency. However, if you get battery powered models that don't require you to connect them with your home's electrical system, then you should be able to easily move them.
Battery powered motorized blinds can be easily removed when you move out of the rental property, because there's no need for drilling or hard wiring. If you're a landlord, you can install motorized blinds to add more value to the property, therefore attracting more tenants.
What Is the Average Lifespan of Motorized Blinds?
In general, the lifespan of motorized blinds can be up to 20 years with ease. In most cases, the motors are designed to handle thousands of cycles, and can easily last 10 years or longer with proper care.
In terms of the blinds themselves, as long as the materials are high quality, these should be able to last for 15 to 20 years with ease. This is especially the case with regular cleaning, professional servicing, and regular battery replacement.
Do Motorized Blinds Reduce Glare?
Motorized blinds are especially effective for reducing glare, such as computer monitors in the office or televisions in your home.
Features such as light filtering fabrics, adjustable positioning, and automatic opening and closing makes them ideal for controlling exactly how much light gets into a room.
This therefore makes motorized blinds ideal for a variety of spaces including living rooms, offices, home theaters, and bedrooms.
Do Motorized Blinds Increase Home Resale Value?
Something that many people may not consider is that motorized blinds do increase home value. Motorized blinds can improve a home’s value by improving energy efficiency, which is ideal for eco-conscious buyers. It also helps improve a home’s value by simplifying privacy and light control, while also offering a sophisticated and modern touch.
Everything You Need to Know About Motorized Blinds: Final Thoughts
There you have it folks, absolutely everything that you need to know about motorized blinds. We hope that we've answered all of your most frequently asked questions.
Remember, if you're looking for high quality motorized blinds that offer you with all of the features and benefits that we've discussed today, then BlindsMagic is the place to look for the highest-quality models of motorized blinds.
