The primary motive for installing blinds is to keep privacy and safety intact and protect the indoor space from harsh sunlight, which may lead to the aging of furniture. However, the dilemma remains regarding the type of blinds and its pros and cons. Whether you opt for conventional blinds or motorized ones, both will serve the basic purpose of providing safety, privacy, and protection from extreme cold and heat.
If you want to upgrade blinds to electric blinds and want to add to existing knowledge about electric blinds, here we are with detailed information, including "How much are motorized blinds?" to help you know the cost, too.
Know More About Motorized Blinds
Motorized blinds or automatic blinds are easily available stylish window solutions that are gaining popularity in modern homes due to energy efficiency and sophistication and are considered the epitome of luxury. High quality motorized blinds excel in maximising the use of natural light. By adjusting them throughout the day, you can harness sunlight to its fullest potential. The price ranges between $700-$2000 per blind or even more. It depends on what style you prefer and what your budget is. There are three types of blinds: battery-powered blinds, hardwired blinds, and solar-powered blinds.
Battery-powered blinds are flexible and easy to install as they don't require wiring. Hardwired blinds require no battery replacement, and the last one is solar-powered blinds, which use natural sunlight to function.
Why Should You Opt for Motorized Blinds?
Motorized blinds make daily life easy and simple because you can seamlessly raise, lower, or adjust the blinds; the risk of tangled strings is ruled out; it can effortlessly control blinds throughout the house and fix the movement of the blind at a particular time using an app. These features help control the windows through a voice command when there are many windows installed in the house at a height that you can't reach. All you need is Wi-Fi for the functioning of electric blinds.
Tips for Creating a Custom Order
Exact Measurement
Precision in measurement matters. Check the measurement thoroughly with precision because the shade won't fit correctly with the wrong measurements.
Color
Choose the color that matches the existing interior style and color for perfect impact.
Level of Transparency
There are various options, like complete blackout and sheer or transparent blinds. Select the blind that suits your requirements.
Preference for Mounting Style
The mounting style depends on the windows. If there's depth in the brackets, the inside-mount option is the best, whereas the outside mount is a safer option, but it won't fit close to the window.
The Final Look
If you prefer a finished look for blinds with additional features like valance, look for brands that offer such features.
Features to Look for in Electric Blinds
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DIY installation
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Automatic function(ability to connect remotely)
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Should be compatible with at least one smart home platform like Amazon, Alexa, or Google Home
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Non-smart remote control
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Automatic adjustment to the time and position of the sun
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Uninterrupted performance
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Long battery life
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Soundproof motor
Factors Affecting the Cost of Blinds
There are several factors that affect the cost of blinds, which are discussed below:
Type of Blinds
The type of blind is an important factor affecting the total cost of blinds. If you opt for smart blinds with Google Home, it will definitely cost more. Also, opting for blackout fabric with a light-blocking feature will further add to the cost.
Size of the Blind
The size of blinds matters because the length of the blind is directly proportional to cost, i.e., the larger the blind size, the higher the cost, and vice-versa.
Quality
Established brands known for their quality, performance, and durability often have a higher price compared to lesser-known brands. However, it's worth investing more when buying blinds because well known brands use premium quality in making blinds that increase the cost and longevity, both. The best thing is even if you plan to invest less, there are options in the hand.
Cost of Installation
Installation cost is another vital factor affecting the cost of blinds. Installation is a challenging task as it involves electrical work that needs precision and safety, so it's advisable to seek help from an expert, which comes at a price. Measuring the window and understanding the wiring infrastructure is vital as it decides the complexity of the work. Experts perform such tasks day in and day out, so they understand the situation well.
Customized Features
If you wish to add some custom features to your blinds, it will enhance the aesthetic but will add to the cost. Features like integration with Google Home require additional hardware or software work, and noise reduction features involve different installation techniques, adding to the blind costs.
Maintenance Cost
Apart from other direct factors affecting the cost, there are long-term costs that need to be taken into consideration, and maintenance cost is one such factor. Electric blinds are durable, but the usual routine maintenance is required, like lubrication and cleaning or replacement of any damaged part that may require professional help, adding to the cost.
Energy Cost
Just like maintenance costs, energy cost is also a long-term cost. Electric blinds consume energy, but the amount depends on the variety of blinds and their usage. For example, battery-operated blinds run on batteries (rechargeable or AA) that require recharging or replacement over the period, and solar-powered and hardwired blinds run on energy drawn from the sun or from your home's electrical system.
Cost of Motorized Blinds
Electric blinds cost more than the traditional ones. The cost lies between $200-$2000 per blind. The reason for the higher cost is due to motors at their core for functionality. Motorized blinds are cost-effective as in the long run, they help you save energy bills and add value to homes. These blinds also control the amount of light entering the house and keep the privacy intact, reducing the loss of heat and cold loss through the window.
If you plan to sell the property in the near future, investing in an electric blind is worthwhile as it will give a manifold return due to automation and convenience factors.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Motorized Blinds?
Advantages
The factors and other benefits discussed above may have given you an idea regarding its cost and other criteria. Initially, you may have to shell more money into buying an electric blind, but the convenience, high energy efficiency, and visual appeal enhance the look of the house. You can easily operate it without moving through Google Home.
When it comes to energy efficiency, these blinds help reduce energy bills by allowing natural sunlight in the rooms in a controlled amount. You can control the heat and cold coming in through the remote.
Talking about visual appeal, the sophisticated, sleek design of the electric blind extends an awe-striking beauty to any room, making it fit for all occasions, be it a birthday celebration, a family get-together, or movie time.
Disadvantages
The only flipside of these blinds is the high initial cost and potential repair or maintenance costs incurred in the future.
Brands to Consider
There are a few brands you can consider for blinds, as mentioned below:
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Lutron Serena Smart Roller Shades - It is easy to install, have multiple style options, are compatible with smart home platforms like Alexa and Amazon, are sturdy, and have a quiet motor. The flip side is it uses more battery and is expensive.
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Smarter Home My Smart Roller Shades - They cost less and look good, but have flipsides; the hardware is not strong and not compatible with smart home platforms.
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Ikea Fyrstur - It has easy access to batteries and is budget-friendly. The disadvantage is it can't be customized, and hardware is not included.
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Lutron Serena Smart Wood Blinds - It has excellent optimization of natural light and can be adjusted. The flip side is its high price and requirement of 12 AA batteries.
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Smarter Homes My Smart Blinds - The installation is easy and has excellent solar panel charging. The flip side is that Wi-Fi that works for shades won't work for it, and it uses an app that is not as good as others.
Conclusion
Motorized blinds have gained popularity due to their smart and hassle-free operation. However, you need to consider different factors such as type, size, installation cost, repair and maintenance requirement, and other long-term costs before investing in electric blinds. These blinds are constantly compared to traditional blinds, but considering the long-term benefits, you can consider this, keeping in mind all the pros and cons.
