Electric Blinds - Info On Types Of Blinds Available + Installation

A window blind is any type of window covering made of slats of wood, plastic, metal, or fabric that can rotate in place to either open or close allowing these slats to overlap. They can rotate horizontally or vertically and be done either manually or electric. Electric blinds are one of the most popular choices in the place of electrically drawn curtains or even in combination with these types of curtains, usually sheer and not heavy unless needed for blackout times. This article will give you a base of information to work from, different types, and a place to purchase them.

Why Do You Buy Electric Blinds

Most window blinds that are installed in your home filter light and provide privacy. It can give your room a relaxing and lighter feel after a long day. The bad part is that for many you actually have to get up and adjust them as the day moves and the sun filters in at different angles. The electric blindswill make life easier, especially for someone who has worked all day. Not only are these easier, they tend to get tangled less. Everyone who has ever owned blinds, hates the moment they have to untangle knots and knots just to get their blinds to move. Technological advances can be wonderful things.

Another reason to have electric blinds is for those that are older people or for those who have disabilities. Pushing a button is easier that walking across a room and possibly reaching across something to get the blinds where they need to be adjusted. The truth is that they can be quite difficult for anyone, not just someone who has little or limited dexterity.

Not only does this technological edge give you some extra relaxation and ease of use for those who find it difficult, it give you an added air of sophistication. Most designers will say that electrical blinds are only found in some of the better show rooms and add extra price to any room.

Lastly and probably one of the least known facts is that purchasing energy efficient electrical blinds can save you money, despite what you may pay for them. There is a Federal Tax Credit for qualifying homemakers of 30% up to $1500. This tax credit took place in 2009 with President Obama's backing to support energy efficient homes who not only used the right blinds, but other items like HVAC units, insulation products, roofs, and ets.. To find out if you qualify ask for the certification statement that comes with energy efficient labelled blinds. The retailer will have this on hand or you can download it from the internet; just keep your receipts no matter what.

Types of Electric Blinds

There are several different types of electric blindsthat can be purchased. This means they can be bought for the home or the office. The following is a small list of options:

• Roller Blinds

  • This is a blind that steps out of the box a little different than the rest. It is instead made of a solid sheet of fabric or other material. Most people with home theaters or need a blackout room use these types of electrical blinds. A lot are run by a button installed on the wall, but more are being used as part of the remote control.

• Venetian Blinds

  • These are more often found in aluminum or wood, but can be made with any other material used in blinds; bamboo is very popular. Slats on these blinds run horizontally, bound by wire, string or cloth that can be rotated to 180 degrees. Many office buildings are using these types of blinds. Electric Venetians are usually powered or battery powered with a remote control or wall switches. One of the best new options is the wire free sun sensor that lets the blinds turn or tilt where there is a bright light.

• Vertical Blinds

  • These are the toughest of electrical blinds. Most commonly used for large doors and windows, these are most likely made of wood, PVC, or heavy fabric. Many of these are not just used to control the direction of the sunlight and privacy, then can be used to direct wind. Most chose to place a wall switch for direction control of these.

• Roman Blinds

  • Many call these fabric shades, because they combine both the shade and fabric designs for a room. These are also more likely to better at insulation than other electric blinds. Pay attention to these and their weight, because heavier models will not come motorized.

Where to Buy Electric Blinds

There are options both locally and online, the choice is up to you depending on your shopping style. Despite your choice, remember to always shop around. both online and locally to get the best price available. If you can order something online and get it cheaper, even with shipping, you will be better off in the long run.

Locally, you will need to find a specialty shop on windows and doors. Many stores that deal exclusively in home ware. These stores will be ones like Pier One or Bed, Bath, & Beyond. If you desire custom made ones, you can get your contractor or interior designer to handle where they get it from, as they will have many options at hand. Or you can order the parts and pieces yourself from suppliers that are harder to find if you are not a designer yourself.

Online, there are hundreds of options, but to help you narrow it down take a look at a few options below:

• Intelli-Blinds

  • This company offers several options; Roman Blinds, Curtains, Panel Blinds, and Pleated Blinds.

  • All are equipped with their Blindtronics automation system that makes several output options. Basically it can be wired as a wall switch, handset, touchpad, wind or sun sensor, as well as many others.

  • Price Range: $300 - $1000

• Automated Shading

  • This is a company based in Tampa, Florida that offers options for anyone across the United States. Their options are Transparent Roller, Blackout Roller, Dual Roller (Blackout & Transparent), Roman, Woven, Silhouette, Duette, and Draperies. All of these are offered from different brands to ensure they can compete with the customer base's options.

  • Price Range: $300 - $1000

• Your Blinds (dot com)

  • This place offers several different option with three of their favorite brands YourBlinds, Ambience, and Comfortex. As a company this has the highest consumer reviews for both price and product offered. It is one of the few places that have an easy to navigate site with lots of information.

  • Price Range: $200 - $25

Installation Costs

One last thing to remember, is that you should budget for installation of your electric blindsif you are not going to do it yourself. Remember that these are little more intensive an install than your typical blinds. There is a power source to consider and then other options that you as a consumer may not be privy to unless the directions included are amazingly written. So, keep it in mind despite your choices. Installation should run a hundred or more if a professional does it. However, you can contact a local school that specializes this type of industry.

So, when you have decided on the best electric blindsfor you and your home, do not forget to keep the paperwork and receipts. This will help you in the long run should you face any errors or will want to turn in the paperwork for your federal tax credit. If you are still not sure these are the best for you, review the benefits against the prices and consider the life of the blinds versus that. They may pay for themselves in the future and not be too much despite the heavy cost.