Tag Archive for: need

New Solar Power for rechargeable Motors

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solar-pannel-for-motorised-blinds

 

 

 

We are pleased to be able to offer a solar charger for our rechargeable motors.

We have been offering rechargeable motorised blinds for a few years now, but only with a traditional plugin charger.  Usually every 6-8 months on a single one up and one down action a day, the motor starts beeping asking for a recharge.  Not now that we have a trickle charge from the solar panel.

Either mounted on the window or externally on the mount bracket the solar panel will trickle charge the battery for optimum performance.

The solar panel does not need direct sun light to work it can harvest power from the daylight.

If this is of interest to you, please contact us.

THE MOST EFFICIENT WAY TO CLEAN WINDOW BLINDS

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Blinds. There is no quicker or more effective way to switch from natural light to privacy please! Just a twist of the wrist and the magic happens. Surely, this is why just about every window in just about every house and apartment in the U.S. comes dressed with BLINDS. We have come to expect them. We have come to depend on them. Curtains and the like are just decorative bonuses; blinds do the grunt work.

But speaking of work, they sure are a lot of work to clean. Blinds collect dust like nobody’s business, and getting that dust off is a pain. It is time consuming, and I know I’ve never felt like I’ve gotten minecompletely dust-free–even after a day devoted to cleaning them.

Well, that was before I knew THIS awesome hack. The only hack you’ll ever need for cleaning your blinds. Are you ready? Let’s figure out how to clean window blinds together!

how to clean your window blinds

(This post contains affiliate links that support this blog.)

Here are the things you’ll need: tongs, two microfiber dust cloths (you may want to have some extra for swapping out when the originals get dusty), and four rubber bands.

Let’s go to work!

Wrap your dust cloths around each side of your tongs and secure with two rubber bands a piece. Make sure that the smooth side of the dust cloth faces in and the seam is on the side or back for the most effective dusting.

Clasp your tongs around each individual blind and just LOOK at all of the dust that comes back! This is seriously the most efficient way anyone has ever cleaned their blinds. Ever.

If your dry cloths aren’t getting the job done, spray your favorite cleaner on the blinds as you go. We love making our own and use these DIY household cleaner recipes on this list to do it!

Now, if your blinds are anything like mine, you’ll need to change your microfiber cloths out a few times over before you’re done. Just do it, you’re still saving mad amounts of time by using this hack!

clean your window blinds with kitchen tongs

I appreciate that this method doesn’t require me to donate my favorite pair of tongs to the cleaning closet either. Just remove the cloths when you’re done, send the tongs through the dishwasher, and they’re ready to hang out with the kitchen utensils once again.

So, happy cleaning, friends! We’d love to hear how it goes for you in the comments!

Power Up your Window Covering

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Motorised-Roman-shades

In the past five years, the most dramatic developments in the window covering industry have come in the area of motorisation.

As we move into an era of smart homes that enable the occupier to operate anything in the home from a remote control or from a device  such as an iPad or smartphone, window covering professionals have to get savvy about some of the technological issues that accompany this trend.

The current leader in window covering motorisation, Somfy, is constantly developing new hardware (and software) that will ensure the smooth operation of blinds, curtains and awnings, both interior and exterior. The challenge is to make operation user-friendly and economical whilst ensuring the end user does not incur extra energy expenses or increase their carbon footprint.

There are basically two major installation types for motorisation. C-Bus is a system in which the entire home is controlled from a central point and devices such as wall switches or even tablets and android phones can control everything. You don’t even have to be in the home for these items to work, as long as you are connected by your mobile device. This means you can arrange to have all your blinds down when you walk out the door, and have them up in time for your arrival back home. You can put items on a timer so that when you are absent, it looks like someone is still home.

The other installation type is remote control operation. This is more cost effective and suitable for smaller homes or those with a more modest budget. An electrician simply hard-wires the windows that require treatments and then the blinds or curtain tracks are connected to the exposed cables. A hand-held or wall mounted remote control operates the window treatments, and the end user can have numerous options as to how these window treatments open and close.

Motorisation is a huge consideration in rooms where windows are inaccessible and still require operable window coverings. Also, those who may be incapacitated would benefit greatly from motorising their window treatments. Of course, those who simply love gadgets will also appreciate this technology. There are a few things to watch out for if you decide to utilise either of these technologies, however:

  1. Neither system is cheap. Remember you need to add the price of the motor to the price of the window treatment.
  2. Look for a motor with a warranty that is backed by after sales service from the supplier (not just your  salesperson).
  3. Purchase the quietest motors you can afford. There are different grades of motors and some are quite noisy.
  4. If you don’t have an electrician, look for a supplier who can offer an electrical service as well as the motors. In some cases, this also extends your warranty.
  5. Be careful of cheap Chinese motors as the jury is out on some of these

If you only have one or two small windows and don’t want the expense of a motor, you might want to consider battery operation. Apart from being a cheaper option, batteries are great for small blinds and can be retrofitted in some cases. Generally, you can expect a battery to last about two years before it needs replacing or recharging.

So, if you are building a new home or completely replacing your window treatments, why not consider having them motorised?

http://sourceable.net/power-window-coverings/#

Electronic Blinds for Your Home and Office

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window blindsHaving window blinds make the perfect appliance for your windows. These things have helped control light entering the room and maintain privacy for years since they were invented. Nowadays, innovation has led to the production of electronic window blinds. These window blinds can be remotely operated through a control. You can have the same benefits of having window blinds installed for your home or office at hassle free.

Get the best set of remote controlled window blinds for your home and office. You can see a large selection of different kinds of blinds here that could fit your personal style. You can choose from a variety window blinds made from plastic, wood and other materials. Each design has its own unique setup to complement for any home or office environment. Having electronic window blinds installed offers the benefits of regular blinds and more.

Remote controlled window blinds removes the need for you to adjust your blinds manually. If you have regular blinds, it could be a nightmare to frequently adjust the amount of light that enters through the room. With a remote controlled window blind, you can adjust them all with a simple press of a button. Electronic window blinds make good appliances for showrooms. Adjusting window blinds manually during any showcase of items in a room full of crowded people may not be a classy to begin with.

By remotely operating your window blinds, you no longer have to expend much effort while they can be adjusted in sync. You can make a good impression for your guests visiting your office or home with the modern touch. In this modern era, having anything operated electronically can impress people. With the right design features opted for your remote controlled window blinds, you can be sure guests are can be impressed.

Electronic window blinds may have a reputation as additional sources of energy cost. However, this reason could not stand when taking into consideration the benefits it actually brings. Electronic window blinds can actually help you save money from energy costs. There are several features that helps the appliance automatically adjusts itself to light, heat, and time difference. This also depends on the features innately opted in the product. Just like any other window blinds, heat can be prevented from escaping from the room with a simple adjustment.

New electronic window blinds in the market are manufactured with less energy consumption requirements as opposed to older models. This gives you less carbon footprints and more money saved throughout the year. Take advantage of the aesthetic features electronic window blinds could also have. The market has several electronic window blinds that have different classy designs to fit interior motif. You only need a reliable source to provide you with the right electronic window blinds for you.

Window treatments control light, add style

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IYN1_SS___Content-300x225Window coverings are essential and need to be done right. To achieve a custom, professional look, you’ll need help from experts. We can come into your home to give you help.

If your home is in need of window treatments here are a few things to consider.

1. Blinds versus curtains: There are several different kinds of blinds, each of which offers its own features and advantages. Types of blinds include pleated, Roman, panel track and wood blinds. If you’d prefer curtains in your space, you can opt for anything from a light and casual breezy look to a more ornate, formal fabric with sophisticated pleating and draping. If you’re not entirely sure, your design consultant can offer helpful suggestions.

2. Combination solutions: Often, the ideal solution combines blinds and curtains. You might wish to have blinds installed on the windows, which you can easily adjust for light control throughout the day. In a layered window treatment, you would then add drapes or curtains. These could be functioning, with ample fabric that allows you to cover the window completely, or not; the curtains might simply be panels of fabric that remain stationery but add softness and sophistication.

3. Privacy: Consider the level of privacy you require from a particular treatment. In certain areas of your home, this may be of no concern at all. If you don’t have to worry that someone can see in, you might select a gauzy, more-transparent fabric or blind. If there’s a spot where you definitely want the view obscured, great options exist both in curtain and blind solutions.

4. Light: Window treatments are a great way to gain control over the amount of light exposure you receive. If a certain spot is too bright, you’ll get limited use from the area; you’ll avoid it because it’s just too uncomfortable. If the area is on the darker side but you still wish for privacy, you’ll want to preserve the light that does come in but add a discrete level of screening.

5. The view from the street: We don’t always think about how our window treatments appear from the exterior of our homes. For condo dwellers, there are often rules you need to abide by. Many condominium boards require all window treatments to have a white backing in order to present a neat and uniform look from the street. As a unit owner, you are responsible for this. Or, maybe you simply want to create a cohesive style for your home. The careful selection of materials — with a certain amount of consistency or symmetry from room to room — is a simple way to elevate the overall look.

http://www.niagarathisweek.com/shopping-story/6205179-window-treatments-control-light-add-style/

Motorise your blind from only £75.

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Deva blinds are now offering motorised blinds that are affordable to all.

Paul Pollard-Fraser said ‘For a long time motorised blinds were only for the super rich where money was no option and only the best would do.  But now with the introduction of mass produced and sensibly priced motors, motorisation is available for all.”

“I have motorised roller blinds in my apartment, in fact the video above is one of mine.  Neat and tidy with no trailing wires, they are great.  I have tested these motors and am happy to offer them to my customers.”

Your rechargeable battery will last between 6 and 8 months between charge and when a charge is needed all you need to do is plug the charger into the wall socket and directly into the motor.  The battery pack is integrated within the motor.

We will soon be offering solar chargers and light sensors to control the opening and closing of your blinds.

100% child safe with no trailing cords, motorised blinds are the way forward.

To find out more please contact us.

 

Safety campaign: Parents release heartbreaking final picture of daughter killed in blind cord accident

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safety campaign

A GRIEVING family has teamed up with the Echo to launch a campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of blind cords.

 

Toddler Sophie Allen died six days after her mother found her tangled in the looped blind cord in the bedroom of her Sunderland home.

At the two-year-old’s inquest last week, the city’s senior coroner Derek Winter heard that 28 children in the UK have been strangled by looped cords since 1999 – 15 in the last four years.

New safety regulations governing the manufacture of blind cords came into force in February but there are still millions of potentially deadly blinds in family homes across the country.

Now Sophie’s devastated parents, Peter Allen and Danielle Hudson, have joined the Echo in trying to prevent future deaths with our campaign For Sophie’s Sake.

The couple watched in agony as medics at Sunderland Royal Hospital and the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle, battled to save Sophie in April. Tragically, all efforts failed and Sophie’s life support was switched off in the early hours of April 26 after scans showed there was no activity in the toddler’s brain.

They said: “Too many children die because of blind cords. They have been banned in America and other countries.

“The reason being, children still have accidents with blind cords when safety devices are fitted. Devices have failed in the past – cord breakers have not snapped and clips on the walls have been able to be pulled off.

“Basically, these safety devices still don’t prevent blind cord accidents.

“The design of the looped cord is wrong – there is no need to continuously pull a corded blind round and round on a loop.”

The parents, from Redhouse, also have a son and daughter, Jayden and Ameila.

They added: “Our campaign is to make people aware and make them safe for the millions of people that already have blinds fitted in their homes.

“However, our view is that eventually we need to get rid of them altogether.

“Cordless blinds are sold for next to nothing in some places, so why are manufacturers still producing corded blinds?

“We have heard that some blind companies are still fitting blinds without the devices, because the customer is refusing to have them in fear of compromising the warranty on fitted windows.”

Echo editor John Szymanski added: “Sophie’s death was a tragedy which could have been avoided.

“We are fully behind Sophie’s family in both raising awareness of this, and helping to stop it happening again, so no other parents have to go through this kind of grief and agony.”

On the morning Sophie died, her parents heard her playing with her brother in their bedroom at their home in Ramillies Road.

Her mum got up to go to the toilet and saw Sophie’s brother standing on his bed and that a storage unit in the bedroom had tipped over.

He told her Sophie was stuck and Ms Hudson assumed she was hiding.

But when she opened the child gate, she noticed a shadow behind the curtain and realised Sophie had the blind cord around her neck.

Her frantic parents tried to resuscitate the unconscious toddler before an ambulance was called.

An inquest in Sunderland heard that Sophie was “a very inquisitive child” and her death was a tragic accident.

 

New measures are welcomed

 

NEW safety regulations governing the manufacture of blind cords came into force in February.

But safety charity the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) fears there are still millions of the potentially-deadly blinds in homes across the country.

Charity spokeswoman Sheila Merrill said: “The arrival of the new blind cord standard is a welcome development, because it will help to strengthen the safety of all new blinds and save children’s lives.

“But it is important to stress that there are 200 million blinds already fitted in UK properties. This is why it is important to continue to raise awareness among parents and carers of making sure that looped blind cords are kept out of the reach of children. This can be done by fitting a safety device such as a chain/cord-break connector, chain/cord tidy or cleat.

“We urge people not to place a cot, bed, playpen or highchair near a window and only install blinds that do not have a cord, especially in a child’s bedroom.”

 

Support for cause

 

DANIELLE and Peter are supporting another mum who lost her daughter in a blind cord accident.

The couple, who have set up a Facebook page called Blind Cord Safety in the UK, in memory of Sophie, are also in the process of creating a website for their cause, are in touch with Amanda O’Halloran, who lost her 17-month-old daughter Sophia a year ago.

Amanda, from Tirley in Gloucestershire, launched a campaign and petition called Sophia’s Cause, which calls for a ban on all corded blinds being sold.

So far, it has almost 8,000 signatures in support.

 

http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/safety-campaign-parents-release-heartbreaking-final-picture-of-daughter-killed-in-blind-cord-accident-1-6666640

More comfortable summers

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Sky light blinds

 

Q: Will solar blinds really keep my home cooler in summer? We have two large bay windows and I was looking at installing some Krumpers solar blinds or perhaps some awnings. I’m skeptical about the blinds since they still let heat inside the glass.

A: Your plan is a great way to reduce heat buildup during summer. And though I don’t have any personal experience with the blinds you’re thinking of, I expect they’ll help quite a bit. The research I’ve looked at with the Krumpers product impresses me.

Your concern about heat still getting between the glass and the blinds probably won’t turn out to be an issue. The light colour of solar blinds will reflect energy back out again through the glass, but you don’t necessarily need to go ahead on mere “blind” faith. Before you commit to buying, try simulating blinds by putting a sheet over your window temporarily during sunny weather. I think you’ll find it makes quite a difference, and proper blinds will make even more of a difference.

Although most people don’t realise it, openable skylights with blinds offer another option for keeping houses cooler during the summer. Even homes with central air conditioning often still have upper rooms that are way too hot in the summer. A few operable skylights left open even an inch or two allow hot air to escape outside, enabling the air conditioner to do its job upstairs. The best solar skylights don’t require wiring and they can open and close electrically, either on schedule or manually. They also close automatically when the first drops of rain hit.

 

STEVE MAXWELL | HOUSEWORKS
Published May 24, 2014 – 12:00am
Last Updated May 24, 2014 – 12:10am

 

5 Useful Tips for Choosing the Right Blinds for Your Conservatory

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Your conservatory is designed to let in light. This makes decorating a conservatory quite easy to do. You never have to worry about what goes on the walls or doors.

A conservatory is a great place to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon. It’s also an ideal place to host a late-night gathering for friends and family. At this point, the windows will be closed with blinds.

Too many homes fail to take into account what the conservatory will look like with blinds. The key to proper interior design is to think about what a room will feel and look like throughout the day and night.

We give you five useful tips for choosing the right blinds for your conservatory.

1. The Practical Side

 Blinds that set of this part of your home are only useful if they’re practical. They aren’t there just to look good. They’re there to have a real practical use.

You need to decide what your conservatory is for. Is it for the children to play in, or a place for you to work in peace?

Additionally, you need to decide how your conservatory faces the rest of the house. Do you want to be able to see everyone in the living room from the conservatory?

Believe it or not, different blind types have different uses. Here are the four main ones:

  • Roller blinds. These offer protection from strong sunlight.
  • Vertical blinds give you better control over the amount of light let in.
  • Pleated blinds are safe for very young children to play with. They don’t have any potential choking hazards.
  • Venetian blinds are at the height of style.

2. Coloring In

The color can make or break a room. You have to decide how much you trust your own interior decorating skills.

One choice is to stick with neutral colors. Whites, beiges, and browns will work with practically any style and any home. They’re quite boring, though. They don’t do much to catch the eyes.

Light pastel colors generally make a room seem bigger than it actually is. They rely mainly on natural light from outside to flourish. If you’re looking for calmness and coolness, opt for pastel blues or greens.

Darker colors work to create a more private and intimate space. It’s why old-fashioned studies opt for dark wooden paneling and heavy red drapes. They make a room cozier and more enclosed.

Some ideas for darker colors include navy blue, dark browns, and rich reds.

Stay away from niche colors like purple. If you ever come to sell your home, you’ll need to have a more neutral color scheme to appear to every eye.

Get some inspiration from the Internet. Social networks like Pinterest have plenty of people showing off their own interior design creations.

3.  The Rest of the Home

 A conservatory’s style should match the style throughout your home. Your conservatory isn’t a separate outbuilding. It’s an extension to your existing home.

It’s all well and good having a modern pair of Venetian blinds. What’s the point of having ultra-modern blinds when your home is decked in original period decorations?

All that will happen is your conservatory will stick out badly. You’ll make your home a confusing and disjointed place to be.

What about if your conservatory is an outbuilding?

Some bigger homes do have a conservatory separated from the home. You can get away with a different style here. It’s easy to pass off this room as some sort of private retreat. Either way, we would still recommend having matching styles.

4. What about the Maintenance?

 In the long-term, your wonderful style could take hours to maintain. A lot of people simply don’t have this amount of time. They need something that’s quick and easy to clean.

Just because you spend long hours out of your home doesn’t mean you can’t have stylish blinds. There are lots of options for people who only spend a limited amount of time in their conservatories.

Vertical blinds, for example, are ideal. They don’t retain as much dust because there are no platforms for it to settle on. A light dusting every so often is the extent of any maintenance.

5. Try and Test

 Fashion changes all the time. What’s at the height of fashion now might be a faux pas in less than a year. Avoid keeping up with the fashions, unless you’re particularly interested in them.

In the meantime, don’t be afraid to try and test different blinds. Pick up a cheap alternative to a desired pair of blinds and see how they work. It’s difficult to imagine what something will look like until you put it up.

Interior decorating doesn’t always have to result in getting the right blinds straight away. Be willing to mix and match your blind choices and see what happens!

Featured Image Creative Commons – Attribution by Ed Bierman

Grieving father makes emotional plea over dangers of cords on blinds

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A grieving father has made an emotional plea over the dangers posed by window blind cords following an inquest into the death of his young son. Daniel Grant, from Mayobridge in Co Down, was just a few weeks away from celebrating his third birthday when his neck became entangled in a beaded cord attached to playroom window blinds last February. At an inquest hearing in Armagh city yesterday, coroner Jim Kitson heard how a mere 18-second delay in rescuing a child suspended in similar circumstances could prove fatal. Daniel’s father Brian Grant said parents, grandparents and child-minders all need to check their homes for the treacherous, continuous-loop cords. “Maybe some good will come from this terrible tragedy if little Daniel’s death raises awareness of how dangerous these blind cords are,” he said. “People need to check because things like this can happen in an instant.” Mr Grant was sitting only feet away in an adjacent conservatory, monitoring the playroom through an open door, when Daniel’s sister ran in to tell him of the accident. Both Mr Grant and his wife Paula attempted to resuscitate their much-loved son but he never regained consciousness. Paying tribute to Daniel, Mr Grant said: “Daniel was a very caring, well mannered sort of child. Just a perfect, healthy wee boy. A very happy and very helpful child. “He gave us all so much love and he was everything that we ever wanted in a child.” Giving evidence, Mr Grant recalled how that Saturday afternoon had been “just a normal day,” with one of his four children out playing rugby, and another asleep in his pram, when tragedy struck. “We did our best – myself and Paula – we did our best ,our very best. Everything possible was done to save Daniel,” he said. Thanking Mr Grant for explaining the circumstances, the coroner said: “No father should ever have to give evidence like this.” Paramedic Aidan Andrews to Mr Kitson how “advanced life support” was carried out on the journey from Mayobridge to Daisy Hill hospital in Newry without success. When asked if there was ever any sign that Daniel’s heart might respond to the defibrillator treatment, Mr Andrews said: “No, there was nothing there.” Colin Wallace of accident prevention charity RoSPA gave evidence that 27 children across the UK have died in similar circumstances since 1999, with many more “near misses”. From this month, an EU directive requires new blinds to be manufactured with a “weak link” in the chain to prevent a child becoming suspended. Following Daniel’s death, some of his organs were donated to save the lives of other children.