Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, November 29, 1994 TAG: 9411300004
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: DAVID BUTLER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
A: Once the province of commercial buildings, motorized window coverings have found a strong following among homeowners, thanks in part to the growing popularity of home automation and home theater. Who could resist the dramatic effect of a single button push that lowers the lights, closes the drapes and starts the movie?
In response, hardware manufacturers have been busy developing a new lineup of inexpensive and lightweight motors for the home. Domestic enhancements include multifunction hand-held remotes as well as stylish switches and wall panels. One company's drapery motor even has a built-in event timer.
Just about any type of window treatment is a candidate for motorization. Wall-mounted motors can be used with both single- and split-panel draperies - often without having to replace the traverse rod. Direct-drive tracks are available for drapes as well as dual-action (traverse and rotate) vertical blinds.
You can also install motors on lifted or rolled coverings (e.g., roman shades, mini-blinds, pleated shades, sun screens). Depending on the design, you may be able to add a motor to an existing headrail or tube. Mini-blinds are a special case since they have a tilt function. You can choose between tilt-only, lift-only and dual-action models. Tilt-only is the least expensive and most practical approach.
Besides convenience, motorized coverings provide many benefits. A simple timer can turn your bedroom drapes into a solar alarm clock or make your home appear occupied when it's not. Timed operation can also help maintain a comfortable temperature while saving energy dollars. Inexpensive sun sensors are available that can optimize the position of mini-blinds or light-blocking shades throughout the day. Motorized window coverings are ideal for an inaccessible window or skylight.
If lowering your cooling bill is important, keep in mind that awnings and other types of outside shading do a much better job at blocking the sun's energy than interior treatments. Furthermore, exterior blinds and shutters help dampen street noise and reduce infiltration from cold winter winds - all while providing extra security. Properly adjusted blinds also improve daylighting without sacrificing comfort.
To simplify installation and lower component cost, manufacturers are shifting to low voltage motors and controls (as opposed to line voltage). Easiest to install are the battery-powered headrail motors - some even have tiny solar rechargers! Home control buffs will appreciate a new power line carrier module designed especially for motorized window coverings.
In the near future, electronically switchable glass may become feasible. One method relies on light-scattering liquid crystals to turn glass a milky white. When an electrical charge is applied, the glass becomes clear. Although great for privacy, liquid crystals do little to reduce solar gain. Electrochromics, on the other hand, turns glass darker than a pair of sunglasses, blocking nearly all of the sun's radiant energy. Electrochromic windows are expected to debut later in the decade.
To receive a list of companies that manufacture motorized systems for all types of window coverings, please send $1.50 and a self-addressed envelope to David Butler F-432, Department TWN, 14713 Pleasant Hill Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28278-7927. The list includes toll-free phone numbers and a summary of each company's products. You'll also receive information on control options for interior and exterior window coverings.
Reader Tip: If you have light bulbs in your home that are difficult to change, replace them with 130-volt long-life bulbs whenever they burn out. Although long-life bulbs don't cost much more than conventional bulbs, they'll last up to five times as long. (Available at most electrical distributors.)
by CNB