The short answer
Motorised blinds generally use very little electricity, because the motor only works for the short time it is moving the blind. For most households the running cost is small compared with other things in the house. We would rather not quote a figure, because it depends on the motor, the number of blinds and how often you use them, but you can work out a sensible picture by looking at where the energy actually goes.
Where the electricity goes
- Moving the blind. A motor runs for a few seconds each time. Opening and closing a handful of blinds a day is a small amount of use.
- Standby. Motors that are always listening for a remote or app signal draw a tiny amount while waiting. This is usually modest, but if you have a lot of blinds it adds up a little, so it is worth checking the product details.
- Control equipment. A hub, bridge or wall-plug for smartphone control also draws power when switched on.
If you want to be precise, the product details for the motor or control should list its power rating, and your electricity bill shows what you pay per unit. Together, those two give you a realistic figure for your own home.
Battery or mains powered
The main difference in running cost depends on how the motor is powered.
Rechargeable battery motors
These are charged from time to time, using a cable or, on some models, a small solar panel. The electricity used is tiny. The practical costs are your time and the care you take over the battery. How often it needs charging depends on the size of the blind and how much it is used, so ask about the expected pattern before you choose.
Mains or fixed-wired motors
These draw power from the house supply and do not need charging, which suits blinds that move often or are hard to reach. They tend to need planning at the start, which is covered in our guide to wired and wireless motors.
Upkeep and lifespan
Most of the cost of owning a motorised blind is in buying and fitting it, not in running it. After that, think about these things:
- Batteries. If a battery pack wears out, it may need replacing. Rechargeable batteries do not last indefinitely.
- Remotes. They use small cells that eventually run flat.
- Moving parts. A motor is a mechanical part and will eventually wear. How long it lasts depends on the motor, the weight of the blind and how often it moves, so it is hard to promise a lifespan. It is worth checking what the product details say and asking what support exists for repair or replacement.
- The fabric. It needs cleaning and care like any other blind, so check our cleaning advice for your type of blind.
Can motorisation save money elsewhere?
Possibly, though it is worth keeping expectations realistic. A blind that closes against strong sun in summer may reduce the heat entering a room, and one that closes in the evening may add a layer of insulation. How much difference it makes depends on the fabric, the window and the way you live. We would treat any saving as a possible bonus rather than the reason to buy. Our pieces on thermal blinds and staying cooler in hot weather look at this in more detail.
Things worth asking before you buy
- How is the motor powered, and how often will it need charging or replacing parts?
- What does the motor draw when it is on standby?
- Is there a hub or other accessory that needs to be left on all the time?
- Can the blind be operated manually if the power fails?
- What happens if a battery or motor needs replacing in future?
Is it worth it?
For most people the question is less about the electricity and more about the benefit. A blind that is easy to use gets used, and that matters for privacy, light and comfort. If a window is hard to reach, a motor is often worth considering for convenience and safety alone. For a simple window you can reach easily, a manual blind may be just as good.
You can read more about the choices on our motorised blinds page and Somfy motorised blinds page. If you would like a view on a particular room, book a free measure and we can discuss it at the window.
