Creating a group channel:

Select channel 1

• Press program on back of remote until motor jiggles
• Select channel 5 (or selected group channel)
• Press program on back of remote again

Select channel 2

• Press program on back of remote until motor 2 jiggles
• Select channel 5 (or selected group channel)
• Press program on back of remote again
• Repeat process until all motors are programmed on one channel

Adjust lower limit:

• Press the down button and send the product to the existing lower limit position
• Press and hold the up & down arrows until the motor jiggles
• Adjust to the correct/desired lower position by using the up & down arrows
• Press and hold the middle (my) button until the motor jiggles
• New limit has been set

Adjust upper limit:

• Press the up button and send the product to the existing upper limit position
• Press and hold the up & down arrows until the motor jiggles
• Adjust to the correct/desired upper position by using the up & down arrows
• Press and hold the middle (my) button until the motor jiggles
• New limit has been set

Pairing new remote:

• Set the motor in programming mode with an existing rts remote control by selecting the channel you wish to duplicate
• Press the program button on the back of the existing remote until the motor Jiggles
• Press and hold the program button on the back of the new remote until the same motor jiggles
• Repeat process through each channel/motor you wish to duplicate

Setting an intermediate position:

• Use the up or down button to move the product towards the desired intermediate position
• Stop the product at the desired intermediate position by pressing the middle (my) button
• Press and hold the middle (my) button until the motor jiggles.
• Intermediate (my) position has been set

Deleting an intermediate position:

• Send the product to the intermediate position by pressing the middle (my) button
• When the product has reached the intermediate position and stopped, press and hold the middle (my) button until the product jiggles.
• Intermediate (my) position has been deleted

The post Handy Hints for Programming Somfy RTS Motors appeared first on Blind Concepts.

If you are just planning to renovate your home or building a new one, it is the right time to get your lighting plan in place.

Why You Need a Lighting Plan

The better the lighting for a room, the longer you feel like staying there. The right kind of lighting makes a space more enjoyable. Lighting also affects the productivity. So, if you need better living, you need good lighting.

You will need to combine natural and artificial lighting to get the best output for your residential space. Planning the lighting for your home in advance can help you to use the best combination of both types of lighting.

Planning the lighting can also help in saving on utility bills. Energy consumption can be controlled and you can also ensure better temperature control.

Is Lighting plan Only About Lighting Fixtures?

On the contrary, lighting plan combines the use of lighting fixtures along with right placement of windows, vents and window blinds. Allowing maximum sunlight without heating up the interiors is what you need to ensure when you are planning the lighting before renovation.

Using outdoor blinds, vertical blinds and horizontal blinds in the right manner can give you maximum natural lighting at minimal cost.

Creating Visual Comfort

Task lighting, ambient lighting and accent lighting are the three types of lighting that you need to include in your lighting plan. For any room, the use of lighting will depend on what you intend to use the room for.

Task lighting is all about using spotlights and lamps for reading at a desk or over a kitchen bench.

For ambient lighting, you use the best blinds and window positions for overall illumination. Homes, home offices and offices need plenty of light to make the people in the room feel energetic. However, for social areas or dining spaces, the lighting needs to be less bright to help people feel more relaxed.

Accent lighting is all about adding to the aesthetic appeal of your home.

A good mix of all three types of lighting can help create the right ambience in your home or work area.

Benefits of Using Blinds

When you use the right lighting plan, you are giving your family and guests the right ambience. Window and door blinds, as well as outdoor blinds, can give the right lighting effects for your home. Choosing the right size, shape and colour for your blinds can go a long way in saving energy.

Call in the Pros at Blind Concepts

Thinking about the lighting design for your home before you begin the renovation is always the right thing to do as it can save you a lot of money, time and effort. Get the help of professional lighting experts at Blind Concepts to help you come up with the perfect lighting plan for your home.

The post Why is Lighting plan Important when Renovating? appeared first on Blind Concepts.

Home automation will save your power bill and this is will not go unnoticed. Bring on the automation as soon as you can and you will know what we’re talking about. Here’s a look at the benefits of home automation.

Energy Saving

Home automation can help you reduce lighting bills to a considerable extent. So in case you have forgotten to turn off the lights in the hallway, a programmed system can power off light bulbs as per your instruction. It works the same with heating and cooling systems as well as motorised blinds. You will find that your electricity bills have gradually dropped due to the savings in energy.

Convenience

Home management is a lot easier with home automation. With a help of a smart phone or a tablet you can control the various functionalities of all things that have an influence around your home. Make life comfortable by switching over to home automation.

Time Saving

You are suddenly unsure if the door is properly locked behind you before you stepped out of your home. You do not have to fret over going back to check if everything is in order. Home automation ensures that you that things are taken care of and saves you a lot of precious time.

Comfort

You can live comfortably in a smart home with technology doing your job. A smart thermostat can control the temperature in the room if heat loss has occurred. If the temperatures are soaring outside the thermostat will adjust the room temperature accordingly and keeps the space cool. Hence you can live in comfort and style in a fully automated home.

Safety

Motion sensors allows for automatic lighting in driveways which wards of burglars and keeps your home safe. Home automation thus assures you safety and you can obtain complete peace of mind.

How to Save Your Power Bill with Home Automation?

Save your power bills with the three important smart home technologies in the areas of lighting, ventilation and room temperature control.

• Occupancy Sensors in Lighting Systems: They detect the presence of people in rooms. If there is no occupancy the lights get turned off automatically. This is very helpful in saving rising lighting bills while also saving energy.
• Motorised Blinds and Curtains: At dusk your motorised blinds will be drawn automatically if programmed to do so. The lights also get turned on signalling the onset of nightfall. They can also be integrated with sun sensors that close or open the curtains after taking into account the heat and intensity of the sunshine outdoors.
• Smart Thermostats: They help in controlling the temperature of the room. They keep the room cool when the weather seems sultry and hot. In case winters are cold, the room is kept warm. The environment thus gets inviting and cosy.

Home automation is thus a boon in today’s fast-paced world. Think smart and let a smart home be part of your lavish lifestyle.

The post Saving Your Power Bills with Home Automation appeared first on Blind Concepts.

Motorised blinds offer you the comfort of controlling your blinds or shades simply at the tap of a button. Somfy motorised blinds are available in options of pleated/cellular blinds, roller blinds, Venetian Blinds and Roman Blinds. A Somfy expert will help you choose the kind of motorised blinds that is suitable to be installed in the areas of your home.

Types of Somfy Motors

Somfy Motors has a range of motors to choose from to make your motorised blinds work efficiently:

Sonesse 30 RTS: This is compatible with horizontal blinds, roller shades, cellular and pleated shades, woven shades and projection screens. The noise levels are at a minimum and this motor system consumes 24 DC low voltage power.

Sonesse 40 RTS: The installation involves a 120 AC direct wire into the electrical system and this motor is suitable for horizontal blinds, roller shades, woven shades, cellular and pleated shades.

Sonesse 50 RTS: This type of motor works quietly and involves the use of a 120 VC plug and play or a direct wire into the electrical system of your home. This is compatible with horizontal blinds, roller shades, woven shades, cellular and pleated shades.

Sonesse Ultra 50 RTS: The ultra in the product name represents the ultra-quiet operation of this uniquely designed motor. It works great with horizontal blinds, roller shades, woven shades, cellular and pleated shades. This includes a 120 VAC plug and play system or a direct wire needs to be fitted into the electrical system.

Roll up Wire Free 28 RTS: This kind of a motor is compatible with horizontal blinds roller shades, Roman/woven wood shades. This system includes a 12V DC and powered up with lithium batteries, plug-in or a solar connection.

Tilt 50 Wire Free RTS: This is suitable with horizontal blinds of wood, faux wood or composite wood and runs on a 12V DC solar, plug-in or lithium batteries.

Cord Lift Wire Free: This is compatible with only pleated and cellular shades and runs on a 12V DC that works on lithium batteries and can be supported by a solar connection.

Choose Somfy Motors

Somfy motorised blinds are highly innovative where you can even set a timer that will monitor the temperature and sunshine levels and adjust the blinds accordingly. This can help preserve energy and proves to be an economical option for your home. Motorised blinds provide security and safety against burglars where access points are denied. They can be controlled quickly and effortlessly.

Somfy motors are backed by a full 5-year warranty and we are fully compliant with the safety standards.

Somfy motors are guaranteed to last long all thanks to its high quality. The performance and longevity of the motor are beyond amazing. Install Somfy motorised blinds that will transform your living space into a smart home in an instant.

The post Building a Smart Home With Somfy Motorised Blinds appeared first on Blind Concepts.

Let us introduce our latest 4 unique shades to you: Shale Grey, Woodland Grey, Monument and Basalt. These shades, inspired by COLORBOND®, make a perfect outdoor set!

 

The post Colorbond Colors to Complement Your Style appeared first on Blind Concepts.

Houzz Australia

Author: Liz Durnan on Houzz

The steamy summer months are almost upon us, so how do we best adapt our homes to prepare for those days when the mercury’s pushing 40? A lot depends on the local climate of course; some solutions that work for the hot and humid top end might not work for southern states. But one thing’s for sure – the more we can maximise natural cooling, the more comfortable we’ll feel and the lower the bills will be in the long term.

Photo by Bob Hooks

1. Create shade

Keep the heat at bay by creating shading around the house, especially around west- and north-facing windows. Removable shades, such as the one pictured, mean that for those in temperate climates, you have the flexibility to remove the shade in winter.

Or, for the same purpose – sun in winter, block-out in summer – plant deciduous vines on pergolas and create cool zones around the house. This will reduce the heat inside the home on hot summer days, but when the leaves drop in winter, light and warmth will be allowed inside.

2. Improve your eaves

Ensure your eaves are the right size and angled to keep the high summer sun at bay and allow winter sun through.

3. Let it in/shut it out

Learn to control temperatures by simply knowing when to open up your house for maximum air flow. On hot summer days, get into the habit of shutting up during the day – all doors, blinds, curtains – and then opening everything up in the evening to vent the house with evening breezes.

4. Create flow

If renovating or building, carefully plan glazing for maximum air movement. Operable clerestory windows, especially placed on the southern side of the home, can be a wonderful way to create refreshing cross breezes – remember hot air rises.

5. Go for glazing

And of course, if the budget permits, double glazing will help to keep your house even cooler.

Check the rating of any windows you buy – Australian windows are rated for thermal efficiency by the Window Energy Rating Scheme (WERS).

If your budget or heritage restrictions mean you can’t change older windows, consider alternatives to double glazing – older windows can be retrofitted with films that will act as an extra barrier against the elements, without ruining the look of your windows.

Also remember that the choice of frame will affect temperatures too. Timber and PVC frames can offer great thermal protection, but aluminium windows (often less expensive) are now available with improved thermal performance.

Photo by Anna Carin Design

6. Treat windows well

How you cover your windows will also play a part in keeping your house cool. Opt for natural fibres and consider full blackout backings on curtains, as well as a sheer layer for temperature control.

If blinds are more your thing than curtains, then choose carefully for full solar block-out. Alternatively, consider screens and blinds on the exterior of the windows. This can be a highly effective way to keep the heat at bay.

7. Think thermal mass

If possible, create areas of thermal mass in your home for no-cost cooling (after it’s installed of course). Thermal mass is any material – such as concrete or stone – that can absorb and store heat, taking a long time to heat up and to cool down. So in warm weather, thermal mass can help maintain a building’s cool.

Brick walls and concrete slab floors are good examples of thermal mass.

Photo by Maxa Design

8. Be fan savvy

There are so many reasons to love ceiling fans – they now come in all shapes and sizes so they can look great, but mostly because they provide cooling at a fraction of the cost of other cooling methods.

9. Insulate well

When we think of insulation we often focus on keeping the warmth in and cold at bay, but of course it works the other way around too. Good insulation is one of the most effective ways we can keep our homes cool, and this isn’t something that only applies to new homes and renovations – older and existing homes can benefit from retrofitting with good insulation.

Check the insulation levels in your home and talk to a specialist about upgrading. For builders or renovators, ensure the best insulation from the start. It’s likely that any extra costs will be recouped in savings over time.

Photo by Danny Broe Architect

Insulation isn’t just about what’s between the walls – it’s in our floors and ceilings too, and even the colour of your roof can affect how cool your house is. Opt for lighter colours to keep temperatures lower at home.

Source: https://www.domain.com.au/living/how-to-keep-your-house-cool-the-natural-way/

The post Tips and tricks to keep your house cool the natural way appeared first on Blind Concepts.

We bring to you a simple checklist that will prepare you to beat the heat and make the most of the summer days.

Add a fresh look to your home:

The décor of your home can have an immense impact on the mood of your space. By adding fresh and soft décor, you can lighten the look of your room and be geared for the warm days ahead. Make sure to remove accessories that create a feeling of warmth like rugs and thick blankets. By using variations of the green colour palette and adding flowers & plants, you can be summer-ready.

Inspect and clean air vents:

Make sure that your home is cool and receives enough fresh air by cleaning all vents and filters. All traces of dust build-up must be removed to maintain a healthy space. Moreover, with sufficient natural ventilation, you can save on your energy bills. Inspect your air conditioner to ensure that it functions smoothly during the warm days.

Prepare your outdoor space:

Summer is all about enjoying the warm season. To make the most of your time, prepare your porch and patio for entertainment. You can use this space to spend time with family and friends. You can upgrade your outdoor space with the right shading solution and furniture. A motorized awning offers the ideal solution to shelter your furniture and space from the harsh rays. You can even use motorized external blinds to extend your living space in summer. For the perfect outdoor summer entertainment, ensure that your outdoor lighting, pool and BBQ work well. Clean and change any light bulbs if required.

Minimize heat with the right shading solutions:

An affordable way to shield your home from the harsh solar glare is by installing the right blinds and awnings. Blinds give you the flexibility to control the amount of heat and light entering your space. With an added layer on your window, you can block the heat and keep your home cool. Moreover, the motorized option allows you to control your window coverings with a remote control, tablet or smartphone. The timer function allows you to automatically change the position of the blinds based on the time of the day. You can also integrate your window coverings with sun and temperature sensors that automatically allows the blinds to change position after a certain temperature is reached.

Make your home secure:

Summer months make the perfect season to go on a vacation. You can add a layer of protection to your home with motorized blinds. The option enables you to set a timer based on which the position of your blind changes automatically. This creates the illusion that the home is occupied and protects your home from being targeted by burglars.

Is your home prepped for summer? If not, make sure to upgrade your home and transform it into a fresh and exciting space to enjoy this summer.

If you are eager to upgrade your window coverings, Blind Concepts has the right solution for you. At Blind Concepts, we also have a comprehensive collection of indoor and outdoor curtains and blinds. Our broad range of curtains and blinds are designed to suit a diverse array of styles, colours and lifestyles. Blind Concepts also specializes in the installation and service of Somfy motors for all types of window coverings. We are an authorized Somfy service provider and can help you to efficiently motorize your blinds. Get in touch with us today to know more. Our representative will be glad to discuss your next project and offer a free quote. You can call us on 03 9720 1778.

The post Preparing your Home for summer – A Simple Checklist appeared first on Blind Concepts.

Are you wondering if investing in home automation is really a smart move? Well, read on to know why it is a win-win situation.

Appeals to buyers:

Research indicates that home automation attracts buyers with diverse needs. Older generations prefer smart features for safety and comfort while the modern younger buyers appreciate the customization and convenience aspect. In other words, a home that is equipped with automation features is sure to draw a number of buyers. Based on lifestyle needs, it offers a range of benefits to different people.

Attractive features:

With smart home technology, you get to add the wow factor to your property. The stunning features make your home stand out and make compelling selling points. With a tech-savvy upgrade, you can immensely boost the value of your property.

Energy-efficiency:

Most buyers place a lot of emphasis on energy-efficient features. Home automation can enable you to save on energy bills. Besides, the eco-friendly elements appeal to the modern buyers who are eager to contribute positively towards conserving the environment.

A secure home:

When buying a new home, security is a major element emphasized by most people. Home automation allows you to add an additional layer of security to your home. With automated and integrated security features, you can relax that your family and property is well-protected.

Are you looking for ideas to easily smarten up your home?

Window coverings constitute an essential element of creating beautiful and comfortable homes. With motorization features, you can conveniently upgrade your home to enjoy myriad benefits. Somfy blinds motors allow you to experience an impressive level of ease. You can control the positioning of your blinds with just the press of a button. The automatic adjustment along with the timer function, remote control feature and automatic wind sensor make your home secure and comfortable.

If you are keen on automating your home, get in touch with Blind Concepts.

Blind Concepts specializes in the installation and service of Somfy motors for all types of window coverings. We are an authorized Somfy service provider and can help you to efficiently motorize your blinds. At Blind Concepts, we also have a fabulous collection of indoor and outdoor curtains and blinds. Our huge range of curtains and blinds are designed to suit all styles, colours and lifestyles. Get in touch with us today to know more. Our representative will be glad to discuss your next project and offer a free quote. You can call us on 03 9720 1778.

The post How Home Automation Can Increase the Value of Your Property appeared first on Blind Concepts.

With the right window treatment, you can immensely enhance the look of your bedroom and transform it into the perfect relaxing haven. Blinds offer an easy way of adding an element of style and sophistication to your indoors. Apart from increasing the appeal of your room, choosing the right blind can enable you to create a cosy and comfortable space. However, with the wide array of choices available, choosing the right blind for your bedroom can appear to be a confusing task.

Not sure about the factors that you should consider while choosing a blind for your bedroom?

Listed below are some of the elements that can help you narrow down your search.

Style:

Windows are focal points and therefore the shading solution must be one that offers the perfect fusion of style and functionality. A new window treatment can work wonders in transforming the look and mood of your room. While picking a blind for your bedroom, comfort, privacy and the light blocking ability of the blind require consideration. Go for a colour and pattern that seamlessly merges with the existing décor of your room and brightens your space. Stylish and simple, blackout blinds are a popular choice for the bedroom.

They create the perfect sheltered space for a comfortable sleep even during the day. For added convenience, you can opt for motorized blinds. Somfy motorization solution allows you to control the position of your blind with just the press of a button. Based on the time of the day, you can choose the level of your blind. A roman blind with blackout lining also works well in a bedroom. You can add a calm feel to your room by opting for a neutral shade.

Motorization:

The Somfy motorization option allows you to upgrade the look of your bedroom and add a new level of convenience. By automating your window coverings, you can control the amount of light entering your room from the comfort of your bed. Besides, the pre-programming feature, allows you to choose a time to open and close your blinds based on your comfort.

Control Options:

The motorization option is available with a range of control features to allow you to choose a blind that best serves the need of your space. Be it the wall-mounted control or wireless sun and temperature sensor, you have fabulous alternatives to choose from. You can even sync all your blinds to a single Somfy remote and position your blinds as desired. The Somfy remote option gives you the flexibility to operate your blinds with a tablet or smartphone too. You can even control your window coverings from your mobile device even when you are not at home.

The amazing options and automation features available allow you to transform your bedroom into a more secure and comfortable space. With the Somfy motorization option, you get to enjoy ultimate comfort and adorn your room with an elegant and luxurious range of blinds.

If you are looking for high-quality and stylish blinds for your bedroom, Blind Concepts has the right solution for you. At Blind Concepts, we have a stunning collection of indoor and outdoor curtains and blinds. Our huge range of curtains and blinds are designed to suit all styles, colours and lifestyles. Besides, we are an authorized Somfy service provider and can help you to efficiently motorize your blinds. We specialize in the installation and service of Somfy motors for all types of window coverings.

Get in touch with us today to know more. Our representative will be glad to discuss your next project and offer a free quote. You can call us on 03 9720 1778.

The post Choosing the Right Blinds for your Bedroom appeared first on Blind Concepts.

By selecting automated blinds, you can improve the functionality of your window coverings and gain flexibility that is simply not possible with manual systems. Here are the unique benefits of motorised window coverings for your home.

Convenience

With a single touch of a button, you can move your blinds to any position that you prefer. In addition, you can also setup sensors and timers so that your blinds will work even when you are away from home. With these features, operating your blinds is one less thing that you have to worry about doing each day with your busy schedule.

Improved Energy Efficiency

Motorised blinds can help to reduce your energy usage by controlling the amount of heat and light that enters your home. This is because your blinds can be timed to automatically be closed during the time that the sun is at its highest.

With ordinary blinds, when you are not at home or you are busy in another room, you’ll often forget to close the blinds to protect your furniture and keep your home cool. Motorised blinds will take care of this task for you so that you can keep the sun out when it’s hot and let the natural light in when you want to enjoy it.

Longer Lifespan

Manually operating your blinds can damage them as a result of excessive force or improper use. With motorised blinds, the controlled operation ensures maximum functionality and a longer lifespan of the product.

Safety

If you have small children or pets, loose cords and chains are a danger. With automated blinds, the cords and chains are completely removed, creating a safer environment in your home.

Quieter Operation

Motorised blinds have motors that are fully concealed inside the tube of the blind. Just by pressing the remote control, you can enjoy quiet operation of your blinds thanks to the sophisticated automated system.

With motorised window coverings, you can enjoy complete freedom from worrying about opening and closing your blinds. Imagine going to bed at night with the blinds already drawn for full privacy or waking up in the morning with the warm sunlight beaming into your room, all preset to occur without you having to do a single thing.

Request a Quote Today

At Blind Concepts, we offer window coverings that exceed industry standards to ensure the life of your blinds. With premium quality materials and a solid guarantee, we have several motorised options that will help you improve the look of your home while also providing exceptional convenience.

For a free quote, you can reach us on 03 9720 1778 or email us at greatblinds@blindconcepts.com.au. We can also arrange a time for you to visit our Bayswater showroom, if you prefer to see all of our motorised window covering options in person.

The post Benefits of Motorising Internal Window Coverings with Somfy appeared first on Blind Concepts.