Electric Curtains

[lee2]

I have been contemplating installation of electric curtains for downstairs front sitting room as we are away for long time in the summer. Has anyone any experience of these - would I have to replace my heavy curtains for something much lighter weight. Your views would be appreciated.

 

[IonaCaravan]

My parents had an electric curtain track for many years. They had quite heavy 3/4 length velvet curtains and the system worked well. You do have to leave the drawing area free of furniture! If you do buy one I would recommend going for good quality even if it is expensive.

We invested in the dreaded and very ugly vertical blinds. Because our house gets full sun they can be drawn at differing times of the day so it isn't too obvious that we are away. Although they are ugly they are practical.

 

[ValA.]

And also worth buying those timer sockets, where you can switch electric appliances off and on at specific periods during the day.

We were burgled a couple of years ago, and apparently in the investigation (yes, the NY police actually do still investigate burglaries, even where not a huge amount of valuables go missing) our neighbours mentioned they'd noticed that our kitchen light was left on when we were away for the weekend! (Yes, it was, we thought to deter burglars). We invested in several timer sockets and now use them to switch on various appliances and lamps around the house, and switch them off again at appropriate times.

 

[chrisn7]

Eileen, we have these fitted to the lounge, and they are activated by a dawn/dusk sensor at each window, so that open/close times vary a bit according to how dark it is outside. If you have a burglar alarm, the PIR in the room with these curtains may activate when the curtains draw back if there is a sudden change in temperature (more likely with heavy curtains). In this case talk to your alarm company as thre are ways to overcome this. Our curtains are heavyweight-probably too heavy, but the system still works ok. You need to make sure you have the rails supported with plenty of fittings.