Rechargeable or hardwired?
Rechargeable (battery): best for existing homes with no power at the window. No electrician needed. Tops up via USB cord.
Hardwired (mains): best for new builds and renovations. No charging required; runs off mains. May need an electrician if there's no existing power at the window.
The main reason to choose rechargeable is that it avoids needing an electrician or existing power at the window. Your consultant will advise which suits each window.
The battery life varies
If you choose rechargeable, how often you top up depends on the blind: its size, the weight of the fabric, and how often you use it.
A large blackout blind lifts more weight than a small one, so it depletes faster; usage can range from roughly once a year to a few times a year. Some competitors claim "charge once a year" as a blanket promise, but the real answer varies, and it's better to know that up front.
Lithium batteries also naturally hold less charge as they age over several years, so an older motor will need charging a little more often.
