How Do Sun Sensors Control Your Blinds?
Sun sensors are small devices that are typically fixed on or near a window, either internally or externally. They can measure temperature, light levels (lux) or both. The readings are then used to automatically operate your blinds, based on thresholds which you can set or adjust.
Our most popular sun sensor for blinds and curtains is ThermoSunis from Somfy. This wireless device is battery-operated and works with any blind with an RTS motor.
The ThermoSunis is an affordable and easily accessible device, which is why it has become so popular with people who want to get more out of their motorised blinds.
What are the benefits of using a sun sensor?
Without a sensor, motorised blinds or curtains can be set to a time schedule to open and close at certain times of day. Some smart control systems include pre-loaded sunrise and sunset times for every day of the year, which allow you to sync your blinds to this. These are incredibly useful functions, but they do not take account of actual weather conditions.
With a sensor, your blinds can respond to the weather in real-time. Once the light level and/or temperature reach a pre-set threshold, your blinds can automatically close. This keeps your room cool and comfortable, without you lifting a finger, even when you are not there.
The sensors can be tailored to each situation, with the ability to adjust the sunlight intensity dial to your desired threshold. This means you can make sure that the light levels in your home or office are always perfect for you.
Controlling the amount of UV radiation coming into your home can also protect your furnishings from UV damage. UV radiation can cause discolouration on most fabrics and flooring, and it is known to fade wooden furniture – all of which can be costly to replace. By making sure that the amount of UV coming through the windows is limited at peak times, you can protect your furnishings from unnecessary and expensive damage.
The temperature sensor will constantly monitor the temperature in your room, and open or close the blinds to maintain a consistent temperature. This can also be tailored to suit your personal preferences. Using the blinds to keep internal temperatures consistent means less reliance on artificial heating or cooling. Not only is this better for the planet as it uses less energy, but it can also save you money on your energy bills each month.
Using an automated sensor like this also adds more security to your home, by creating the illusion that the home is occupied. Having the blinds moving regularly, and not at exactly the same time every day, makes it appear as if someone is at home. This is great for security when the home is empty for a long period of time, such as on holidays.
How does the ThermoSunis connect to your blinds?
The ThermoSunis uses the RTS radio signal to communicate with the RTS motors in your blinds. Multiple blinds can be added to the same sensor, in the same way multiple blinds can be added to the same channel on an RTS handset. With this flexibility, you can have a sensor per window, per room, or per elevation to create your perfect environment.
It is recommended to have at least one per elevation, so that your blinds or curtains can react as the sun moves throughout the day. This prevents unnecessarily closing blinds on a shaded side of your building.
With their low cost, at less than £150 each on average, and the significant benefits and savings they can bring, investing in sensors makes perfect sense. For a more detailed guide on how to connect ThermoSunis to your blinds, click the button.
For more information on sun sensors, or any other automation methods for your blinds, get in touch. We are experts in motorisation and automation, and can help you find a solution that works for you.