"We set them to close automatically during peak sunlight hours, and it's actually helped keep rooms cooler without cranking the AC as much."
Interesting point, hadn't really considered the cooling aspect. Still skeptical about the upfront costs though—motorized blinds aren't exactly cheap, even basic models. Maybe a middle-ground solution could be smart plugs with regular fans or blackout curtains? I'm testing that myself right now and seeing decent results without breaking the bank. But yeah, your experience does make me rethink it a bit...
I've been experimenting with something similar—just regular blackout curtains paired with a cheap timer plug on a fan. During peak afternoon hours, the fan kicks in automatically and circulates air from the cooler side of the house. It might not be as sleek as motorized blinds, but I've noticed a definite drop in room temps. Definitely doable on a budget if you're willing to get a bit creative...
Your setup sounds practical, but honestly, relying on a timer alone might not always match actual temperature fluctuations. I've found that pairing a cheap temperature sensor (like those basic wireless ones) with a smart plug gives better results. Basically, the sensor triggers the fan only when the room hits a certain temp, rather than just a fixed time. It's still budget-friendly, just a tad smarter and more responsive to real conditions...
That's actually a pretty clever tweak. I've been using timers myself, and while they're decent enough, I do notice days when the room feels stuffy even though the fan's been running on schedule. Never really thought about pairing a cheap sensor with a smart plug—sounds like it could solve that issue without breaking the bank. Might have to give your method a shot... seems like it'd be more responsive to those random hot afternoons.
