Recliners are one of the most comfortable pieces of furniture out there. In recent years, more and more styles and types of recliners have become available. Are you confused about all the different type of recliner? I don’t blame you!
In this article, I’ll answer the question, what is a power recliner? I’ll break down everything you need to know about power recliners before you purchase.
In This Article We'll Discuss
What is a power recliner?
A power recliner is the same as a normal recliner chair, with one key difference. They move using a motor, tilting you back into position. This takes all the strain out of the recliner, ensuring you don’t have to manually tip it back yourself.
Power recliners use a series of motors to move the recliner backwards. This creates a luxury product that can literally sweep you off your feet. If you don’t want to use your own body-weight to push the recliner back, a power recliner could be for you.
Power recliners are especially good if you aren’t physically able. If you aren’t able to push the recliner back yourself, the power recliner will take on the brunt of the work. This ensures you will be able to use your recliner no matter your physical condition.
The clever mechanical design also allows for different areas to move independently. In a manual recliner, the footrest and backrest usually move in tandem.
This isn’t the case for a power recliner, which you can move in accord with whatever you want. If you only want to push the backrest into position, the controller will allow for this. Similarly, if you only want to put your feet up, you can use the controller to do this.
One thing to note, power recliners will often cost more than manual recliners. This is due to the extra parts needed to make the recliner move automatically. However, if you’re able to afford this extra expense, power recliners are more than worth it.
Do you have to plug in power recliners?
With a power recliner comes, well, power. You will need to plug your recliner into the wall socket to get electricity. Your chair won’t be able to move without the gears generating force from the electricity.
When moving into place, it is almost certain that you will need to plug in your power recliner. However, once you’ve got it into position, you could then unplug it. The only time your recliner should be using energy is when it is moving. When stationary, you would technically be able to unplug it.
Having to plug in your recliner is one of the main downsides to the power recliner. If you don’t have a power outlet close to your chair, you may need to invest in an extender cable.
However, with the need to be close to an outlet comes some other major benefits. Power recliners are incredibly smooth, their movements built for precision. If you want a comfortable experience, you really can’t get better than these furniture forms.
Can you operate power recliners manually?
While you can manually push a recliner, this definitely isn’t going to do any favours for the mechanism. You can operate a power recliner manually, but you would be doing more harm than good.
Pushing the recliner backwards without using power will place strain on the mechanism. You will get it into the position you want, but will also end up ruining the chair. Try to avoid using your recliner manually if it is actually a power recliner.
However, if your power supply were to ever break, you can convert your recliner into a manual. By removing the screws that hold the motors in place, you will disable the mechanism. Once this is out the way, you will be able to manually tilt yourself into place.
Be careful when doing this, there won’t be as much stability as is normal. Remember to also check if your recliner has any forms of warranty before you go toying with it. Lots of recliner dealers will give you a great deal on parts and replacement recliners. This should be your first point of call before starting to disassemble your recliner.
How much power do electric recliners use?
The answer to this question will change depending on what style and size of recliner you have. If you have a heavier recliner, then the energy used in moving it will be greater. This goes for a lot of conditions. If there is more weight on the recliner when it is moving, it will have to deal with more strain. This will make sure it uses more energy than normal.
If your recliner is deep with larger cushions, there will also be more weight to it. The amount of energy used directly correlates to how the size of your chair.
Try to get a chair that matches exactly what you need. One that is too small will be uncomfy. But, one that is too large will take up a lot of energy and will cost you money in the longterm.
If you want a more specific answer, check the tag of your model. It will list some important information about energy use. Considering each model differs in consumption, this is your best place to start.
While there is no hard and fast answer to this question, be sure to ask in-store if you have any specific questions.
Either way, be sure to switch off the recliner on the side when you’re not using it. This will ensure your recliner doesn’t use any energy when you’re not using it.
Are power recliners worth it?
Power recliners are one of the most comfortable items of furniture out there. It combines all the comfort of a normal recliner with mechanical ease. You will be able to sink into your chair, while the chair itself does all the work.
These recliners really do take comfort to a new level. However, while they are fantastic, much of what they can do is the same with a manual recliner. The difference between the two comes down to the electrical components. If you don’t mind pushing yourself into position, manual recliners may be the way to go.
Manual recliners are considerably cheaper than electrical recliners. However, if you don’t mind spending a little bit of extra money, give a power recliner a go. You won’t regret it.
Conclusion
Power recliners are a modern technology that combines mechanical movement with recliner comfort. They are deeply comfortable chairs that will recline you back into position automatically. Using only a remote control, you can place yourself in any reclining position you wish.
These are fantastic pieces of furniture and will benefit any home you bring one into. They last a huge amount of time when properly looked after and will ensure a relaxing place in your home.