If you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen or add a new feature to your home, smart appliances are a great option. These devices offer a variety of functions and are easily controlled via app, voice command or texting.
Smart oven ranges, refrigerators, thermostats, plugs, monitors and light bulbs are user-friendly and can save homeowners time, energy and money. Be sure to find out the answer to questions like “Does a home warranty cover plumbing?” That way you will have peace of mind if these high-tech appliances need repair or replacement.
- Energy Savings
There are many reasons to invest in smart home appliances. These gadgets can take some of the work out of everyday tasks and save you money on your electricity bill.
Smart devices are tethered to an app that allows you to control them remotely. This feature is helpful when you’re out of the house but still want to check on your laundry cycle or preheat the oven.
In addition to remote access, smart home appliances use energy monitoring and automation features to reduce their energy usage. Lighting systems that allow for scheduled on/off times and adjustable brightness levels cut down on wasted electricity. Smart power outlets and plugs sense idle devices and automatically shut off power, eliminating standby energy consumption that adds up to 10% of the average household’s plugged-in electrical needs.
Smart thermostats and air conditioning systems can be programmed to run at off peak times, further cutting down on energy costs. Even simple products like smart window shades can be programmed to stay open in the summer and closed in the winter.
- Convenience
You might think of smart home appliances as a gadget taken straight from the future, but these connected devices aren’t all that different from the ones you already have in your house. All that separates them from the rest is their ability to connect to a Wi-Fi network and work with apps, hubs and voice command devices like Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.
You can then use an app on your smartphone or tablet to control the appliance even if you’re not home. For instance, you can preheat your oven from anywhere using an app or set up schedules for your dishwasher to run at times when electricity is less expensive.
Some smart appliances can even send alerts to your device if something goes wrong. For example, LG’s ThinQ technology allows you to receive a notification on your phone, smartwatch or compatible TV when the laundry is finished or an appliance needs maintenance. That means you won’t have to get up from watching TV to check in on your dishwasher.
- Entertainment
When you have smart appliances and other high-tech home devices, it can make your at-home entertainment a lot better.
For example, you can preheat the oven remotely from your smartphone using a smart appliance app. And, thanks to the latest cooking technology in smart ovens, you can easily cook and bake delicious meals with little to no fuss.
Another example is the modern flat screen TV. Its remote control feature freed whole generations of couch potatoes from the need to get up to change the channel or adjust the volume.
It is important to note, however, that smart appliances and other high-tech home products are not suitable for all people, especially those without a solid understanding of smartphones and other advanced technology. For instance, some people over the age of 65 may find these features overwhelming or intimidating. They are also often expensive to install and replace. Plus, they can transmit a lot of data back to their manufacturers.
- Security
In addition to enabling convenience and cost savings, smart appliances can provide security benefits as well. Some examples include a smart refrigerator that scans your groceries to make shopping lists or create recipes based on what you have; and a smart coffee maker that can automatically brew a cup when it’s time for your morning routine.
Other smart appliances can sense power surges or other potential hazards, and alert you to them. Some can also be programmed to run during cheaper off-peak energy periods or use solar power whenever possible.
Smart home gadgets still rely on a strong Internet connection to function fully, and many users report problems with their smart appliances when the internet is spotty or interrupted. However, a new IoT ecosystem is emerging that can connect various devices from different brands through one interface, enabling greater interoperability and a more unified user experience. Smart tech will continue to reshape the multifamily landscape by simplifying daily activities for homeowners.
