3 Reasons To Buy Smart Appliances
The internet, as it was once known, is now referred to as the Internet of Things as an escalating number of devices, appliances, and other things are connected to the web. When it comes to appliances, the addition of whether to buy smart products or traditional models can add yet another layer to a decision process that has become increasingly complex. Of all the considerations that should be assessed, the first and most important is whether you will actually take advantage of having your new appliances connected to the web. If the answer is either No or Probably not, stop right there and stay with non-connected appliances.
If youre already comfortable using apps (or have a pre-teen that can teach you how to use them), look for smart features that can deliver these three benefits:
1) Convenience Being able to connect to your appliances when youre away from home can provide a variety of conveniences, whether its starting a wash load that is timed to finish as soon as you get home, connecting with the refrigerator to see if you need to pick up butter at the store, or checking to see if you left the oven on before you left for the evening (and then being able to turn it off).
2) Energy Savings Smart appliances that can work in conjunction with the smart grid when times of operation are flexible can save money by going to work when the off-peak billing period starts. This benefit wont apply to your refrigerator, but you can generate savings of as much as 50 percent on kilowatt charges versus peak hours by running your dishwasher, washing machine, dryer, and perhaps your oven by using programmed settings or timed starts that are scheduled for the off-peak billing period.
3) Provide early warnings of potential problems Smart appliances are being designed with an increasing number of multi-functional sensors, some of which can provide warnings of potential problems before they occur. This feature can be a big money saver by delivering early warnings of problems that may be solved with a quick bit of maintenance rather than turning into a costly repair at a later date. For example, if a sensor detects that a refrigerators compressor is running hot, the problem may be fixed with a quick cleaning of the coils as opposed to a motor that later breaks down due to over-heating.
The decision to buy smart or traditional appliances can be a daunting process that can be exacerbated when combined with a remodeling project or the building of a new home. However, by first sorting through the above-mentioned considerations and potential benefits, you can develop a much clearer picture on the value of installing smart appliances in your new kitchen.
If youre already comfortable using apps (or have a pre-teen that can teach you how to use them), look for smart features that can deliver these three benefits:
1) Convenience Being able to connect to your appliances when youre away from home can provide a variety of conveniences, whether its starting a wash load that is timed to finish as soon as you get home, connecting with the refrigerator to see if you need to pick up butter at the store, or checking to see if you left the oven on before you left for the evening (and then being able to turn it off).
2) Energy Savings Smart appliances that can work in conjunction with the smart grid when times of operation are flexible can save money by going to work when the off-peak billing period starts. This benefit wont apply to your refrigerator, but you can generate savings of as much as 50 percent on kilowatt charges versus peak hours by running your dishwasher, washing machine, dryer, and perhaps your oven by using programmed settings or timed starts that are scheduled for the off-peak billing period.
3) Provide early warnings of potential problems Smart appliances are being designed with an increasing number of multi-functional sensors, some of which can provide warnings of potential problems before they occur. This feature can be a big money saver by delivering early warnings of problems that may be solved with a quick bit of maintenance rather than turning into a costly repair at a later date. For example, if a sensor detects that a refrigerators compressor is running hot, the problem may be fixed with a quick cleaning of the coils as opposed to a motor that later breaks down due to over-heating.
The decision to buy smart or traditional appliances can be a daunting process that can be exacerbated when combined with a remodeling project or the building of a new home. However, by first sorting through the above-mentioned considerations and potential benefits, you can develop a much clearer picture on the value of installing smart appliances in your new kitchen.
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