BY SCOTT FLOOD
Santa isn’t the only one who makes an appearance as the year nears its end. Retailers start trumpeting deep discounts on home appliances. That’s great if you’ve considered replacing some of your home’s appliances with one of today’s “smart” models. Before deciding to buy a smart appliance, take some time to get smarter about what they offer – and what you really need.
Start with an assessment
Begin with an honest look at how you live and consider the role your current appliances play in your daily routine. Would the capabilities of a smart appliance make your life easier? For example, if you frequently forget to start the laundry or your dishwasher, Wi-Fi-enabled appliances with remote start capabilities may save you time and trouble. But if you’re thinking about stepping up to a smart appliance because it has a cool feature you might use once a year, ask yourself if it’s worth the extra cost.
Next, think about any smart devices you already use in your home. Make sure they’re compatible with the smart appliance’s operating system so you can get all the benefits you expect. For example, many of these appliances are engineered to work with familiar voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant or Apple’s Siri. Incompatible systems might limit your ability to use the features that are most important to you.
Is your home’s infrastructure ready to handle the demands of a smart appliance? Depending upon the model you choose, it might require anything from a basic internet connection to a home Wi-Fi network to provide the operation you expect. Some smart appliances may require Bluetooth, Zigbee, Z-Wave or other systems for connectivity. Having access to the right technology ensures your system will function correctly and be able to handle updates as they become available.
Consider energy efficiency and other factors
It’s always important to consider energy efficiency when purchasing a new appliance. Most smart appliances are designed to reduce energy consumption, with operating modes that deliver the performance you want while making more efficient use of energy. Smart appliances that are ENERGY STAR®-certified meet or exceed federal energy efficiency standards and some may use only half as much energy as standard appliances.
Repairs to smart appliances can be expensive, so consider the warranty. Generous manufacturer warranties demonstrate the company’s confidence in the quality of its products.
For most homeowners, the biggest downside to smart appliances is that they carry a higher price tag than their not-so-smart counterparts. However, price is just one factor in the cost of any appliance. When you also consider the long-term value smart appliances deliver – whether in energy savings, helpful conveniences or improved reliability – most will save you money over their service life. In addition, smart appliances may be eligible for rebates and tax incentives, so ask your retailer what’s available.
What’s ahead for smart appliances in the foreseeable future? The marketplace is starting to see the integration of basic artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities that can make smart appliances provide better service, greater reliability and lower energy needs. As these AI-fueled systems become more common, your refrigerator might know your habits so well that it can generate a shopping list for you. Your dishwasher could adjust its operating cycle to better clean your family’s uniquely dirty dishes.
There was a time when appliances changed little from decade to decade. Today, products advance more quickly than ever before, and we can expect to see more big changes ahead.
Scott Flood writes on energy-related topics for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.
