5 Benefits of Smart Home Appliances
Smart home appliances have changed the way we use technology in our homes. They simplify everyday tasks and can also help reduce our impact on the environment. Here are five benefits of integrating smart appliances into your home. Mn
Improved Energy Efficiency
One of the most significant advantages of smart appliances is their ability to reduce energy consumption. Many of these appliances meet strict energy efficiency standards set by ENERGY STAR®, ensuring they use less power while maintaining optimal performance. ENERGY STAR®-certified washers consume up to 20% less energy and 30% less water than standard models.
Natural Resources Canada is an excellent resource if you're considering upgrading your appliances. It provides information on specific ENERGY STAR®-certified appliances, including how much water they use per cycle and their estimated annual energy usage.
Convenience
Smart appliances simplify daily tasks with features like mobile app control and voice activation. You can use corresponding apps for many appliances in your home, making daily tasks quicker and easier.
For example, this Washer and Dryer allows users to receive end-of-cycle alerts, remotely start or stop drying, and schedule cycles from their phone using the SmartThings App. It also has an auto-dispense system that releases the perfect amount of detergent every time!
Cost Effectiveness
Although smart home appliances have a higher upfront cost, their energy savings result in significant long-term savings. Take smart refrigerators, for example. According to Natural Resources Canada, smart refrigerators use 9% less energy than standard models; some high-end models even use less energy than a 60-watt light bulb. This reduction in energy usage saves you money on your monthly electricity bill.
If the reduction in your electricity bill alone isn’t enough to justify purchasing a smart appliance, Fortis BC offers rebates on select ENERGY STAR® smart appliances. Fortis BC also provides rebates on other energy-saving upgrades you can do around your home.
Maintenance Management
Appliances with smart technology can provide alerts when maintenance is needed. For example, this SmartThings App will alert you if your fridge’s water filter needs to be replaced or if maintenance is required. Users can then schedule repair and maintenance requests directly in the app. Early identification can help prevent major issues and their associated costs and extend appliance lifespans. This saves you the headache and costs of major repairs and helps keep appliances out of landfills.
Large Appliance Recycling offers free recycling of end-of-life appliances to keep them out of landfills. You can drop off your old large appliances at one of the 200 collection sites across BC.
Environmental Impact
We have established that ENERGY STAR®-certified smart appliances consume less energy than standard models, reducing environmental impact and offering additional benefits. In British Columbia, over 98% of electricity is generated from clean, renewable sources, primarily hydroelectric power from BC Hydro. Lowering our energy consumption can further decrease reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
Why Switch to Smart Appliances?
Smart home appliances blend innovation, efficiency, and sustainability, offering superior benefits over traditional models. They provide enhanced control over energy usage, greater convenience, and significant cost savings. If you're considering upgrading your appliances, ensure you do your research and bring your end-of-life appliance to Large Appliance Recycling for responsible disposal.