Smart household devices

Large household appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators, and freezers are essential in every home. But did you know that their “smart” counterparts can do much more than their traditional versions? These devices use information and communication technologies to revolutionize how we use energy and interact with them. Let’s dive into what makes these appliances “smart” and how they benefit your wallet, lifestyle, and the environment.

What makes a device "smart"?

Smart appliances integrate information and communication technology to:

  1. Improve Energy Efficiency: Use energy more effectively, reducing waste and lowering your bills.
  2. Adapt to User Needs: Provide features tailored to your lifestyle and keep you informed about their operation, such as usage alerts or maintenance needs.
  3. Respond to Grid Conditions: Adjust their operation based on real-time electricity grid signals, helping to balance demand and reduce peak energy use.

Washing Machine

  1. Energy efficiency: Use sensors to adjust water levels, detergent amounts, and cycle durations based on the size and type of the load.
  2. Services to users: Offer app-based control so you can start, stop, or monitor cycles remotely. Self-dosing of detergent and fabric softener will also save money and the environmental due to their optimal use. Notifications alert you when the load is done.
  3. Grid participation: Delay cycles to run during off-peak hours when energy is cheaper or greener.
  • Cost difference: Smart dishwashers are typically 10-30% more than standard models.
  • Savings: Efficient water and energy use could save up to 20-50€ Annually​
  • Convenience Remote control and status updates simplify dishwashing, especially for busy households.

Dishwasher

  1. Energy efficiency: Optimize water and energy use by detecting how dirty the dishes are and adjusting the cycle accordingly.
  2. Services to users: Provide notifications for maintenance, like cleaning filters, and allow scheduling via apps.
  3. Grid responsiveness: Schedule cycles for cheaper energy periods or pause during grid stress.
  • Cost difference: Älykkäät astianpesukoneet ovat yleensä 15–25 % kalliimpia kuin perinteiset mallit.​
  • Savings: Tehokas veden ja energian käyttö voi säästää jopa 30 € annually, lisäksi säästöä voi tulla halvemman sähkön hyödyntämisestä.​
  • Convenience: Etäohjaus ja tilapäivitykset helpottavat astianpesua, erityisesti kiireisessä arjessa.

Fridge

  1. Energy efficiency: Maintain optimal temperatures more precisely, reducing energy waste. Some models even use compartments to keep different items at their ideal conditions.
  2. Services to users: Notify you if the door is left open, provide reminders to consume items before they expire, and some can even sync with grocery apps to manage your shopping list.
  3. Grid responsiveness: Adjust cooling cycles based on electricity prices or signals from the grid.
  • Cost difference: Smart refrigerators can cost 30–50% more than regular ones.
  • Savings: Energy-efficient operation can save 20–40 € annually, but the real value comes from reduced food waste and added convenience.​
  • Convenience: Alerts and inventory tracking make food management easier and less wasteful.

Refrigerators

  1. Energy efficiency: Use advanced insulation and temperature sensors to minimize energy use while keeping food perfectly frozen.
  2. Services to users: Notify you about maintenance, such as when it’s time to defrost, and send alerts if the temperature rises unexpectedly (e.g., during a power outage).
  3. Grid responsiveness: Delay or temporarily reduce power consumption during peak demand.
  • Cost difference: Smart refrigerators can cost 30–50% more kuin perinteiset.
  • Savings: Energy-efficient operation can save 20–40 € annually.​
  • Convenience: Alerts and inventory tracking make food management easier and less wasteful.

Are smart appliances worth It?​

Smart appliances come with a higher upfront cost, but they offer significant benefits:

  • Energy savings: Most smart devices pay for themselves over time through lower utility bills.
  • Convenience Features like remote control, reminders, and better performance save time and effort.
  • Environmental Impact: Smarter energy use helps reduce your household’s carbon footprint.
  • Grid Participation: By being grid-responsive, you contribute to a more stable and sustainable energy system.

In general, the purpose of smart devices is not only to save energy or money. But also, to provide more convenience and a wider variety of services to you, as well as keep you better informed. For those who prioritize not just energy efficiency, but also convenience, or reducing environmental impact, smart appliances are a worthwhile investment. They’re especially appealing if you’re already using time-of-use energy pricing or plan to integrate more DSM technologies into your home.

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