Smart Appliances Are A Game Changer
January 23, 2024
Smart appliances offer a variety of benefits that enhance convenience, efficiency, and overall control within the home. Most people probably don’t give their refrigerator or washer a second thought on cost after the initial purchase price. But you’d be surprised how the costs can add up, especially when you consider the number of appliances an average home has in it.
I’ll cover more on smart appliances in general. First let’s take a look at what the cheapest and most expensive appliances are to operate in your home based on the electricity costs regionally in the US.
In 2023, prices left many households struggling to make ends meet to pay off record-high energy bills.
The key to operating more efficiently and saving money is the data as it will educate people on what everyday household appliances have the biggest impact on energy usage. While the colder months may see an obvious hike in bills due to the increased use of central heating and electric radiators, it’s very clear that households living in warmer climates in the US need to be just as cautious about their use of air conditioning, which has the highest overall electricity consumption out of any other appliance.
In the US, electricity rates are regulated at a state level, which can mean there is a huge variance in price across different areas in the US — plus, factors such as population density and transmission can also come into play. As recent data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, states in the West region are currently experiencing the highest cost of electricity per kilowatt hour (kWh) at $0.18. Within the West, states in the Pacific region in particular are paying the highest prices of all, with the average cost of electricity per kWh in Los Angeles being $0.25.
In contrast, states in the South are paying $0.15 per kWh, the Northeast averages $0.16 per kWh, and the Midwest has the cheapest electricity costs at just $0.14.
Regional Electricity Cost
Northeast — $0.16 per kWh
Midwest — $0.14 per kWh
South — $0.15 per kWh
West — $0.18 per kWh
Pacific — $0.21 per kWh
As stated above, the biggest electricity users in American homes are air conditioning units, costing up to $1,062 per year on the assumption they’re switched on for eight hours a day. While a difference of a few cents per kWh across regions may not seem substantial, the effect this can have on energy bills can really be seen when you compare the average cost of air conditioners in different regions. Residents of the Midwest could benefit from an almost $200 reduction in their energy bill running their air conditioner for the same amount of time as those in the West, with an average annual cost of $826.
Also taking the top spots for most expensive appliances to run are the more typical household appliances most people use on a daily basis: electric heaters, tumble dryers, washing machines, refrigerators, and dishwashers all shoulder the lion’s share of household bills. A tumble dryer costs up to $8.64 per month in the West, or $6.72 a month at its cheapest in the Midwest.
Meanwhile, a washing machine on average usage for a family of four will cost between $5.04 to $6.48 per month in electricity — with additional costs for the hot water used each cycle, too.
In contrast, the least expensive on the list is LED lightbulbs, costing an average of $0.29 per month to run (assuming lights are on for 4 hours a day). LED lights may be a more expensive upfront cost, but they produce light up to 90% more efficiently than incandescent light bulbs, making them a clear choice for anyone looking to save money on energy costs in the long-term. And there are a LOT of smart bulbs available on the market. And generally the easiest to use and usually the first step homeowners take in making their homes smart.
Incandescent light bulbs, by comparison, cost up to an estimated $1.30 per month to run. In total, households could save up to $12.10 per year per lightbulb switching to LEDs. Not a huge number but it al adds up.
As the number of people working from home in the US tripled from around 9 million to 27.6 million between 2019 and 2021. This number has likely increased since as more and more Americans embrace the flexibility of remote work.
One factor that many households may need to consider is the effect the increase in numbers of people working from home may have on energy bills. For example, on average, a laptop being on charge for 5 hours a day everyday uses between $1.06 — $1.22 a month. While this may not sound like a significant amount on it’s own, when you add in additional charge time for recreational use, additional energy use for cooking for home, having lights on for longer, switching the heating on during the day when you would normally be at the office, those smaller figures soon add up to a noticeable increase on energy bills.
With the average electric stove using an average of 3,000 watts per hour, using an electric stove for one hour a day, seven days a week would cost between $2.94 and $3.36, per month. This is actually cheaper than the cost of running an electric heater for just two hours daily.
If you’re among the millions of households trying to cut costs on energy bills this year, knowing what your costs are is the first step. Here is a list of the cheapest and most expensive appliances to run per year by region in the US:
Understanding your appliance costs can help you prioritize when the time comes to replace them with smart versions. Of course, cost savings aren’t the only reason to upgrade to smart appliances but it’s an important and measurable one. Many smart appliances are designed to be energy efficient. They often include features such as programmable schedules, energy usage insights, and the ability to optimize settings based on user preferences, contributing to reduced energy consumption and lower utility bills. Other key advantages of incorporating smart appliances into a modern living environment are:
Remote Control and Monitoring
Smart appliances can be controlled and monitored remotely using mobile apps or web interfaces. This feature allows users to manage their appliances even when they are away from home, providing convenience and flexibility.
Automation and Smart Routines
Smart appliances can be integrated into automation routines, allowing users to create predefined scenarios. For example, a smart home may have a routine that adjusts thermostat settings, turns off lights, and locks doors when the homeowner leaves. This automation enhances efficiency and streamlines daily tasks.
Voice Control
Integration with voice-controlled virtual assistants like Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa or Apple Siri enables users to control smart appliances using voice commands. This feature adds a layer of convenience and accessibility, especially when hands-free control is preferred.
Customization and Personalization
Smart appliances often offer customizable settings to cater to individual preferences. Users can personalize their appliance settings, such as temperature, cooking times, or cleaning schedules, to align with their specific needs and lifestyle.
Smart Diagnostics and Notifications
Smart appliances can perform self-diagnosis and provide notifications in case of issues or maintenance requirements. This proactive approach helps users address potential problems early, reducing the risk of breakdowns and extending the lifespan of the appliances.
Interconnectivity and Ecosystem Integration
Smart appliances can be part of a broader smart home ecosystem, allowing for seamless integration with other devices and services. This interconnectedness enables users to create cohesive and synchronized home automation scenarios.
Increased Convenience in Daily Tasks
Smart appliances streamline daily tasks and routines. For example, a smart oven can be preheated remotely, a smart refrigerator can provide inventory updates, and a smart washing machine can send notifications when a cycle is complete. These conveniences save time and effort for users.
Data Insights and Analytics
Many smart appliances provide detailed data insights and analytics through accompanying apps. Users can track energy usage, monitor appliance performance, and gain a better understanding of their consumption patterns, empowering them to make informed decisions about usage and efficiency.
Enhanced Security Features
Some smart appliances include security features such as remote locking or monitoring capabilities. For instance, users can check the status of their smart door locks or surveillance cameras through mobile apps, adding an extra layer of security to their homes.
Adaptability to User Behavior
Advanced smart appliances can adapt to user behavior and preferences. Machine learning algorithms may analyze usage patterns and automatically adjust settings over time to better align with the user’s habits and needs.
Improved Maintenance Alerts
Smart appliances can provide alerts for maintenance tasks, such as filter replacements or system checks. These alerts help users stay on top of necessary maintenance, ensuring that appliances operate efficiently and reliably.
Integration with Renewable Energy Sources
Some smart appliances can integrate with renewable energy sources, allowing users to optimize their energy usage based on the availability of solar power or other renewable resources.
Resale Value and Home Appeal
Homes equipped with smart appliances often have higher resale value and appeal to potential buyers. Smart technology adds a modern and attractive feature to the home, contributing to its overall market value.
Sustainability and Environmental Impact
The energy efficiency and optimization features of smart appliances contribute to sustainability efforts by reducing overall energy consumption and minimizing environmental impact.
By combining these advantages, smart appliances offer homeowners a more efficient, convenient, and connected living experience. As technology continues to advance, the capabilities and benefits of smart appliances are likely to expand further, shaping the future of modern homes.
Hopefully considering any or all of these points has gotten you thinking more about your appliances. They immediately seem like obvious smart home choices but they make a lot of sense. The energy savings, automations and integrations make them naturals for smart home. That may be the best part of smart home technology in general — so many options around so many solutions. It’s only limited by your imagination.
I’m curious how many of you already have smart appliances and how you’re using them. Are you keeping it simple or integrating with other platforms? Do you use voice commands to manage your smart appliances? If you’re using a few different options mentioned above, what is your favorite? What has your experience been with? Are you planning future installations of smart appliances or integrations with other platforms?
Let Debbie and I know what you think in the comments, DMs and emails as we really enjoy hearing from you. Thanks again to all those following Debbie and I through our home building journey. It’s great to hear your success stories and suggestions as we move through the process. And if you like the content I’m posting each week, don’t forget to ‘Like’ and ‘Follow.’
In full disclosure, I’m not an affiliate marketer with links to any online retailer on my website. When people read what I’ve written about a particular product and then click on those links and buy something from the retailer, I earn nothing from the retailer. The links are strictly a convenience for my readers.
