Laundry is an unavoidable chore for many, but there are ways to take it one step closer to effortless and get better performance from your appliances. The revolution in home automation extends even into the laundry room. Smart laundry appliances connected to your smart home system can make life easier and more energy-efficient.
But what is a smart washer and dryer, exactly? Below, we’ll explain what a smart washer does, as well as a smart dryer, and go through some of the features and benefits that can make them attractive.
What is a smart washer and dryer?
A smart washer and dryer are appliances that you can connect to your smart home hub and control and automate from your hub or an app. If you’re planning to set up a smart home, consider connecting smart laundry appliances to your system, as they consume high amounts of energy and are used so often.
Traditional models require you to physically interact with them directly when you want to turn them on and off or set cycles. They don’t allow you to monitor or optimize how they run.
A smart laundry system is one smart home upgrade that adds value to your house should you decide to sell it in the future. Smart dryer and washing machine features offer many useful functions and benefits.
Smart washing machine features
For details on what a smart washer does, here are some of the most common smart washing machine features:
- Connect via Wi-Fi. The ability to connect to your Wi-Fi, and thus an app or your smart home hub, is one of the most defining features of what a smart washer or dryer is.
- Track cycle progress from anywhere. You can control your machine remotely using your phone, setting it up to let you know what cycle is running and when the machine is done. You don’t have to worry about forgetting to put your damp clothes into the dryer.
- Activate remotely. While you can schedule a cycle in many high-end traditional machines, what happens if your schedule changes? Instead of rigid schedules, you can simply start your machine whenever you want using your phone. You don’t need to plan ahead and program anything.
- Sync to your virtual assistant. It isn’t just operating your machine that’s easy. You can even manage the levels of detergent and other additives on hand, setting them up to replenish automatically when levels get low.
- Smooth the service process with remote diagnostics. Even the most basic traditional machine is fairly complex. With remote diagnostics, when something goes wrong, you don’t have to call for service, wait for an appointment and hope a part is available. Remote diagnostics makes it easy for repair experts to know what’s wrong so a technician can quickly show up with the right part. You save time and aggravation.
Smart dryer features
When automating your home, connecting a smart dryer to your smart home system makes sense. You may be able to:
- Connect via Wi-Fi. Like a smart washer, a smart dryer connects to an app or your smart home hub via the internet.
- Track cycle progress from anywhere. You can monitor your smart dryer just like you do your smart washer.
- Use sensors to save energy. Smart dryers use sensors to optimize cycles to get your clothes dry using the least amount of energy.
- Eliminate over- and underdrying. The sensors that save energy also take better care of your clothes. Instead of choosing time and temperature, you can select a dryness level. No more soggy towels or ruined, overheated synthetics.
- Prevent wrinkles. When you can’t empty the dryer, you can set it to sporadically tumble to prevent set-in wrinkles.
- Smooth the service process with remote diagnostics. Your service company can keep tabs on your machine and respond quickly and accurately if problems arise.
Are smart washing machines and dryers worth it?
After answering the question “what is a smart washer and dryer?” there’s the inevitable follow-up: Are they worth it? The answer depends on your lifestyle and how much the benefits matter to you. You should also consider the resale value of your house when you automate home appliances.
The cost considerations include the price of the unit, how much you pay to install and maintain it, and energy costs. Those will vary depending on whether you buy a gas vs. electric dryer.
Comparing the costs of smart vs. traditional models
The cost of smart laundry appliances can be comparable with traditional models when you get into the mid-to-high-end price ranges. Although it’s possible to find traditional washers and dryers around the $500 price range, based on the price averages of top appliance retailers, most machines with more desirable features run $800 and up. Smart washers run between $900 and $3,199. Smart dryers run between $699 and $3,199, before discounts and rebates.
High-end models include all the whistles and bells like automatic detergent dispensers, soil and moisture sensors, and noise-dampening systems. As with other appliances, the more features you want, the higher the price, typically.
The benefits of automating your washer and dryer
The benefits of buying smart laundry appliances run the gamut from lowering your impact on the environment to adding convenience to how to save money on laundry.
Don’t have money to replace your current appliances with top-of-the-line smart units? You may be able to get some of the benefits of automating your washing machine if you connect it to a smart plug. The best smart plug uses are plugging traditional appliances and electrical devices into them, allowing you to control them remotely.
If you do opt for a smart washer and dryer, here are some of the full benefits of smart laundry automation:
1. Conserve water and limit energy usage.
Loaded with sensors and computing power, smart washers and dryers are remarkably efficient. They optimize water and energy usage while doing a better job of getting your clothes clean. For this reason, they deserve a top spot on your list of smart home energy-saving strategies and other ways to save energy on laundry day.
2. Control your washer and dryer remotely.
You can control your smart laundry appliances remotely when you connect to them through your smart home hub or smartphone. You can turn them on and off, make cycle selections and monitor where they are in any cycle. You don’t have to stay at home any more to babysit your washer or dryer.
3. Get laundry updates sent to your smartphone.
Tired of running out of laundry detergent and additives? Wondering how much energy your laundry appliances are using? Want to free yourself from having to get home in time to empty the washer? Updates that come to your smartphone put you in control and in the know.
4. Find customized washing and drying cycles.
Take the guesswork out of cycle selection. Sensors connected to a computer will calculate the right temperature, the right tumble speed and the right duration of every cycle. You will not only save water and energy but also reduce the wear and tear on your clothes.
5. Receive alerts when repairs are needed.
It’s better to know a part is about to break before it does. That way you can get it replaced without suffering downtime. Smart appliances that monitor the health of appliance components and systems let you know about potential problems in advance. With remote diagnostics, your service provider can figure out how to keep your appliances running in top shape without having to make an in-person service call.
Save time and stress with smart laundry
When you ask the question “What is a smart washer and dryer?” it opens up a bigger conversation. You can achieve more than merely cutting out little stresses in your daily routine; you can save time, energy and money. Yes, you enjoy genuine convenience in tackling a regular chore, but you can also add value to your home. And the benefits extend beyond your household — you can contribute to lowering your carbon footprint and become a better steward of our environment.