Future technology will definitely enhance the appliance industry as energy efficiency, water efficiency and personal preference play a bigger part in the choice of products, making the consumer’s life a lot easier. For example, steam irons, in today’s world, will not burn your clothes, no matter what setting you use. Visualise sheets being ironed similar to a printer. You simply put your sheets on a surface, and they will automatically iron themselves without burning – saving so much time for the consumer and making life that much easier.
Heaters currently already sense one’s body heat and they are going to make heating far more efficient and cost-effective. Then there’s the incredible advance in vacuum cleaners and hair dryers by companies like Dyson. Ladies using the Dyson dryer have found that their hair is not damaged and it’s a lot healthier looking.
Vacuuming a home will also not be the chore it currently is. There are already robots with cameras inside them that vacuum around the house. So if you are not at home and you want to check on your children, for example, all you need to do is switch your vacuum cleaner on from your phone. The vacuum will then move steadily around the house and you can see what is going on – remotely.
When it comes to some of the major appliances like washing machines – they already sense the amount of water and detergent you need and will automatically use the correct amounts so there is no waste of water or soap and there is no environmental pollution as a result.
Tumble dryers have always been one of the biggest users of electricity and they are now reaching a stage where they are rated A+ and A++. They dry your clothes efficiently and hygienically without damaging them at minimal cost.
Refrigeration is probably the most exciting category of all. There are already cameras in certain fridges that allow the consumer to see what they have in their fridge via an app on their phone, so when you are at the supermarket, you can look into the fridge and see what you already have and you will only buy what you need. Some fridges are even able to WhatsApp you and tell you when items are running low, what you have and what’s left. Cold zone fridges have become a huge player in the industry by sensing what food you have in the zone and then the temperature in that zone is adjusted to the correct temperature so that perishable foods like fruit and vegetables will last longer. Odors in the fridge will be eliminated and the temperature settings will ensure that the fridge will run for shorter periods of time and reduce electricity use.
Air conditioning has already been proven to be the most cost-effective way of heating your home. Here again, the air conditioner senses a person’s body heat and adjusts the temperature accordingly. You just set a program and the unit will follow your instructions.
One disadvantage of appliances and electronic equipment generally is the waste factor – like any other industry. However, most governments, including our own, are already actively working to resolve this by breaking the original products down and taking out what can be reused – like plastics, copper, and metal. Recycling will be an exciting industry going forward.
I believe that all homes will have more effective, efficient appliances in the future because consumers will be able to virtually demand what they want from the product and this will be delivered to them. You will be able to switch your washing machine or tumble dryer on remotely (we can already do this with many other appliances) so it is amazing how much technology has advanced over the last few years.
I believe that the biggest driver is the efficiency of the product and the reduction in the use of water and electricity which will be a big saving for all consumers and at the same time make the product far more efficient, less time consuming for the consumer and more eco friendly.
At Hirschs its been our greatest joy to see the appliance industry grow and evolve and as we begin each new year we cannot wait to see all the new advances in technology and our industry continues to grow from strength to strength.
By
Margaret Hirsch
Executive Director
Hirsch’s Homestores
