Connected Home Appliances: Benefits and Risks of Smart Devices

Connected household appliances are revolutionizing our daily lives by making our household chores simpler and more efficient. Thanks to home automation and the rise of connected devices, it's now possible to control your refrigerator, washing machine, or even your oven remotely, via a mobile app or voice command. But while these innovations offer many advantages, they're not without risks. Here's an overview of the benefits and precautions to take with connected household appliances.

The benefits of connected household appliances

1. Save time and improve everyday comfort

Smart devices make household chores much easier. Imagine being able to start your dishwasher remotely or preheat your oven before you get home. Thanks to mobile apps and integration with voice assistants (Google Assistant, Alexa, Siri), it's now possible to program and control your appliances with ease.

2. Energy savings

Connected household appliances are designed to optimize energy consumption. For example:

• Connected washing machines adapt the amount of water and cycle duration depending on the load.

• Smart refrigerators can adjust the temperature according to the contents and alert you if the door is not properly closed.

• Some devices offer consumption statistics and recommendations to reduce your energy bill.

3. Better monitoring and maintenance of devices

Many manufacturers incorporate remote diagnostic systems. Your washing machine can alert you when maintenance is needed, and your smart oven can offer software updates to improve its performance. Some appliances even allow you to contact customer service directly in the event of a breakdown.

4. Advanced customization

Connected appliances adapt to your habits and preferences. A smart oven can save your favorite recipes and automatically adjust cooking times, while a connected coffee machine can prepare your favorite beverage the moment you wake up.

5. A more secure home

Some connected household appliances integrate advanced security systems, such as:

• Detecting water leaks on washing machines.

• Alerts in case of overheating or electrical incident.

• The ability to turn off devices remotely to prevent fire hazards.

Risks and precautions to take with connected household appliances

1. The risk of cyber attacks and hacking

Like any internet-connected device, smart appliances can be vulnerable to cyberattacks. A hacker could potentially access your home network through a poorly secured device.

How to protect yourself?

• Use a strong password and change the default password on devices.

• Regularly update your device software to fix security vulnerabilities.

• Separate Wi-Fi networks , dedicating one network to connected objects and another to computers and smartphones.

2. Collection of personal data

Manufacturers of connected devices often collect data about your usage to optimize their services. However, this information may sometimes be shared with third parties for commercial purposes.

How to protect yourself?

• Read the terms of use and privacy settings carefully .

• Limit permissions granted to applications linked to connected devices.

• Disable tracking features if they are not needed.

3. A dependency on connectivity

If your internet connection is unstable or down, some devices may not work properly. Additionally, device compatibility with different platforms may be an issue if you switch ecosystems (for example, switching from Alexa to Google Assistant).

How to anticipate?

• Choose devices with a manual mode , which can work even without an internet connection.

• Favor recognized brands , which guarantee long-term software monitoring.

• Check compatibility with your voice assistant and other devices before purchasing.

4. Higher cost

Connected devices are often more expensive than their traditional counterparts. However, this investment can be worthwhile thanks to the energy savings and convenience they provide.

Tip: Before purchasing, compare the features and assess whether they actually meet your needs.

Connected appliances offer unparalleled convenience, energy savings, and better monitoring of your devices. However, to take full advantage of them without risks, it's essential to adopt good cybersecurity practices and choose your equipment wisely.

If you're looking to discover the best connected devices for your home, visit our appliance store in Stockel , Brussels. We'll guide you through your choices, combining innovation, security, and practicality in your everyday life!