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From fridges that know what's inside to phone apps to control them, smart tech and AI are coming to home appliances
How smart are the newest appliances? If you can master their technology, they could be brilliant.
On the market — or coming soon — are refrigerators that know what’s inside and can tell you what food has expired, create a grocery list and suggest a recipe for dinner.
There are washing machines that can detect everything from fabric type to water hardness to the dirtiness of your clothes, then select the correct wash cycle.
App technology allows you to control appliances from your phone. Dryers, microwaves, dishwashers, cooktops, ovens and other appliances are incorporating new technology and artificial intelligence to improve their performance.
These next-generation appliances aren’t cheap, and they require compatibility with home Wi-Fi and smart devices. If you run inefficient cycles or ignore maintenance recommendations, their smart benefits may be lost. Some also use more electricity.
Here’s a quick rundown of what the future holds:
Refrigerators: New technologies detect temperature changes, monitor humidity levels and track expiration dates. Some new refrigerators can provide recipes and meal suggestions based on what you have on hand. Smartphone apps connect refrigerators with recipe apps and smart home assistants. The new tech can alert an owner to potential mechanical problems or maintenance needs. One manufacturer touts adjustable compartments that allow temperature changes from refrigerator to freezer to beverage drawer.
Washing machines: New high-tech washers use AI to detect load size, fabric type, water hardness and soil levels to automatically select the right wash cycle, minimize electricity use and determine how much water and detergent to use. They can alert owners to problems or needed maintenance.
Dryers: Many newer dryers already have sensors that monitor moisture and temperature, heat-pump technology and warm air recycling options to conserve electricity and avoid overdrying clothes. Next will be dryers that adapt to fabric types, load sizes, humidity and your usage history. These smarter dryers learn your habits and can tell you when they need maintenance, and they can be controlled with apps or by voice.
Cooktops and ovens: Electric induction cooktops are the next big thing. They heat quickly and accurately and are more energy efficient than traditional cooktops. Future units may include sensors that detect when food is about to burn and adjust heat based on the cookware you are using. You can preheat your oven via a mobile app or use AI to automatically adjust temperatures for precision cooking. Ovens will offer multiple cooking modes and have safety and efficiency sensors.
Microwaves: AI can detect various food types and monitor the cooking process; some microwaves can be controlled through an app or by voice commands.
Dishwashers: Sensors can detect the dirtiness of dishes and adjust the cleaning cycle accordingly. This reduces heating and water consumption while still ensuring dishes are clean. Like other smart appliances, some models can be started remotely using an app on your phone.
Small appliances: Other devices likely to get smarter with new technology, sensors, wireless power and app control include blenders, robot vacuums, air purifiers/dehumidifiers, coffee makers and other countertop kitchen gadgets.
Sources: energystar.gov, nuvoton.com, samsung.com, whirlpool.com, lg.com, bestbuy.com, t3.com, houzz.com, yankodesign.com, transparencymarketresearch.com, futuremarketinsights.com, globenewswire.com, straitsresearch.com
When temperatures plunge in Central Texas, safety becomes the top priority. From protecting your home to staying warm and avoiding icy hazards, knowing what to do before and during a cold snap can make all the difference.
10 critical safety tips for a Central Texas cold snap
-
Know your shutoffs before you need them
Locate and label your main water shutoff and circuit breaker. Quick action during a freeze or outage can prevent major damage. -
Protect pipes early
Insulate exposed pipes, drip faucets during hard freezes and open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate. -
Heat safely
Use fireplaces, space heaters and generators exactly as intended. Never use ovens, grills or propane heaters to warm your home. -
Check carbon monoxide detectors
Ensure detectors are installed, tested and have fresh batteries. -
Prepare for power loss
Charge phones and power banks, set refrigerators slightly colder, and gather flashlights, batteries and blankets in one place. -
Dress for warmth indoors
Layered clothing, socks and knit caps help maintain body heat if the power goes out. -
Prevent slips and falls
Ice can form on steps, porches and walkways. Wear shoes with traction and move slowly. -
Keep pets and people inside and dry
Cold, wet conditions pull heat from the body quickly. Bring pets indoors and limit trips outside. -
Use space heaters wisely
Keep heaters at least three feet from anything flammable and turn them off when sleeping or leaving the room. -
Check on others
Older adults, neighbors with medical needs, and those living alone may need help staying warm and safe.
Five things Central Texans should know before temperatures drop and roads turn icy
Winter weather can be unpredictable in Central Texas, especially in January and February. Temperatures can quickly swing from mild to freezing. Cold snaps and icy conditions can last for hours or stretch on for days. Here are five ways to stay safe during a Texas cold snap:
1
Trust the warnings, not your windshield: Things may look fine, but icy conditions could be headed your way. Regularly check weather forecasts: Use multiple sources — a trusted local TV or radio station, a weather app and emergency alerts — so you aren't caught off guard.
BONUS TIP:
Pay attention to overnight lows. Roads can freeze early in the morning or refreeze after sunset, even if they looked fine earlier in the day. If temperatures dip below freezing, assume conditions may change quickly.
2
Dress in layers: Start with a moisture-wicking base, add an insulating middle layer like fleece or flannel and top it off with a wind- and waterproof jacket. Wear gloves and warm socks, along with a knit cap and headband or neck gaiter.
BONUS TIP:
Stay dry whenever possible. Rain, sleet or even sweat can pull heat away from your body. If clothes or shoes get wet, change into dry layers as soon as you can.
3
Avoid driving on icy roads: The best plan is to not drive, but if you must, remember ice is a particularly dangerous road hazard in Texas. Ice can form quickly and be hard to see — especially on bridges. Go slow, brake gently, avoid sudden moves and plan for longer travel times.
BONUS TIP:
Bridges and overpasses freeze first. These surfaces are exposed to cold air on all sides, making them more likely to ice over even when nearby roads appear clear.
4
Keep your vehicle winter-ready: Keep the gas tank at least half full and stock the vehicle with a few cold-weather items, such as bottled water, snacks, a blanket, a phone charger, a flashlight and an ice scraper; share travel plans with loved ones.
BONUS TIP:
Keep your phone charged — and warm. Cold temperatures drain batteries faster. Store your phone close to you and consider carrying a backup power bank in your vehicle.
5
Prepare your home and yourself:
You probably know the three P’s:
Protect pipes, pets and plants. Stay safe by watching your step, wearing the right shoes and avoiding getting wet or staying outside too long.
BONUS TIP:
Know where your main water shutoff is. If a pipe freezes or bursts, shutting off water quickly can help limit damage before repairs can be made.
Local warming shelters
The Texas Division of Emergency Management updates a list of available shelters across the state of Texas every hour. If you or someone you know needs a warm place to stay during extreme cold weather, visit tdem.texas.gov/warm to find an available shelter near you. Here are some local options:
Three Rivers Community Church, 103 Main St., Martindale
Old Lytton Springs Church, 8440 FM 1854, Dale
Uhland Catholic Church, 80 S. Spanish Trl., Uhland
Manor City Hall, 105 E. Eggleston St., Manor
American Legion Hall, Hwy. 77, Giddings
WARMING STATION SHELTER INFORMATION
Before the temperature drops
A little preparation ahead of a winter weather event can help reduce risks and prevent problems once temperatures fall.
- Charge phones, power banks and battery-powered tools
- Set thermostats and open cabinet doors under sinks
- Bring pets indoors and cover sensitive plants
- Park vehicles away from bridges or low-lying areas if possible
If the power goes out
Short outages can happen during winter weather. A few simple steps can help you stay safe and comfortable until power is restored.
- Keep flashlights handy and avoid using candles
- Open refrigerator and freezer doors as little as possible
- Unplug sensitive electronics to prevent damage from power surges
- Check on neighbors who may need extra assistance
When roads turn icy
Even brief icy conditions can create hazards, especially in areas not used to winter driving.
- Delay travel if possible, especially early morning or overnight
- Watch for ice on bridges, overpasses and shaded areas
- Slow down and leave extra space between vehicles
- Let someone know your travel plans if you must drive
PREPARING FOR WINTER WEATHER
For more tips, go to texasready.gov/be-informed or bluebonnet.coop/safety.
What’s the right way to load a dishwasher? When is the thermostat set too high? Household appliances make life easier — and spark plenty of debate. Here’s what experts say about some of the most common appliance disagreements
THE THERMOSTAT BATTLE
“It’s too hot. I’m burning up!” “It’s freezing in here. I can’t stand it!”
Expert opinions: Someone isn’t going to like these answers — at least at first.
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78 degrees when you’re home and it’s hot outside. A common compromise is 75 to 77 degrees, especially in newer, energy-efficient homes.
Find the warmest setting everyone can tolerate by gradually raising the temperature over several days. Even a one- or two-degree increase can add up to meaningful savings over a summer.
Cooler at night? Experts suggest lowering the thermostat just 2 or 3 degrees. Bigger drops can cause your HVAC to run constantly.
Use the Auto fan setting. Running the fan continuously during hot weather can add $10 to $25 a month to your electric bill, according to Central Texas utility guides.
Most important: Use a smart thermostat — and stick to a schedule. Frequent manual changes can cause short cycling and wasted energy. Used properly, a smart thermostat can cut HVAC energy use by 10% or more in hot weather.
Ways to stay cooler:
- Ceiling fans can make a room feel about 4 degrees cooler.
- Use breathable bedding made of cotton, linen or bamboo.
- Take a cool shower before bed.
- Drink cold water or apply a cool, damp cloth to your neck or wrists.
- Close blinds during the hottest part of the day; blackout blinds work best.
- If it’s cooler outside at night, open windows on opposite sides of the house. Use box fans to pull cool air in and push warm air out, then close windows and switch back to HVAC once indoors cools.
During cold snaps:
- Set the thermostat to 68 degrees or lower to save energy.
- Let sunlight warm rooms during the day.
- Seal leaks with weatherstripping or caulk.
- Layer clothing and blankets.
- Heated blankets use less electricity than HVAC; follow safety instructions.
- Flip ceiling fans to spin clockwise to push warm air down.
- Space heaters are fine briefly, but never unattended or while sleeping.
HOW TO LOAD THE DISHWASHER
“You’re cramming everything in wrong!” “It’s fine — the water will reach it.”
Experts say: Crowding blocks water and spray arms. Leave space for circulation. Face dishes toward the center and angle them downward. Put oversized items on the sides and back of the lower rack. Very dirty items go face down on the bottom.
Skip pre-rinsing. Scrape off large food scraps, but let detergent enzymes do their job. Newer machines use sensors to choose the best cycle.
Load forks and spoons handle-down; knives blade-down. Cups, glasses, small bowls and dishwasher-safe plastics go on the top rack. Avoid washing nonstick pans (unless labeled dishwasher-safe), brass, bronze, wood or delicate items.
And yes — your dishwasher has a filter. Clean it regularly.
HAND-WASHING VS. DISHWASHER
“Handwashing saves water.” “No, the dishwasher does.”
Expert opinions: Modern energy-efficient dishwashers use as little as 4 gallons per load. Handwashing under running water often uses far more and can keep electric water heaters running longer. Newer dishwashers use less than half the electricity of older models and can save more than 8,000 gallons of water per year. Use air-dry instead of heat to save even more energy.
TOP-LOAD VS. FRONT-LOAD WASHERS
“Top-loaders are easier.” “Front-loaders clean better.”
Expert opinions: It depends.
Top-load washers cost less, handle larger loads and wash faster with less maintenance. They use more water, are tougher on clothes and don’t spin out as much water, which can lengthen dryer time.
Front-loaders use less water and energy, clean more thoroughly and extract more water during spins. They cost more, take longer per cycle and require more cleaning to prevent odors and mildew.
One more thing: Most people use too much detergent. According to Consumer Reports, many use twice what’s needed.
Check labels and use the correct type and amount.
DRYER DOS AND DON'TS
“Don’t overload it!” “We’re wasting energy if it’s not full!”
Expert opinions: Full loads are efficient, but overloading restricts airflow and increases drying time and wear.
Medium heat works for most fabrics. Save high heat for towels and bedding. Use moisture sensors if available and separate loads by fabric weight.
Clean the lint screen after every load and regularly inspect vents and ducts.
When possible, line-dry or use indoor drying racks — especially during hot, sunny weather.
PLUG OR UNPLUG?
“Unplug everything not being used!” “That’s outdated advice.”
Expert opinions: Most modern chargers and electronics draw minimal power when off. Instead, focus on high-draw or rarely used devices like space heaters. Smart plugs or power strips make it easy to cut power when needed.
During thunderstorms, unplug sensitive electronics such as TVs and computers. Lightning strikes can send surges through power or internet lines. Whole-home surge protectors and device-specific protectors add extra protection, and some experts recommend electronics insurance.
FRIDGE FUSSES
“Turn it colder!” “You’ll freeze the lettuce!” “Close the door!”
Expert opinions: Leaving the refrigerator open for more than a minute wastes energy and strains the compressor. If you can’t find what you need quickly, reorganize.
The refrigerator should be set to 40 degrees and the freezer to 0 degrees, according to federal food safety guidelines.
Some experts recommend 37 to 38 degrees as a compromise. Use a fridge thermometer to check accuracy.
Don’t jam-pack shelves — air needs to circulate — but don’t leave it empty, either. Aim for about two-thirds full and keep vents clear.
The door is the warmest spot; the back and bottom shelves are coldest. Store ready-to-eat foods on top, dairy and leftovers in the middle, and raw or moisture-prone items on lower shelves or in bins. Heavy items belong on the bottom shelf.
Sources: U.S. Department of Energy; Energy Star; Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative; U.S. Energy Information Administration; American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy; Consumer Reports; Wirecutter; National Fire Protection Association; HowStuffWorks; Good Housekeeping; U.S. Food and Drug Administration; U.S. Department of Agriculture
