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LIFE TECH FEATURE

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Star power Rising electricity costs have made us all more conscious of the devices around the house that eat power like Pac-Man, so deciding to pay a little more at the cash register for energy-efficient white goods is a smart move. A refrigerator is the only household appliance that runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so keep a close eye on the stars. The sticker on the front of every model provides all the information you need. The more stars at the top of the badge, the more energy-efficient the fridge is.

It has all changed in the world of refrigeration and laundry. Once just considered two of the necessary pillars in the domestic ecosystem, the humble fridge freezer, washer and dryer have undergone a significant revolution while you weren’t looking. Words Paul Jones G one are the humble discrete white boxes that rumbled away purposefully in the corner of the room. Today’s white need is a Wi-Fi connection and the relevant smartphone app, and you’re away. COOL RUNNINGS

harder to restore the correct temperature; that’s detrimental to the environment - and your hip pocket. The door-in-door concept is another innovative design to counter that. A second shallow door is included in the front of the main door and can be used to store frequently used items like milk, butter and OJ. Keeping the main part of the fridge sealed ensures the overall temperature isn’t compromised. Some models offer voice support from Google and Alexa, tag items in the fridge with sell-by dates, whip up a shopping list while you’re out and about, and even offer recipe suggestions with what’s in the refrigerator. Water filter needs changing, or ice getting low? No problem – your fridge can let you know. Smart technology in refrigeration is ubiquitous in 2022 – there’s a solution for every family's needs. The concept of the fridge has evolved from a simple cold box to preserve perishables to a central hub in the family home designed to assist with the busy lifestyles that we all lead in 2022. Check your size If you’ve shopped for refrigeration before, you’ll know that capacities are measured in litres – the bigger the number, yep, you guessed it, the more space there is. These are the numbers you need to get right, because you don’t want to cool refrigerated space that is not being used. The general rule of thumb is 200-400 litres for two people, 400-600 for four, and 600-800 litres for five and more folks.

Smart displays can turn the fridge into a central home hub for the family, and see through panels reveal what’s inside without opening the door. Why does that matter? Every time a fridge door is opened and the cold air escapes, the compressor must work

goods boast the latest tech, and are designed to ease the monotony of essential chores and maximise your time away from the jobs that practically no one enjoys. So, what’s changed since the last time your fridge or washer carked it and your arm was forced into buying a replacement? The ease of the freeze Regarding household essentials, refrigeration is at the top of the list. The white energy sapping heavy rattlers of yesteryear are, thankfully, a thing of the past. Not only are today’s fridges and freezers energy efficient, but they also come in a selection of different colours and offer a heap of technological features. Smart move Smart fridges connect to the home network and offer a full range of features, from push notification alerts that the door is open to in-built cameras, so you can check what’s in it while you’re in the supermarket. All you

50 SEPTEMBER 2022

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