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Smart home technology is the automation and management of your home and daily life - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 4 - 2018
Question 4
Smart home technology is the automation and management of your home and daily life. (a) Discuss how technology has contributed to the efficient management of the ho... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Smart home technology is the automation and management of your home and daily life - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 4 - 2018
Step 1
Discuss how technology has contributed to the efficient management of the home.
Answer
Technology has significantly transformed the way we manage our homes, introducing various solutions that enhance efficiency in daily tasks:
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Time-saving: Smart appliances automate routine chores, like vacuuming or lawn care, allowing individuals to allocate time to more meaningful activities.
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Reduced Labor: Automation decreases the requirement for manual effort, making household duties less demanding. For instance, programmable thermostats optimize heating and cooling schedules to save energy.
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Improved Quality of Life: Enhanced conveniences, such as smart lighting and security systems, not only improve home management but also elevate residents' overall living experience by providing comfort and safety.
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Increased Effectiveness: Connected devices, like smart refrigerators or washing machines, boost operational effectiveness, providing alerts for maintenance needs or optimizing resource use.
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Data-Driven Decisions: Technology facilitates better decision-making through analytics, allowing homeowners to track usage patterns and amend behaviors to improve efficiency, such as reducing energy consumption and managing budgets efficiently.
Step 2
Set out details of a study that you have undertaken on a refrigeration appliance.
Answer
Working Principle
The refrigeration appliance I studied is a refrigerator that operates on the principle of heat transfer. It contains liquid ammonia as a refrigerant. The cycle begins with the compressor at the base of the fridge, which compresses the refrigerant. The pressure increase causes the refrigerant to condense into a liquid. This liquid then moves to the evaporator coils inside the fridge, where it absorbs heat from the interior, turning back into a gas. The cycle repeats, regulated by the thermostat connected to the compressor.
Guidelines for Use
- Proper Placement: Position the fridge away from heat sources to maintain optimal cooling efficiency.
- Temperature Settings: Set the fridge to a temperature between 1°C and 4°C for effective food preservation.
- Defrost Regularly: To ensure efficiency, manually defrost if frost accumulation exceeds 5mm.
- Load Management: Avoid overloading to ensure proper air circulation.
Modern Features
Modern refrigerators come equipped with several advanced features:
- Digital Display: Provides real-time temperature settings and alerts.
- Smart Controls: Allows for remote operation and monitoring via smartphone apps.
- Energy Efficiency: Many models are A-rated for energy efficiency, helping to reduce electricity costs.
- Hygiene Features: Some include antibacterial coatings and humidity-controlled drawers to promote food safety.
Step 3
Evaluate the role of energy labelling when selecting household appliances.
Answer
Energy labelling plays a critical role in guiding consumers in selecting efficient household appliances. The labels provide:
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Transparency: Clear information about the energy consumption of products, allowing consumers to compare options effectively.
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Cost Savings: Appliances rated A to G indicate potential energy savings, leading to lower electricity bills over time. Investing in higher-rated products can result in significant financial benefits in the long run.
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Environmental Impact: By promoting the purchase of energy-efficient appliances, it helps reduce overall energy needs, thereby decreasing fossil fuel consumption and lowering carbon emissions.
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Informed Decision-Making: Consumers can make choices that align with their values regarding sustainability and resource conservation, thus positively impacting the environment as a whole.