Before I consider my home smart, I’m going to need to replace my appliances. While the smart fridge is a cliché, having a smarter kitchen (that might include the fridge) or a washer and dryer that are connected to my air conditioning system will make my home more energy-efficient and could help me take full advantage of my appliances. The question is how and when will this happen. Appliances aren’t something consumers buy every couple of years, and when they do, connectivity isn’t something most are willing to pay extra for in 2014. Even if they do pay for “smart” overs or dishwashers, there’s still a lot of uncertainty over what platforms will ultimately win. Who wants to buy a smart fridge that becomes dumb in three years?