Over the past few decades, our lifestyles have been irrevocably changed by the march of digital
technology, and there are now very few aspects of everyday life that have not been infiltrated by
computers of one sort or another. Although computers can serve very effectively as labour-saving
devices, their versatility and complexity mean that they have a tendency to take up more of our time
than they save. So, in our quest for an easier life, we must turn to simpler technologies such as the
electronic timer. While you might not be able to store your entire CD collection or play World of
Warcraft on them, they can nonetheless be highly useful tools for streamlining your daily life. For
great digital timer deals, visit RS Components.
Burglar deterrents
While you can lock your doors and set up burglar alarms, if a thief has good reason to believe that
your home is empty, then these do not always act as a deterrent. This is where timers come in. You
can use timing switches for the lights and radios in your house to create the illusion that there are
people inside your property. While this may use up a little more energy than leaving everything off,
it works out a lot cheaper than a fully automated burglar alarm system, and may be more effective in
warding off potential invaders.
Heating timers
Due to the increasing scarcity of fossil fuels, heating the average home is becoming more and more
expensive as time goes on. However, you can use our old friend the timer to help here too. Turning
your central heating on and off manually is not only a chore – it also tends to be pretty wasteful,
especially if you have a tendency to forget to turn it off. By attaching digital timers to the radiators in
each room, and also to the boiler, you can heat only the rooms that you commonly use at certain times
of day. For more information about saving energy in the home, visit the Energy Saving Trust website.
Cooking timers
One of the earliest applications for mechanical or electronic timers in the home was to remind people
to turn off their cookers after a certain time. In recent years, the timers included in ovens have become
increasingly sophisticated, offering automatic power switches in addition to their alarm functionality.
Some of the newer models even allow you to program the oven to switch on and off at certain times,
so that you can have a delicious hot meal waiting for you in the oven when you get home – perfect if
you are on a tight schedule.
