Study: Safety and comfort the main factors driving smart home tech adoption

Jan. 5, 2017
Energy efficiency also ranked high among consumers’ purchasing decisions

According to a study recently published by Scripps Networks Interactive, three-quarters of U.S. homeowners said they were motivated to purchase smart home technology to keep their families safe and comfortable, while only 18 percent did so out of a desire to meet others’ expectations.

The study, which was conducted in partnership with the Consumer Technology Association, the National Kitchen and Bath Association, the National Association of Home Builders, CEDIA, and Shelly Palmer Strategic Advisors, also found that energy efficiency was a motivating factor for nearly 68 percent of respondents in adopting smart home devices.  Of the various age groups examined, the study found that Millennials want to make their home "convenient for daily tasks," Generation Xers want to make their home "a healthy environment," and Baby Boomers wish to "add value" to their home.

The Kitchen Ranked as the Top Spot in the Home to Add Technology

A quarter of the 700 homeowners surveyed named the kitchen as the top spot in the home to add smart tech. Respondents listed top options as smart refrigerators, connected and app-enabled appliances, voice-activated wireless speakers and motion sensor lighting.

Gen Xers led this kitchen-friendly group at 28 percent, while 27 percent of Millennials and 23 percent of Boomers listed the kitchen as top priority.

The front door or entryway is the next most desired place for adding technology (15 percent), while the living room comes in third (13 percent).

Energy Monitoring and Light Automation Are Consumers’ Most Desired Smart Home Projects

While only 11 percent of homeowners surveyed have firm plans to purchase energy monitoring and light automation technology for their home, nearly 44 percent of respondents listed these items as tools they’d most like to add.

Mobile device-operated or computer-controlled home systems, a doorbell camera and surveillance equipment also topped the homeowner wish list.

A third or more of the respondents want to add home audio automation, HVAC automation, motion lights and a security system to their home.

Finding a Trustworthy Consultant to Help with Smart Home Purchases Extremely Important

As homeowners consider smart home technology, more than half said they want to find a professional to help them make the right decisions.

In the process of adding smart home tech, homeowners also expressed importance in professional installation and education, having product demonstrations and trial periods of use.

While expense is the top barrier to purchase, respondents also cited tech phobia and an overwhelming number of choices as other deterrents.

Millennials, Followed Closely by Gen Xers, Are the Most Likely to Add Smart Home Tech to Their Home

According to the study, 85 percent of Millennials indicated they are likely to add smart home technology to their home, more than half within the next year. In addition, 73 percent of Gen Xers said they are likely to add smart home technology (38 percent within the next year), while 67 percent of Boomers reported they are likely to add smart home tech (28 percent within the next year).

Research findings from the study will be presented at this week’s CES 2017 show in Las Vegas and at Design and Construction Week 2017, which will be held in Orlando next week.