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More than eight in 10 American homes now contain smart tech – including refrigerators, doorbells, and robot vacuums.
A poll of 5,000 homeowners found they’ve spent, on average, more than $2,000 on gadgets and appliances that connect to the internet during the past five years.
With 55 percent keen to add to what they already have during the next 12 months.
As many as 58 percent have smart TVs, while 35 percent have doorbells that inform them of visitors, and 14 percent have fridges that notify them when supplies are low.
Smart speakers (36 percent), robot vacuum cleaners (22 percent), and smart locks (15 percent) are also common.
And one in 10 upgrade or replace their smart home tech annually, with 37 percent doing so every two to five years.
Real-time alerts or notifications (38 percent), battery backup or power-fail safety (36 percent), and voice or app control from anywhere (33 percent) are the top things they want from their devices.
And 22 percent feel there is room for more convenience, customization, and personalization in their current smart device setup.
With a similar number (21 percent) saying more devices designed around these factors, as well as protection, would significantly improve their day-to-day lives.
The study found that of those who own smart tech, 17 percent are early adopters of new products on the market – purchasing such devices early in their release cycle.
But 52 percent prefer to purchase smart home gadgets once they already have a proven track record.
And of those intending to invest further during the next 12 months or so, top of the list is smart lighting (22 percent).
Door locks or keyless entry (17 percent), indoor and outdoor security cameras (14 percent and 20 percent), and water leak or flood sensors (eight percent) are also on wish lists.
Conducted via OnePoll, the study identified the biggest barriers to acquiring smart home devices – either for the first time or as additional purchases.
Cost (53 percent) is the most significant hurdle, followed by privacy and security concerns (33 percent) and how susceptible a gadget might be to glitches (23 percent).
And with 60 percent reporting their utility bills have increased during the past year, 32 percent of smart tech owners cited energy efficiency, monitoring, or reporting as one of their biggest considerations when purchasing such goods.
While 64 percent took energy efficiency and the potential financial benefits of this into account, specifically when weighing up the expense of new devices.
But it’s not just smart tech adopters who value energy efficiency in their electricals – 40 percent of those who don’t own any smart tech said energy efficiency would be a key consideration if they were to purchase smart home devices in the future.
While 31 percent of all research participants revealed they’re looking for ‘smarter’ ways to track and manage their home’s energy usage.
A spokesperson for Vivint added: “It’s clear from the results that, alongside privacy and security, energy efficiency is a top priority among consumers when it comes to their smart home set-ups.
“While we already know that smart technology significantly saves time and eases stress, it can also make a huge difference in energy management and related costs – at a time when we need it more than ever.
“As homeowners’ needs evolve, we also need our tech to evolve with them, providing comfort, convenience, and peace of mind.”
Top 20 Most Popular Smart Tech:
1. Smart TV or streaming hub
2. Smart speaker/voice assistant
3. Smart doorbell
4. Outdoor security camera
5. Smart thermostat
6. Indoor security camera
7. Smart lighting
8. Robot vacuum
9. Smart plugs or outlets
10. Smart locks / keyless entry
11. Smart washer and dryer
12. Smart refrigerator
13. Smart garage door opener
14. Smart smoke or CO detector
15. Smart door / window sensors
16. Smart air conditioner / heat pump
17. Smart oven or range
18. Smart dishwasher
19. Smart fitness equipment (e.g. treadmill, bike)
20. Smart home hub / controller
