Energy Efficiency Leads Home Automation Ownership and Purchase Intent

ARLINGTON, Va.--()--Home automation technologies that offer energy efficiency are the most popular type of installed home technologies among U.S. consumers, according to the latest study released today by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)®. CEA’s Adoption and Usage of Home Automation Technologies found that 47 percent of online U.S. households indicate they have a programmable (42 percent) and/or smart (12 percent) thermostat currently installed in their homes.

Technologies providing home security are the second most installed type of technology in homes, with 31 percent of online households indicating they own a security product. Nearly one in five online households (19 percent) have a monitored security system, more than twice the penetration rate of those who have unmonitored security systems (eight percent). Nine percent of online households own a video surveillance system and six percent have electronic or programmable door locks.

Consumers are also opting to install entertainment-based home technologies, such as home theater pre-wiring/systems (17 percent) and structured wiring systems (eight percent).

“The rise in housing starts in 2013 has contributed to a steady increase in the overall outlook for home technology,” said Kevin Tillmann, senior research analyst, CEA. “Products that can offer energy efficiency are leading the home automation technology market, with the ability to save money serving as a key motivator for purchases.”

In terms of purchase intent, there is a sizable market opportunity for energy efficient products. A majority (61 percent) of online households expect to purchase energy efficiency home automation technology at some point in the future, followed by security technology (51 percent) and entertainment technology (40 percent).

Additionally, professional installation remains the preferred method of installation across the board for consumers, regardless of product category in home automation. However, respondents tend to have a stronger preference for DIY installation for products like programmable thermostats (37 percent), smart thermostats (30 percent) and home theater pre-wiring (29 percent).

“DIY solutions have become the norm for parts of the home automation sector,” said Tillmann. “DIY embraces both innovation and consumer empowerment while decreasing dependence on new construction and expands the addressable market to existing homes.”

Adoption and Usage of Home Automation Technologies (September 2013) was designed and formulated by CEA Market Research, the most comprehensive source of sales data, forecasts, consumer research and historical trends for the consumer electronics industry. Please cite any information to the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). The complete study is available free to CEA member companies at members.CE.org. Non-members may purchase the study for $999 at the CEA store. For more information on energy efficiency, read the CEA 2013 Sustainability Report at CE.org/sustainability.

About CEA:

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the technology trade association representing the $203 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. More than 2,000 companies enjoy the benefits of CEA membership, including legislative advocacy, market research, technical training and education, industry promotion, standards development and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA also owns and produces the International CES – The Global Stage for Innovation. All profits from CES are reinvested into CEA’s industry services. Find CEA online at www.CE.org, www.DeclareInnovation.com and through social media.

UPCOMING EVENTS

  • CES Unveiled LONDON
    October 1, 2013, London, UK
  • CES Unveiled PARIS
    October 3, 2013, Paris, France
  • CES Unveiled TEL AVIV
    October 7, 2013, Tel Aviv, Israel
  • 2013 CEA Industry Forum
    October 20-23, 2013, Los Angeles, CA
  • 17th Annual CEO Summit
    October 23-25, 2013, Rancho Palo Verdes, CA
  • CES Unveiled NEW YORK
    November 12, 2013, New York, NY
  • CES Unveiled LAS VEGAS
    January 5, 2014, Las Vegas, NV
  • 2014 International CES
    January 7-10, 2014, Las Vegas, NV

Contacts

Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)
Danielle Cassagnol, 703-907-5253
dcassagnol@CE.org
www.CE.org
or
Samantha Nevels, 703-907-7080
snevels@CE.org

Release Summary

Home automation technologies that offer energy efficiency are the most popular type of installed home technologies among U.S. consumers, according to the latest study released today by CEA.

Contacts

Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)
Danielle Cassagnol, 703-907-5253
dcassagnol@CE.org
www.CE.org
or
Samantha Nevels, 703-907-7080
snevels@CE.org