There’s no denying that the smart home industry is booming. In fact, there seems to be a new company popping up every few months with a plethora of state-of-the-art technology targeted toward homeowners and renters. And while smart speakers are in most homes across the nation, other smart devices such as cameras and video doorbells are also quite common. So what exactly are homeowners looking for in smart home devices, and what devices to they think are worth the investment?
Below, the team at insurance company Hippo took a deep dive into homeowner motivation and smart home trends via fresh research to better understand this phenomenon. Their results include several infographics on why homeowners say they use smart home technology.
Infographic 1: What’s Lies Beneath?
In today’s homes, you’ll likely find several smart devices at the ready. Smart appliances such as refrigerators and ovens have skyrocketed in popularity in recent years, as their artificial intelligence features make it easier for homeowners to cook, clean and shop for groceries. Other popular smart home devices include alarm systems to warn homeowners of potential intruders, cameras for total home monitoring abilities and smart thermostats to provide total control over their homes’ climate. But these items don’t come cheap. Ranging from a couple hundred bucks to several thousand dollars, homeowners are particular about the type of devices they buy and why.
In addition to breaking down smart home statistics to get a better understanding of the industry as a whole, the team at Hippo also surveyed homeowners across the nation. And surprisingly, they found some stark differences between what each gender is looking for in their smart home purchases.
Infographic 2: Purchasing Habits
Overall, women were much more likely than men to look for technology that would keep them (and their families) safe. Alarm systems are a favorite for women across the country because of this, and they even ranked this tech as the most protective. But they also want to be able to monitor the inside and the outside of their home with cameras, so that they can check in on their belongings and pets no matter where they are.
Men, on the other hand, take a different approach to smart home purchases. They prioritize energy efficient devices and products that make their lives easier. And while they believe that cameras provide them with the most protection, they are more likely to purchase tech like smart speakers and smart thermostats for their home.
When looking at homeowners as a whole, their priorities shift a bit. As seen in the graphic below, homeowners mainly look for devices that will make their lives more convenient. Something that is especially important in the current times, as homes have started functioning as offices and classrooms as well as places to relax. Common purchases throughout this pandemic have included smart TVs, smart appliances and water leak detection systems.
Infographic 3: The Survey Says …
Looking towards the future, smart home tech is going to become much more targeted. And as homeowners’ needs change throughout this pandemic, the smart home industry will likely follow suit. You can expect to see more smart home devices built into new homes, as well as upgrades on older homes when reselling. Smart appliances will become standard, and it won’t be too uncommon for homes to be completely integrated.
What’s not to love about that?
