Smart home technology is the new trend to address the energy crisis. Energy prices are rising, autumn is approaching: almost all consumers are faced with the question of how they can save heat and electricity. Smart home technologies play an important role in this context. Here are the results of a representative survey that the digital association Bitkom conducted among 1,315 people aged 16 and over in Germany.

Smart home technology in German households

Over the past twelve months, the number of people who want to use intelligent applications to increase energy efficiency in their homes and reduce consumption has increased significantly: a quarter (25 percent) of German citizens now use smart radiator thermostats. In 2021 it was only 17 percent and 15 percent in 2020. Smart thermostats regulate the temperature in the apartment depending on whether the apartment is being ventilated, whether people are present and sometimes even taking the weather forecast into account - this means that the heating usually uses significantly less Energy than when controlled by hand.

A fifth (21 percent) use intelligent roller shutters or awnings that automatically close in strong sunlight and thus provide cooling - in 2021 it was still 13 percent. A fifth (21 percent) also use smart or WiFi sockets to avoid standby by default (2021: 16 percent). 13 percent track their consumption via smart meters (2021: 8 percent).

“Smart home technologies can make a very concrete contribution to consuming less heating energy and electricity. They are much more than a technical gimmick. They increase energy efficiency, ensure greater security and ultimately also increase the comfort and quality of life in your own home. Intelligent heating and cooling technology is not only worthwhile for homeowners. Smart thermostats can also be installed in rented apartments in just a few steps and easily taken with you when you move.”

Achim Berg, President Bitkom

Two thirds use at least one smart home application

Overall, 43 percent of all German citizens use at least one smart home application in their four walls. This continues the trend of previous years: in 2020 it was 37 percent and in 2018 it was 26 percent. The most frequently used devices are intelligent lamps and lights, which more than a third (36 percent) are already using (2021: 29 percent). You can not only control brightness or light color via app. Many models can be set to automatically turn off when a person leaves the room, helping to save energy.

The smart home trend continues unabated, image: Bitkom eV
The smart home trend continues unabated, image: Bitkom eV

Smart thermostats have a positive effect on at least half

Those who currently use smart thermostats often only installed them this year (22 percent) or last year (21 percent). 35 percent have been using them for two to four years and 17 percent for five years or longer. The effect is measurable for many.

More than half (53 percent) report that their energy consumption has fallen since then - significantly for 22 percent and somewhat lower for 31 percent. 12 percent said their energy consumption remained the same. A third (33 percent) cannot yet make a statement because the devices have not been in use for a short time. However, 90 percent of users would recommend the use of an intelligent radiator thermostat to friends and family. 88 percent of all Germans also demand that the potential of smart home applications for the climate must be better made known.

Smart home users are predominantly climate protectors

Those who use smart home technologies have an even clearer opinion when it comes to climate protection: three quarters (75 percent) are of the opinion that no new buildings should be built that do not have intelligent energy management. 89 percent are convinced that even small energy savings can make a contribution to combating climate change.

“The use of smart technologies should be taken into account when planning new houses and apartments. A VAT reduction for particularly energy-saving technologies would also promote their spread in private households and would be a useful addition to other support measures that would directly relieve the burden on consumers and support them with a view to autumn and winter.”

Achim Berg, President Bitkom

In this context, 9 out of 10 users of smart home applications (90 percent) would like to see clear labeling on the devices as to whether they make a contribution to climate protection.

Smart security

Another important area in the smart home market is the issue of security. A quarter of Germans (25 percent) use smart video surveillance to protect themselves or their own home from burglars, for example (2021: 23 percent). 24 percent use an intelligent alarm system (2021: 21 percent).

Smart home emergency call systems (6 percent) and intelligent smoke detectors, which so far only one in 20 people are using (5 percent), are significantly less common. For the majority of smart home users, making their own house or apartment safer is crucial for the use of appropriate technologies (74 percent). More comfort and quality of life (74 percent) and energy saving (72 percent) are almost equally important.

“Seniors in particular should concern themselves with the topic of smart homes or seek appropriate advice. For example, sensors can detect when a person has fallen and automatically call for help. Smart home technologies help you to live independently in your own four walls for longer.”

Achim Berg, President Bitkom

The 65 plus generation is still comparatively poorly represented among users of smart home technologies. Only 18 percent of people over 65 use such devices. Nevertheless, this value has tripled since 2018, when it was just 6 percent.

Robot vacuum cleaners in almost every fourth household

The vacuum cleaner robot leads the rankings among smart household helpers: 22 percent already let it drive around at home - there was also a significant increase here (2021: 13 percent). Robotic lawnmowers mow the lawn in the gardens of 18 percent of Germans and 14 percent have installed smart multimedia systems for entertainment. Only 4 percent of Germans own other smart household appliances such as intelligent washing machines, dishwashers or refrigerators.

Which rooms are networked?

Across the different technologies: In which rooms of the house or apartment are networked devices installed? Most users of smart home technologies use them in the living room (79 percent), almost as many in the dining room (78 percent) or in the kitchen (74 percent) and slightly fewer in the bedroom (69 percent).

Smart home technologies can also be found in the bathroom (57 percent), in the study (49 percent) or in the hallway (38 percent). Smart devices and applications are also used comparatively frequently in the garden (51 percent) and in the garage (35 percent) - and for a quarter of smart home users, they are also used in the children's room (24 percent).

Smart Home: What are the most important areas of application? Image: Bitkom eV
Smart Home: What are the most important areas of application? Image: Bitkom eV

Control your smart home with your smartphone

The smartphone plays a major role in control: 85 percent control their smart home applications and devices via smartphone app. 55 percent give voice commands, although this is usually done via a stationary voice assistant or a mobile voice assistant, also via a smartphone. 20 percent control smart home devices via remote control.

“The smart home has become the main area of ​​application for voice control of devices.”

Achim Berg, President Bitkom

Security concerns often deter smart homes

Those who don't have any smart devices in their household are often put off by security concerns. Almost half of non-users (47 percent) are afraid of hacker attacks. 37 percent are afraid of their personal data being misused and 29 percent are worried about their privacy. Many people also find the devices too expensive (29 percent) or find them too complicated to operate (29 percent).

“The topic of IT and data security plays an important role for many smart home users. The important thing is: Don't reach for the bottom of the junk bin, but instead look for products that are certified according to international standards and reputable, trustworthy manufacturers. And: Protect your own WiFi and regularly update your devices.”

Achim Berg, President Bitkom

In this context, the BSI IT security label can provide good guidance. 88 percent of smart home users would like to see clear indications as to whether a smart home product is safe.

Failures do happen – but rarely

Despite these concerns: So far, no one has observed hacker attacks on any of their smart home devices. For those who rarely (22 percent), occasionally (15 percent) or regularly (4 percent) struggle with application failures, this is usually due to a disruption in the internet connection (83 percent). A fifth had problems with the associated app (21 percent) or another malfunction on the device (20 percent). In 8 percent, operating errors have already led to failures. A little more than half of all users (55 percent) have never experienced an application failure.

The smart home of the future: More security and autonomy

The market for smart home technologies is developing rapidly. The Germans are very open to future scenarios for intelligent devices. 76 percent can imagine using a vacuum cleaner robot that automatically recognizes when it is time for the next cleaning and starts automatically. 54 percent like the idea of ​​an oven that learns how crispy the residents like their roast - and roasts it to perfection on its own. Half of Germans (50 percent) would be conceivable about a refrigerator that takes over meal planning and orders the appropriate food according to the owners' preferences.

Great potential in the area of ​​security

Smart home technologies can develop even more potential in the future, particularly in the area of ​​security: 80 percent can imagine living in a house that detects when water damage is imminent and automatically turns off the water. Or that detects natural damage, for example from hail or lightning, and automatically informs residents about it, for example via an app (72 percent). 62 percent would use a home that detects a resident's fainting or unconsciousness and automatically calls for help.

“Smart home applications will be found in more and more households in the coming years. Not only do they make life easier and ensure more safety, they can also significantly reduce energy consumption. A large part of the final energy consumption currently goes towards warm apartments and warm water. Smart tools will ease the burden on your wallet in the long term, accelerate the energy transition with increased energy efficiency and at the same time reduce dependence on Russian gas and oil.”

Achim Berg, President Bitkom

Source: Bitkom

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Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )