What's Happening?
Vivint's second annual 'How We Home Report' indicates a significant shift in U.S. homeowner expectations for smart home technology. The report, based on a September 2026 survey of 5,000 U.S. homeowners, highlights that consumers are moving beyond disconnected
smart devices and now seek integrated platforms for security, energy management, and intelligent automations. Key findings show that 78% of homeowners own at least one smart device, with 61% having purchased a new one in the past year. Security remains a top concern, with 1 in 5 homeowners feeling less safe due to crime, economic conditions, and severe weather. Energy management is also a major driver, as 59% report increased energy bills and 37% use smart technology to track and reduce consumption. There's a growing demand for professional installation, with 34% citing correct device installation as a primary reason, and 22% valuing the ability to control multiple devices from a single app. Lifestyle changes, such as caregiving and increased travel, are further influencing smart home adoption, with nearly half of homeowners caring for a family member or expecting to in the next five years.
Why It's Important?
This report underscores a maturing U.S. smart home market where consumers are demanding more sophisticated, integrated, and professionally supported solutions. For the smart home industry, this signifies a move away from a DIY, piecemeal approach towards comprehensive, whole-home systems, potentially boosting demand for professional installation services and integrated platforms. Companies that can offer seamless integration of security, energy, and automation features, along with robust customer support, are likely to gain a competitive advantage. The emphasis on energy management reflects broader economic pressures and consumer desire for cost savings, which could drive innovation in energy-efficient smart devices and systems. Furthermore, the increasing role of smart homes in family and elder care points to a significant growth area, as an aging population and evolving family structures create new needs for remote monitoring and assistance. This shift could also influence insurance providers, real estate developers, and utility companies to integrate smart home features into their offerings, recognizing their value in safety, efficiency, and care.
What's Next?
The findings suggest that smart home technology providers will likely focus on developing more integrated ecosystems that combine security, energy management, and automation into user-friendly platforms. We can anticipate an increased emphasis on professional installation services and customer support to ensure optimal device performance and user satisfaction. Companies may also invest more in AI-powered solutions that can adapt to individual homeowner needs, particularly in areas like personalized energy optimization and proactive security alerts. Given the rising concern for home and family care, there will likely be an acceleration in the development of smart home features tailored for elder care and remote family monitoring, such as advanced fall detection, health tracking integrations, and emergency response systems. This trend could also lead to partnerships between smart home companies and healthcare providers or insurance companies to offer bundled services that address these evolving consumer needs. Furthermore, as homeowners become more reliant on these integrated systems, data privacy and cybersecurity will become even more critical considerations for both consumers and providers.
Beyond the Headlines
The shift towards integrated smart home systems reflects a broader societal trend where technology is becoming more deeply embedded in daily life, moving from mere convenience to essential infrastructure for safety, financial management, and personal care. This integration raises important questions about data ownership, privacy, and the ethical implications of pervasive home monitoring, especially concerning vulnerable populations like the elderly. As AI-powered systems become more sophisticated, the line between automation and autonomous decision-making within the home will blur, potentially leading to new regulatory challenges and consumer expectations regarding control and transparency. The demand for professional installation also highlights a growing digital divide, where access to advanced smart home capabilities might be limited by financial resources or technical expertise, potentially exacerbating inequalities in home safety and efficiency. Moreover, the reliance on a single, integrated platform could create new vulnerabilities if that system were to fail or be compromised, underscoring the need for robust cybersecurity measures and resilient system designs.
