Nationwide study shows that consumers want networked homes; security systems tops the list

April 5, 2002
Indianapolis, IN - Survey results released today by the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA) confirm that home networking is top-of-mind among most Americans, with home security systems topping the list of important custom electronic features for their homes and families. More than 1,000 U.S. adults, ages 18 years and older, were surveyed in a weekend poll by RoperASW. Eighty-three
Indianapolis, IN - Survey results released today by the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA) confirm that home networking is top-of-mind among most Americans, with home security systems topping the list of important custom electronic features for their homes and families.

More than 1,000 U.S. adults, ages 18 years and older, were surveyed in a weekend poll by RoperASW. Eighty-three percent of the survey respondents said that they would be interested in installing some type of custom electronic system in their homes. Additionally, 86 percent of the respondents said they would seek the help of a qualified and certified technician to install a home networking system in their homes.

CEDIA, the world’s leading association dedicated to the custom electronic design and installation industry, released these results prior to the International Builders’ Show to demonstrate how this growing trend will affect the home building industry as more and more homeowners are looking to integrate these systems into their lives. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), 34 percent of builders now offer structured wiring packages as standard or optional amenities.

Thirty-one percent of the respondents said they considered a centralized home security system the most important home networking system. Other systems ranked as follows:

  • Home theater systems: 19 %
  • Automated lighting systems: 12%
  • Automated window shades: 11%
  • Automated audio and video systems: 10%
  • Not interested in home networking: 14%
  • No response: 3%

CEDIA Unveils consumer survey results

“These survey results confirm what our member companies have been telling us for some time. Home networking is becoming more important to the consumer and is a trend that will continue to grow as more and more homeowners recognize the safety, comfort, convenience and energy savings a networked home can bring,” said Billilynne Keller, CEDIA executive director. “Even more important, these survey results demonstrate that our goal of educating and certifying custom electronic designers and installers is as important to our membership as it is to the consumer.”

Home security was equally important to female respondents as male respondents, whereas home theaters were more important to male respondents than female respondents. Female respondents are more likely to favor automated lighting systems throughout the home.

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