Copeland, a global leader in sustainable climate solutions, has unveiled findings from its second annual ‘Smart Home Data Privacy’ survey. The study explores homeowner concerns about data privacy and security in smart home devices, including thermostats, TVs, and appliances. As smart home adoption grows, so do concerns about how data is collected and used, particularly with the increasing integration of AI.
Key Findings
- Growing Smart Home Adoption
- Ownership of smart home devices has surged since 2022, reflecting a growing demand for automation and energy efficiency.
- Rising Privacy Concerns
- Homeowners with smart devices are increasingly worried about data security, with concerns rising to 27% in 2024 from 23% in 2022.
- Knowledge Gap
- Over half (52%) of homeowners don’t know how smart thermostats collect and use their data.
- Only 14% of smart thermostat owners researched data privacy policies before purchasing their device.
- Trust and Purchase Barriers
- 73% of smart thermostat owners trust manufacturers to use their data responsibly, compared to only 58% of non-owners.
- 70% of homeowners, especially millennials (80%), are willing to replace their thermostats with models offering better privacy.
Copeland’s Commitment to Privacy
As a pioneer in the HVAC industry and the developer of the Sensi thermostat platform, Copeland has set the standard for privacy practices:
- No Data Monetization: Copeland does not use smart thermostat activity for advertising or targeting purposes.
- No Data Sales: The company has never sold user data and ensures thermostat settings are user-controlled.
- Transparency and Education: Copeland emphasizes clear privacy policies and educating consumers about data security.
Quote from Brendan O’Toole, Vice President of Smart Home and Energy Management:
“As demand for smart home products continues to rise, manufacturers must disclose their privacy policies transparently and educate consumers about the importance of data security. There’s always a role for data, but those settings should remain under the homeowner’s control.”
Call to Action for Manufacturers
Lisa Plaggemier, Executive Director of the National Cybersecurity Alliance, calls for more transparency:
“With AI becoming ubiquitous, it’s concerning that over half of homeowners don’t understand how data from their smart thermostats is collected and used. Manufacturers must prioritize transparency and consumer education.”
The survey underscores the growing importance of trust and transparency in the smart home market. As smart device adoption rises, addressing consumer privacy concerns and bridging the knowledge gap will be crucial for manufacturers like Copeland to maintain leadership in the industry.
