Nearly a quarter of US broadband households own three or more smart-home devices, according to Texas-based market watcher Parks Associates.

Its whitepaper examines the adoption and growth of connected products in US broadband households and the impact on consumer lifestyles, new homes and the MDU (multi-dwelling unit) market.

The research found that 88% of US households have broadband, with an increasing number of connected devices tapping into high-speed connections to deliver safety, security, convenience and energy-saving use cases. The whitepaper, developed for GE Appliances and released ahead of October’s TecHome Builder Summit and this month’s Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) convention and trade show, notes consumers have an average of thirteen connected devices, up from nine in 2016, with smart home device owners being the most prolific buyers.

Smart home devices are among the newest category of connected devices, and adoption has been growing steadily since 2014. The percentage of US broadband households owning three or more smart-home devices increased by over 64% in the past two years, from 14% in 2018 to 23% at the end of 2020. Adoption of smart appliances has also trended upwards, with adoption at 13% of US broadband households.

“Connected devices are forming deep integrations in consumers’ lifestyles, with convenience, comfort and peace of mind the leading drivers of adoption,” said Patrice Samuels, senior analyst at Parks Associates. “As their familiarity with smart home products increases, consumers will seek products that target their specific needs, which can range from lawn maintenance and irrigation to independent living and health monitoring. Co-marketing partnerships with brands in other industries such as energy providers, builders and insurance companies will help expand awareness and distribution and connect consumers with the connected solutions they want and need.”

The whitepaper examines the growth of smart home devices, the connected consumer lifestyle and the future of modern living. It says the frequency of use of the smart features of smart home devices is another relevant factor indicating how deeply integrated these products have become in consumers’ lives. More than 70% of smart home device and appliance owners report using the features of their smart home devices always or frequently.

“Consumers’ consistent engagement with smart home devices and appliances is indicative of the value provided,” Samuels said. “As these factors continue to drive adoption, we anticipate strong growth in both single-family and multifamily residences, so homebuilders and MDU managers and owners would benefit by exploring new ways to integrate connected solutions into their current properties and especially new construction projects.”

Founded in 1986, Parks Associates creates research capital through market reports, primary studies, consumer research, custom research, workshops, executive conferences and annual service subscriptions. The company’s expertise includes IoT, digital media and platforms, entertainment and gaming, home networks, internet and television services, digital health, mobile applications and services, support services, consumer apps, advertising, consumer electronics, energy management, and home control systems and security.