Over one in five (22%) of internet users use internet-connected devices and systems for energy management in the home. Those solutions encompass such internet-connected smart devices or systems such as thermostats, smart meters for gas, electricity, smart lights, plug-ins, energy panels, etc. Smart home solutions such as connected windows or window blinds integrated in a system aiming at optimising energy consumption are also included here. See Table 3.1.
At a regional level, Dubliners were more likely to use such smart energy management systems in their homes – 29% of internet users in Dublin compared with just 11% of internet users in the Border region using such devices and systems for smart living. See Map 3.1 and Table 3.1.
One in six (17%) internet users use internet-connected home security systems such as internet-connected home alarm system, smoke detector, or security cameras. See Table 3.1.
Note that respondents could select more than one option.
Just 6% of internet users reported using internet-connected home appliances such as robot vacuums, fridges, ovens, coffee machines, etc. Both in-house appliances (e.g. connected robot vacuums, fridges, ovens, dishwashers, coffee machines, cooking robots, laundry machines) and equipment for the garden (e.g. connected lawn mowers, garden irrigation device or system) used in the respondent's home are included here. See Table 3.1.
Over four in ten internet users (41%) use a virtual assistant (or an intelligent personal assistant) in the form of a smart speaker or of an app, such as Google Home, Amazon Alexa/Echo/Computer, Google Assistant, Apple HomePod, etc. A virtual assistant is a software that can perform tasks or services for an individual based on verbal commands. See Table 3.1.
Of internet users who had not used any of these home internet-connected devices and systems, seven in ten (70%) said that they did not need to use them, while one in five (20%) had concerns about the privacy and protection of personal data generated by the devices or systems, while one in seven (14%) had security concerns such as that the device or system could be hacked. Over one in seven (15%) said that such home internet-connected IoT devices or systems were too costly. See Table 3.2.
Less-frequently cited reasons were unfamiliarity with such devices and systems/unfamiliarity with their use (6%), concerns about personal safety and health (3%) and that other devices at home could not be connected to the internet (3%). See Table 3.2.
Just 4% of internet users who don’t use any home internet-connected devices and systems for management of home energy, security, etc. in their home were unaware that such home automation devices or systems existed. See Table 3.2.
| I didn't know such devices or systems exist | I had no need to use those connected devices/systems | Costs too high | Lack of compatibility with other devices or systems | Lack of skill to use those devices or systems | Concerns about the privacy and protection of personal data generated | Concerns about security | Concerns about safety or health | Other reasons | |
| Reason for not using any internet-connected devices or systems | 4 | 70 | 15 | 3 | 6 | 20 | 14 | 3 | 9 |
Respondents were also asked about their use of internet-connected home entertainment. Seven in ten (70%) use internet-connected TV, such as smart TVs or other less advanced connected TV sets, including where a TV set has been connected to the network via a Chromecast. Internet-connected game consoles such as Wii U, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, etc. were used by 36% of internet users, compared with 26% of internet users in 2021. A similar number (36%) use a home audio system connected to the internet or smart speakers, also including basic speakers which can be connected via for example Bluetooth. See Table 3.3.
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