Schneider Electric, a global leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, has released the third edition of its consumer survey in a white paper titled *Evolving Home Energy Consumption: Intentions, Actions, and Hurdles to Greater Home Energy Efficiency*. The survey, which polled 13,000 individuals across 11 countries, including 1,000 respondents from India, provides a comprehensive look at global attitudes toward household energy efficiency, sustainability, and smart home technology.
The Gap Between Awareness and Action
The survey highlights that home energy consumption is a significant contributor to household emissions and has risen steadily in recent years due to the proliferation of energy-consuming devices and appliances. Rising energy costs and the tangible impacts of climate change have further heightened awareness of energy consumption.
Despite this awareness, the report reveals a stark gap between intention and action. While 82% of respondents consider energy efficiency “somewhat important” or “very important,” and 84% rank it as their top desired home improvement, only a small percentage are taking meaningful steps to reduce energy use. For instance, just 44% regularly adjust their ambient temperatures, despite this being one of the most effective ways to cut energy consumption.
Interestingly, 58% of homeowners focus on turning off lights as their primary energy-saving strategy, even though lighting accounts for only about 5% of electricity bills. Similarly, unplugging unused chargers—a tactic used by 48% of respondents—has minimal impact, saving just $0.26 per charger annually.
Overemphasis on Lighting in Home Energy Technology
The survey also sheds light on consumer preferences for home energy technology. Smart lighting is the most commonly adopted technology, with 24% of respondents owning it, and 52% believing it enhances energy efficiency. However, only 21% own a smart thermostat, despite evidence showing it can reduce energy bills by up to 30% annually. Less than half (46%) of respondents recognize the energy-saving potential of smart thermostats.
AI and Smart Home Technology: Barriers to Adoption
For the first time, the survey explored consumer attitudes toward artificial intelligence (AI). While AI and automation are predicted to mitigate up to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, the findings reveal significant resistance.
- 44% of respondents said they would never rely on AI for household tasks.
- 35% admitted they don’t fully understand AI.
- 41% expressed a desire to actively avoid AI.
Additionally, 52% of respondents believe smart home technology is too expensive, despite the potential for connected homes to achieve energy savings of up to 22%.
Awareness Gap in Traditional Home Technology
The survey also uncovered a concerning lack of knowledge about traditional home energy systems. For example, 30% of respondents don’t understand the function of their electrical panel, and 16% don’t even know its location. Given that the electrical panel is central to a home’s power system and ensures the safety of electrical devices, this knowledge gap poses significant safety risks, especially as homes become increasingly electrified.
Conclusion: Bridging the Gap for a Sustainable Future
Schneider Electric’s survey underscores the urgent need to bridge the gap between awareness and action in home energy efficiency. While consumers are increasingly conscious of their energy consumption, misconceptions and barriers to adopting effective solutions persist. Addressing these challenges will require greater education, affordable technology, and a shift in consumer behavior to achieve meaningful progress toward sustainability and energy efficiency.
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