Survey Finds 81% of Irish Population Embracing Smart Home Technology to Make Life Easier

In a representative study of the Irish population by reichelt elektronik, the leading European retailer, consumers have revealed their thoughts on smart home technology, why and in which areas they use smart home products – and what they want from a smart home of the future. reichelt elektronik launched into the Irish market earlier this year, in a move that underscores the German-brand’s expansion plans for Europe.

More than just practical reasons – why smart homes are so popular

Smart devices are no longer the exception. According to the survey, the large majority of Irish households (81%) use smart home products, a figure that is 10% more than the average of its European counterparts (Germany, Italy, Spain, France and the Netherlands), found the same survey from reichelt elektronik. Voice assistants such as Alexa or Google Home (63%), and intelligent multimedia systems such as smart TVs and music systems (62%) were noted as particularly popular amongst Irish respondents.

These findings align with the key reasons consumers cite for purchasing smart home devices. Just under half (47%) see wanting to increase comfort within their own four walls as the main reason for the purchasing of smart home technology, with practical functions, such as remote access or automation of processes, in second place (43%). Such findings highlight that investing in a smart home is about more than just practical optimisation, it is a way of curating a cosy and comfortable living space.

Security and saving energy costs with the smart home

In addition to comfort, security and the desire to save on energy costs were seen as two notable reasons for adopting smart home appliances. Almost a third (30%) look to increase home security through the use of tech such as security cameras and lighting systems, with high levels of perceived effectiveness applied to these products. 81% of respondents view smart security cameras as useful, 76% think the same of smart doorbells and 65% believe that smart home locks are beneficial.

Just behind security, 29% of smart tech users state the aim of reducing energy costs – and successfully so – as a purchasing driver. Almost half of all respondents (46%) have found that they have been able to lower spending on utility expenditures, such as heating, with the aid of smart devices.

Making life easier

A clear majority of respondents (89%) state that smart homes can make their lives easier, and it is therefore also important that the products are easy to use and work reliably. Control via a smartphone app (68%) is significantly more popular than using voice control (37%) or a remote control (28%), findings that are in keeping with the results seen across other European countries asked the same survey questions.

When making a purchase decision, the Irish population attach great importance to a good price-performance ratio (48%), solid data protection (44%) and the longevity of the products (37%). However, pain points for those looking to buy smart home tech include high prices (57%), errors and failures (42%), concerns about data protection (37%) and installation complications (28%), highlighting the need for improvements by manufacturers to adapt to the demands presented by Irish consumers.

Demands for the future 

While the Irish population have embraced smart home tech, with almost half (45%) of respondents noting that they couldn’t imagine their lives without such, several areas and use cases require keen attention for the future.

While 81% of respondents have smart tech in their homes, there is a belief amongst the population that these products are not accessible for the older population or people with disabilities, with 68% expressing such a view. Supplementing this viewpoint is the demand for smart home tech for older people who still live in their own home and need support for their own care, with 41% noting that this is the area they would most like to see new products created for.

Behind this demand comes the creation of a device that tracks lost belongings i.e. glasses or keys (35%), automatic window locking systems (24%), health tracker for dogs (23%), personal assistants (23%) and products that can prepare hot drinks or cook (23%).

Above all, consumers want lower prices for smart home products (50%), in addition to more security functions (38%), and more options for controlling processes in the home (33%) in the future.

“The study shows that smart homes are already an established part of many people’s everyday lives across Ireland,” commented Christian Reinwald, Head of Product Management at reichelt elektronik. “Smart devices are not only a functional support, they are an essential component for an efficient home. With the rise of energy prices in recent years, the adoption of smart home technology is proving to be an effective way to reduce costs—an especially welcome relief for households feeling the strain, particularly as we head into the colder winter months. The possibilities of smart products are far from exhausted – and as the study shows, people are looking forward to innovations that make their lives easier and more enjoyable.”

Launch into the Irish market

The results from this survey come following the launch of reichelt elektronik into the Irish market this year, as part of the company’s wider European expansion. Founded in Germany and operating in 9 countries, reichelt elektronik is one of the most recognised online distributors of electronics globally, processing more than 10,000 orders per day. The company’s product range spans electronic components, automation technology, IT solutions, and smart-home systems — catering to both consumer and industrial markets. reichelt elektronik’s state-of-the-art logistics platform, combined with its custom-built systems and expert team, ensures reliable delivery and a seamless shopping experience.

“Expanding into the Irish market is a natural step in reichelt elektronik’s broader European growth strategy. Ireland’s tech-savvy population and increasing demand for electronics and IT solutions make it an ideal location for our e-commerce platform. We look forward to replicating the success we have achieved in other countries in the Irish market, providing customers with strong price-performance technology products,” commented Ulf Timmermann, CEO of reichelt elektronik, on this expansion. 

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