Copeland Study Links Smart Thermostat Adoption With Rising Privacy Concerns

ST. LOUIS — Copeland released results from its 2026 Smart Home Data Privacy Study, finding that U.S. homeowners remain interested in energy-saving smart home technologies but are increasingly concerned about how manufacturers collect and use personal data.

The study surveyed 2,000 U.S. homeowners and found that privacy and security concerns are rising even as smart home adoption remains steady.

According to Copeland, worries about data privacy among smart thermostat owners increased from 26% in 2022 to 37% in 2026. Concerns about data protection, including hacking or unauthorized access, also rose from 26% in 2022 to 29% in 2026. Concerns about surveillance increased from 16% to 19% among homeowners during the same period.

The research also found that many homeowners remain unclear about how their data is used. In 2026, 55% of respondents reported having little or no understanding of how manufacturers use smart thermostat data.

Brendan O’Toole, vice president of smart home and energy management for Copeland, said the findings reflect rising expectations around data privacy as connected technologies expand in homes.

“Even as homeowners continue to adopt smart technology and feel comfortable with smart tech overall, their expectations around privacy continue to rise,” O’Toole said in a statement.

The study also identified a gap in trust between current smart thermostat owners and homeowners who have not adopted the technology. Among non-owners, 58% said they are confident manufacturers use customer data responsibly, compared with 73% of smart thermostat owners in 2024.

Research into privacy policies remains limited. Copeland reported that 13% of smart thermostat owners said they reviewed a manufacturer’s privacy policy before purchasing a device in 2022. That figure dropped to 8% in 2026.

At the same time, interest in more secure devices appears strong. According to the study, 70% of homeowners said they would replace their existing thermostat if a more privacy-focused option became available.

Copeland said the research comes as energy costs continue to rise in the United States. According to the Consumer Price Index, energy costs increased 5% in the past year and nearly 30% since 2021, prompting more homeowners to consider technologies that help manage energy use and reduce monthly bills.

The Smart Home Data Privacy Study represents the third edition of Copeland’s research on homeowner attitudes toward connected home technology and data practices. The survey included homeowners between the ages of 18 and 76 and was conducted through Dynata’s research panel.

Note: This piece was created with the help of generative AI tools and edited by our content team for clarity and accuracy.