The top types of smart-home technology

Smart-home technology that operates amenities like refrigerators, thermostats, lighting, and garage doors are gaining in popularity among homeowners and buyers. But smart technology that controls home-security systems might be the most desirable. That’s according to research from iControl Networks, a home technology company, in the 2014 State of the Smart Home report.

Researchers surveyed more than 900 homebuyers and renters who do and do not use smart technology in their homes. Among respondents, 67% ranked home security as the No. 1 reason for using a smart-home system. This includes items such as fire alarms and carbon monoxide alarms.

The survey also indicates that people would be willing to pay for smart-home security systems, with 51% who said they would pay up to $500 for a fully equipped smart home, and 32% who said they would pay between $500 and $3000.

Energy management also ranked high among respondents as a reason to use smart technology in homes. Sixty-eight percent of respondents said indoor lighting and ceiling fan control is a desired feature, and 42.5% said they are very interested in replacing their thermostat with one that automatically adjusts when the home is unoccupied.