Providing market intelligence for more than 35 years

In The News

Smart thermostats are tough sell, but ComEd hopes rebates boost interest

A study released this month by Parks Associates found only 18 percent of consumers would buy a smart thermostat at $250, but offering a $100 rebate more than doubled the pool of interested buyers.

"The market for smart thermostats is still in the early adopter phase," said Tom Kerber, director of internet of things strategy for Parks Associates, a Texas-based consumer technology research and consulting company. "To move beyond early adopters, they have to offer products at a lower price point."

Kerber said prices for the first-generation smart thermostats started at about $400 but have dropped to about $250 for Nest and other leading products. He said breaking through the $150 price point opens it up to a broader market.

From the article "Smart thermostats are tough sell, but ComEd hopes rebates boost interest" by Robert Channick.

Previously In The News

3 Tips for Security Integrators to Assess Their Product Offerings in 2024

A report released by Parks Associates last year found that small, local security dealer businesses are struggling to keep up with national tech-first, online-first players with a presence in multiple...

Security Industry Forecast: Experts Chime in, Sharing Expectations for 2024 and Beyond

Elizabeth Parks, president and CMO at Parks Associates: Smart cameras and video doorbells are popular, showing an increase in adoption and high intentions for the next year…. Bundling these security d...

Hot Housing Innovations At CES Reimagine Smart Energy Use

The average U.S. household now has 17 connected devices and Parks Associates recognizes that more and more of in-home technology is going to energy management. Research group Parks Associates h...

How utilities can enhance efficiency through consumer rate programs

Too few customers are familiar with their energy-provider’s special rate programs, according to market research firm Parks Associates. With many service providers offering special rates as part of ene...