Every Home Evolves - Adapt and Invest with Purpose
Homeownership comes with an unspoken agreement: at some point, things will break, upgrades will become necessary, and new technology will emerge that makes you question whether your home is as efficient, resilient, and future-proof as it should be. Whether it’s your critical heating and cooling systems, investments in solar panels or battery storage, or enhancements to your water or air management systems, these decisions come up more often than many homeowners realize.
According to research from Habitelligence, 77% of homeowners nationwide are in an active phase of what we call the Home Tech Continuum—either monitoring and evaluating a system they’ve recently installed, or planning an installation or upgrade within the near term. The research also demonstrates that the level of activity intensifies in certain regions of the US. Regardless of your location though, these home system technologies aren’t just one-off purchases, they’re an ongoing reality.
Home Tech Adoption - 3 of 4 Households Recently Active
In the context of this research, Habitelligence defines Home Tech as more than just smart gadgets—it encompasses critical home systems that enhance efficiency, resilience, and long-term value. Three key factors set Home Tech apart:
- Integrated Physical & Digital Tech – Engineered materials and precision mechanics merge with intelligent software for optimal performance.
- Professional Installation – Unlike plug-and-play devices, these systems typically require professional setup to integrate with the home and function properly.
- Significant Investment – Homeowners commit substantial resources, expecting long-term gains in efficiency, cost savings, and reliability.
More than just an upgrade, Home Tech is a strategic investment that strengthens a home’s adaptability, performance, and future value.
Efficiency and Resilience Matter More Than Ever
Economic considerations—installation costs, energy savings, and long-term home value—are understandably front-and-center for most homeowners. But those numbers often hide the deeper, more personal reasons behind the decision to invest in home systems.
These systems typically require professional installation and represent a significant investment. Every dollar spent on a new or upgraded system is one that isn’t available for other household needs or other investments. Beyond the immediate financial impact, though, homeowners are motivated by broader benefits.
For instance, a lower monthly energy bill not only saves money—it also acts as a buffer against unpredictable energy price hikes. Similarly, generating and using power from home systems isn’t just about cutting costs; it also enhances a home’s resilience against weather events and unexpected outages.
Moreover, investing in better home system infrastructure can boost property value over the long term while providing peace of mind. It reassures homeowners that their investment is robust enough to withstand environmental and political shifts beyond their control.
Essentially, while the financial benefits are prominent in the eyes of the homeowner, the true drivers lie in achieving greater efficiency and resilience.
Based on the experiences of fellow homeowners, this research offers peer-driven insights into how modern households approach home technology and the factors influencing their adoption and use.
1. The Home Tech Continuum
First-time homeowners are often surprised by the frequency of home expenditures and how quickly they add up. The transition into owning a home brings about a new level of autonomy and control over one’s living space but it also highlights the stark reality - you are now responsible for everything that happens to this house. Whether it’s a discretionary expense like furniture or a necessary repair, your choices are simple: live without it, put up with the problem, or spend the money.
When it comes to home technology, however, savvy homeowners recognize an important tradeoff. Once a system is installed, going without it or ignoring a malfunction aren’t viable options—at least not appealing ones. But these systems also present a crucial opportunity: shifting from a mindset of "expense" to one of "investment.”
Active and Passive Phases
Home technology systems are not static purchases; they follow a continuous cycle of evaluation, investment, and upkeep. While some systems can last 30 years or more with proper maintenance, others lose efficiency in half that time, requiring significant repairs or full replacement. This ongoing evolution is best understood through the two key phases of the Home Tech Continuum:
Active Phase:
Planning – A system failure, aging equipment, or the desire for an upgrade initiates this phase. Homeowners assess needs, explore options, and determine the best path forward. This process can take anywhere from days to years, depending on urgency and scope.
Installation – The transition from planning to action, where the chosen system is installed and integrated into the home.
Monitoring – Once installed, the system enters a period of active evaluation, again with a wide range stretching up to several years. Homeowners track performance, assess energy efficiency and cost savings, and make adjustments as needed. Financing and warranties may also be managed during this phase.
Passive Phase:
Ongoing Maintenance – Spanning from 10 to 20+ years, this phase requires less active involvement but remains critical to system longevity. Regular inspections, minor repairs, and occasional updates help maintain efficiency and adapt to evolving technology.
The diagrams below illustrate these phases in action. The first zooms in on the Active Phase, showing how homeowners navigate planning, installation, and monitoring. The second presents a 15-year example timeline, demonstrating how multiple home systems are managed in overlapping cycles.
Mapping the Journey - The Active Phase and a 15-Year Example
Hypothetical Scenario
Imagine a homeowner who purchased a home 10 years ago. At the time, the house had a forced hot air furnace in the middle of its lifecycle and an aging central air system. Looking at three different points over a 15-year period (click the graphic above to see the second diagram), we can see how system lifecycles start to overlap, driven by both necessity and evolving household needs.
5 Years Ago: A few years after moving in, the central air system failed, requiring an immediate compressor replacement. Instead of just swapping out the broken component, they decided to upgrade to a more efficient indoor air handler as well. At this point, the new central AC system was still in its early years, and they were actively evaluating its efficiency, tracking energy savings, and getting accustomed to the greater control and automation that came with the system upgrade. Around the same time, they also began noticing issues with hard water in the home.
Present Day: A few years ago, they installed a whole-home water softening system to address the water quality concerns. Now, they test the water regularly to ensure the problem doesn’t return. Meanwhile, solar energy has become a more frequent topic of discussion in the neighborhood. Seeing solar panels installed on nearby homes and hearing about others’ experiences sparked interest in exploring their own household energy needs and planning for the investment. Around this time, an unexpected furnace failure forced them to replace the heating system on short notice.
5 Years From Now: With a new furnace and updated ductwork supporting a recent home renovation, the focus shifts to indoor air quality. A family member’s asthma symptoms prompt interest in a whole-home air purification system to remove pollen, dust, and airborne irritants. At the same time, having installed solar panels several years earlier, they now begin evaluating home energy storage, battery backup, and a hybrid inverter to optimize power management between the solar system and battery storage.
Although there are periods when no major upgrades are in progress, shifting the timeline forward or backward reveals a pattern of continuous planning, investment, and evaluation. More often than not, homeowners are either researching a future system or assessing the performance of a recent purchase—a cycle that keeps their home evolving over time.
Where Homeowners Stand Today
To gain a clearer picture of homeowner engagement in the Home Tech Continuum, the survey data below illustrates the percentage of households currently in the active phase across six key home technology areas. The first chart provides a national overview, showing which systems homeowners are most actively researching, installing, or assessing. Clicking on the chart reveals a regional breakdown, offering further insights into how home technology adoption differs across various parts of the country.
Regional Breakdown of Home System Activity
As the research demonstrates, the active phase is rarely a singular event—homeowners move in and out of planning, installation, and monitoring as different systems reach key decision points. Whether prompted by equipment failure, evolving household needs, or new technological advancements, the Home Tech Continuum is an ongoing cycle rather than a one-time investment. Understanding this cycle helps homeowners, service providers, and technology manufacturers anticipate demand, adapt solutions, and better support the modern home’s evolving needs.
2. Home Energy
Among all home technology categories, home energy systems are often the most closely associated with modern high-tech innovation, despite the fact that much of their core technology has existed for decades. Habitelligence research highlights three key characteristics that define this space:
Measurable Financial Impact – Investments in home energy systems offer both short-term ROI (through energy savings and incentives) and long-term home value appreciation. Unlike many other home upgrades, these systems can generate direct financial benefits over time.
Comprehensive Power Control – When integrated with the right hardware and software, home energy systems extend beyond individual appliances, giving homeowners greater control over their entire power infrastructure. This level of control enhances resilience against power outages and improves adaptability to future energy needs.
Knowledge Gaps & Adoption Barriers – Despite their potential, many homeowners lack a clear understanding of their own energy consumption, how these systems work, and what financial benefits—such as tax credits and rebates—are available to them. This gap in awareness remains a major hurdle to broader adoption.
The following section explores survey data that sheds light on these trends, uncovering how homeowners perceive, adopt, and benefit from home energy technology.
Efficiency and Optimization Drive Activity
When homeowners invest in home energy systems, their priorities tend to center on efficiency and financial impact. While the long-term benefits of these systems factor into the decision process, many homeowners are still in the process of fully understanding their value. What’s clear from the data is that immediate cost savings are the strongest motivator, with 75% citing lower monthly energy bills as a top objective. Beyond financial considerations, many also see these systems as a way to optimize energy usage (54%) and enhance resilience and self-sufficiency (34%). The chart below highlights the most common objectives behind home energy investments, illustrating the balance between economic, practical, and environmental motivations.
Top Objectives for Home Energy Investment
While cost savings remain the primary driver of home energy investments, homeowners are beginning to prioritize efficiency, resilience, and long-term value as well. As adoption grows, the focus is shifting from simply reducing energy consumption to better managing and utilizing power within the home. This shift is driving increased interest in solutions that enhance energy flexibility and independence, a trend explored in the next section.
New Investments Skew Toward Energy Storage
For many homeowners, investing in home energy isn’t a one-and-done decision—it’s an ongoing journey. As energy needs evolve and new technologies emerge, those who have already taken the plunge into solar or battery storage often find themselves looking for ways to expand or optimize their systems. Whether it’s adding a battery for backup power, upgrading solar panels for better efficiency, or integrating a hybrid inverter to manage multiple power sources, expanding an existing system can unlock even greater energy independence and cost savings.
At the same time, homeowners just beginning their energy journey are prioritizing the core components—with battery storage and solar panels leading the way as the most sought-after first investments. The chart below highlights the key technologies homeowners are considering as they take their next step into home energy.
of home energy users are considering an expansion or upgrade
The Home Energy Wish List - Battery Storage, Hybrid Inverters at the Top
For homeowners who already have solar panels or battery storage, the next step is often about optimization rather than installation. Many are looking to expand their battery capacity, upgrade their solar array, or integrate smarter energy management tools to make their systems more efficient. At the top of the list are hybrid inverters (50%), which play a key role in managing power from both solar panels and battery storage, allowing homeowners to maximize their energy use and improve backup capabilities. As home energy systems become more advanced, these upgrades help homeowners increase resilience, reduce reliance on the grid, and improve overall energy efficiency.
Minding the Knowledge Gaps
While home energy systems offer clear financial and practical benefits, many homeowners lack key insights into their own energy use, which can make the decision-making process more challenging. In fact, 44% of homeowners don’t know their own monthly energy consumption—a fundamental detail when planning for solar, battery storage, or backup power. While working with an installer typically helps fill in these gaps, having a basic understanding of household energy needs allows homeowners to engage more confidently in the process and make choices that align with their long-term goals.
This uncertainty is also reflected in battery backup planning, where 53% of those considering battery storage expect to power their entire home, rather than opting for essential or partial backup. While full-home backup can be the right choice in some cases, it’s not always necessary or cost-effective. A clearer understanding of power needs, energy consumption patterns, and available system options can help homeowners determine the right balance between cost, coverage, and efficiency.
of homeowners don't know their household energy consumption
Beyond system planning, financial incentives remain another area of uncertainty—especially as homeowners navigate shifting policies and potential changes under the new administration in Washington. Federal tax credits and rebates have played a significant role in making home energy investments more affordable, but evolving legislation and the uncertainty surrounding long-term incentives have left many homeowners unsure about what financial support will be available. As the next chart illustrates, more than half of respondents rate their knowledge of these incentives as "low" or "very low," often relying on professional guidance only after their purchase has already been made. This reliance on post-purchase advice highlights a key opportunity to improve education and transparency earlier in the decision-making process, helping homeowners feel more confident in their investment decisions.
Relying on the Pros to Make Sense of the Tax Benefits
The uncertainty around financial incentives and policy changes adds another layer of complexity to home energy investments. With more than half of homeowners feeling uninformed about available tax benefits, many rely on installers or financial advisors to navigate these opportunities—often after they’ve already made a purchase. While professional guidance is valuable, a clearer understanding of upfront incentives could help homeowners make more confident, cost-effective decisions from the start.
The findings in this section highlight a clear pattern: homeowners are actively investing in home energy systems, but knowledge gaps remain—whether about energy consumption, system capabilities, or financial incentives. Despite this, the momentum behind home energy adoption continues to grow, driven by cost savings, efficiency, and energy independence. As technology advances and policies evolve, education and transparency will be key to ensuring homeowners can make informed choices that maximize the value of their energy investments.
3. Climate Control
At its core, heating and cooling are all about control. The more precise the control—whether over individual devices, temperature zones, or automation settings—the more efficiently a home can regulate its climate. Greater control leads to smarter energy use, reducing consumption while maintaining comfort. Over time, this efficiency translates to lower energy bills, making climate control a crucial factor in household energy management.
While home energy often gets more attention as a high-tech category, innovation in heating and cooling continues to evolve. Heat pump technology is advancing, allowing for better performance in extreme climates, while new refrigerants are improving system adaptability and environmental impact. These developments are helping modern HVAC systems deliver greater efficiency, better air quality, and smarter automation for homeowners across different regions.
The Biggest Challenge: Cost Not Performance
Most homeowners aren’t struggling with sudden system failures or performance issues—their heating and cooling systems generally function as expected. Instead, the dominant concern is cost, with 69% of those reporting heating challenges citing high energy bills and 77% saying the same about cooling. While some homeowners experience poor airflow, uneven temperatures, or inefficiencies on extreme weather days, these issues are secondary to the financial burden of maintaining a comfortable home. This reinforces the idea that climate control isn’t just about keeping a home warm or cool—it’s about managing efficiency, reducing waste, and cutting costs. The chart below highlights the most common challenges homeowners face when managing their home’s climate.
Relative Intensity of Challenges Highlights Energy Cost
For most homeowners, the challenge isn’t whether their heating or cooling systems work—it’s how much it costs to run them. With high energy bills as the top concern, the real opportunity lies in better control, smarter automation, and greater efficiency. Whether through zoned heating and cooling, upgraded equipment, or intelligent system management, reducing energy waste is the key to lowering costs without sacrificing comfort.
The Evolution of Home Climate Systems
Home heating and cooling systems have been evolving for decades, but some technologies remain dominant while others gain ground. In much of the U.S., traditional split systems—which include both a furnace and an air conditioner—are the most common setup, offering year-round climate control. However, newer approaches, such as high-efficiency heat pumps, are becoming more popular, especially in regions looking for versatile, all-in-one solutions.
A look at heating system installations over time reveals clear trends. Forced air furnaces continue to be the top choice, but the share of boilers and electric baseboards is shrinking as homeowners seek more efficient and adaptable options. Meanwhile, the adoption of ducted heat pumps has more than doubled, signaling an increasing interest in systems that can provide both heating and cooling within a single unit.
The chart below highlights this shift, illustrating how home climate control technology is adapting to changing homeowner needs.
Forced Air Still Dominates, But Heating Systems Are Changing
Heat pumps are just one example of how climate control technology is evolving, but they’re not the only advancement shaping the industry. Variable-speed furnaces, which adjust output rather than cycling on and off at full blast, offer greater efficiency and comfort. Smart vent systems allow for better airflow management, improving evenness in heating and cooling. Meanwhile, advancements in refrigerants could make heat pumps even more viable in colder climates, where they currently face efficiency challenges. As technology continues to push the boundaries of efficiency, control, and adaptability, homeowners will have even more tools to optimize climate control while keeping energy costs in check.
The evolution of climate control technology isn’t just about which system homeowners choose, but how much control they have over it. Many homes still rely on single-zone heating and cooling, meaning the entire home is treated as one space, regardless of which rooms are in use. But the more precisely a homeowner can control temperature by zone, schedule, or occupancy, the more efficiently they can manage energy consumption. This is where modern HVAC automation, smart thermostats, and zoning solutions come into play—giving homeowners more ways to reduce fuel usage and lower costs without sacrificing comfort.
4. Water and Air
Unlike home energy or climate control, where efficiency and cost savings drive investment decisions, water and air treatment follow an entirely different calculus. These systems aren’t about financial ROI in the traditional sense—homeowners invest in them not to save money, but to improve quality of life. Whether addressing contaminants in drinking water, airborne allergens, or overall indoor air quality, the motivation behind these purchases is often health, safety, and peace of mind rather than energy efficiency or reduced utility bills.
According to Habitelligence research, more than one in five households reports a known issue with their water quality, making filtration, softening, and purification common areas of concern. When it comes to air quality, 22% of respondents indicate that someone in their household has a respiratory condition such as asthma or airborne allergies—a key driver for investments in air purification, humidity control, and ventilation systems. While these systems may offer some long-term home value, the primary benefit is a healthier, more comfortable living environment.
Understanding Water and Air Quality
For most homeowners, water quality isn’t top of mind—until a problem arises. Many assume their tap water is safe, yet Habitelligence research shows that 61% of households have never had their water tested. This lack of testing means that potential issues can go undetected, leaving homeowners unaware of contaminants that may be present in their drinking water.
Among those who have identified water quality concerns, boil water advisories are by far the most common issue, affecting 57% of those with a known problem. Other concerns include high levels of lead, nitrates, PFAS, and bacterial contamination, each of which can pose potential health risks. The chart below highlights the types of water issues homeowners are facing, reinforcing why greater awareness and regular testing are key to understanding and improving household water quality.
Household Water: 1 in 5 Indicate Recent or Ongoing Issues
Water quality concerns are far from rare, yet most homeowners aren’t actively testing their water to confirm whether a problem exists. Those who have identified issues often do so only after a major advisory or contamination event, reinforcing the need for greater awareness and routine testing.
Unlike water quality, where issues may go unnoticed without testing, air quality problems tend to be more apparent. This may explain why 77% of homeowners have never tested their indoor air, yet a higher percentage report known issues—including high dust, pollen, or pet dander (60%) and a household member with a respiratory condition (51%). For many, these issues don’t require a test to be noticeable; symptoms like sneezing, congestion, or breathing difficulties often reveal the problem long before an air monitor would.
Beyond indoor allergens, outdoor air quality is also a growing concern, with 34% of homeowners citing wildfire smoke or other forms of pollution as an issue. The next chart highlights the most common air quality concerns, illustrating how health conditions, allergens, and environmental factors shape homeowner awareness of air quality
Health Conditions Shape Air Quality Awareness
For many homeowners, water and air quality issues are real, but often go untested. While some problems are immediately noticeable, such as dust, allergens, or hard water buildup, others—like chemical contaminants in drinking water or airborne bacteria—may not be as obvious. Investing in treatment solutions, even without formal testing, is often a proactive step toward improving health and home comfort. As concerns about pollutants, allergens, and long-term exposure risks continue to rise, more homeowners are looking beyond basic filtration to whole-home solutions that address these issues at the source.
The Move Toward Whole Home Treatment
Many homeowners start with point-of-use solutions, such as under-sink water filters or portable air purifiers. But for those looking to address water and air quality more comprehensively, whole-home treatment systems offer greater convenience and broader protection. These systems are installed at key points of entry—either at the water main or within the HVAC system—ensuring every tap and every vent benefits from cleaner water and air.
Whole-home treatment capabilities vary widely, from water softeners and sediment filters to high-efficiency air filtration and UV purification systems. The chart below breaks down which solutions homeowners have adopted, highlighting the most common whole-home water and air treatment technologies in use today.
Comprehensive Water & Air Treatment: Systems in Use
For homeowners serious about improving water and air quality, whole-home solutions provide a more comprehensive and low-maintenance approach compared to individual filters or portable purifiers. Water softeners and sediment filtration are the most common whole-home water treatments, while high-efficiency air filters (HEPA/MERV 11-16) lead adoption on the air side. These systems ensure consistent quality throughout the home, reducing contaminants before they reach the tap or circulate through vents.
The growing adoption of water treatment systems reflects the fact that many homeowners have identified an issue they want to address, whether it’s hard water, chemical contaminants, or bacterial concerns. Meanwhile, whole-home air treatment is often driven by health considerations, with homeowners seeking relief from allergens, pollutants, and indoor air quality concerns tied to respiratory conditions.
At its core, the decision to invest in water and air treatment is less about financial return and more about health, safety, and long-term home comfort. While many homeowners still haven’t tested their water or air, those who do often take action to improve and maintain quality at a whole-home level—a sign that awareness and concern in these areas continue to grow.
Key Takeaways
This research provides a data-driven foundation for understanding homeowner sentiment and experiences with home technology. It highlights the motivations, challenges, and decision-making factors influencing investments in home energy, climate control, and water and air systems.
The following key takeaways highlight the most important findings from this research and lay the groundwork for future Habitelligence studies. These studies will further explore resilience, efficiency, and the evolving role of home technology in long-term household planning.
Resilience and Long-Term Value Are at the Core of Home Technology
Home technology investments extend beyond immediate comfort or convenience—they shape a home’s long-term resilience and future value. Homeowners are not just reacting to equipment failures or efficiency concerns; they are making strategic decisions that impact the reliability and sustainability of their homes over time. The presence of advanced infrastructure—whether in energy, climate control, or air and water systems—signals a home’s ability to withstand environmental and financial uncertainties. As technology adoption grows, understanding how home investments contribute to resilience and long-term value will be critical in shaping future homeowner decision-making.
Home Energy Investments Target More Than Just Monthly Bills
The story of home energy investments is twofold: they provide near-term financial returns through reduced utility costs, but they also have the potential to enhance the home’s value as an asset. This dual benefit places energy upgrades in the realm of legitimate financial investments, prompting homeowners to weigh them against traditional financial vehicles. At the same time, these upgrades strengthen resilience, providing self-sufficiency and efficiency gains that drive adoption. Future research will examine how homeowners perceive these investments, what factors influence their decision-making, and how financial and resilience considerations shape adoption trends.
The Need for Climate Control Looms Large
Heating and cooling systems are typically well-made and experience few operational issues, yet homeowners still face high energy costs due to inefficient usage and limited control. The ability to manage temperature effectively leads to automation, which drives efficiency, ultimately reducing energy consumption and lowering costs. Research suggests that homeowners who can better control their heating and cooling zones and automate usage stand to benefit the most from lower bills and improved efficiency. However, many households lack the tools or infrastructure to optimize climate control effectively. Future research will explore how automation, zoning, and system-level efficiency improvements can reshape the way homeowners manage energy use and maximize performance in their heating and cooling systems.
Water and Air Treatment Is Increasing at a Whole-Home Level
Health and resilience are emerging as key drivers of home technology investments, particularly in water and air quality management. While portable solutions remain popular, more homeowners are adopting whole-home filtration and purification systems to ensure consistent air and water quality throughout the home. This shift reflects a growing awareness of long-term health impacts and a desire for infrastructure-level solutions that provide broad coverage rather than isolated fixes. Future research will examine how these technologies integrate into home value considerations and how whole-home water and air treatment is evolving beyond stand-alone appliances to become a core part of modern home design.
This research underscores a larger shift—homeowners are not just reacting to issues as they arise, but are increasingly thinking about the long-term resilience, efficiency, and investment potential of their home systems. As these trends evolve, further exploration will provide deeper insights into how home technology adoption is shaping modern homeownership.
About this Research
During February of 2025, Habitelligence conducted a primary research study targeting homeowners across the U.S. The data was captured anonymously with no individually identifiable information. With 576 homeowners surveyed, the respondent demographics broke down as follows:
