Parks Associates (www.parksassociates.com) has announced new connected appliance research that shows 44% of U.S. broadband households would allow utilities to manage and monitor their home appliances in order to save money by reducing their energy consumption.

Manufacturers are developing connected appliances to stay competitive in a mature market, where connectivity can differentiate products and add value through remote monitoring, enhanced functionality, and energy savings, says Tom Kerber, director, Research, Home Controls and Energy, Parks Associates. Appliance manufacturers LG and Samsung have launched Wi-Fi-enabled appliances, and most major manufacturers are launching new connected products in 2013, which will continue to increase consumer awareness and strengthen the value proposition of connected appliances, he adds.

"Our research shows more consumers value remote monitoring of lights over refrigerators or clothes dryers, likely driven by the mistaken belief that lighting accounts for a large portion of their overall energy consumption," says John Barrett, director, Consumer Analytics, Parks Associates. "The appeal of energy monitoring for appliances could be boosted by educating consumers about appliance energy consumption, which would ultimately provide more savings to consumers."