The world recognizes the need to cut energy consumption and the emissions it produces. Homeowners are no exception. However, they aren’t getting it done.

Electrical equipment manufacturer Schneider Electric, Boston, Mass., recently released the results of a global study it conducted on the subject. The results show homeowners value reducing emissions by cutting their energy consumption, but at the same time, they are not using all the tools at their disposal to make that happen.

Schneider Electric released “Evolving home energy consumption: Intentions, actions, and hurdles to greater home energy efficiency” in January. The study was conducted by surveying 13,000 respondents in 11 different countries in the fall of 2024.

The survey made several important observations. For example, more than two-thirds of respondents (69%) say that climate change is an important topic in their home. Almost as many (66%) say it is their duty to reduce energy consumption in their home, they know how to do it and they actively try.

On that point, the survey found a notable disparity. When it comes to saving energy, the most common solution is turning off the lights when a room is empty (58% of respondents). This was followed by unplugging unused chargers (48%) and other electrical items (46%). Similarly, only 46% of respondents save energy by lowering the thermostat on their heating unit when the weather is cold.

To put their responses into perspective, Schneider notes that turning off the lights only accounts for about 5% of a household’s energy use, and the savings from unplugged chargers is barely measurable. On the other hand, thermostats account for more than half of household energy use.

Michael Lotfy Gierges, executive vice president of home and distribution at Schneider Electric, said the survey shows that “the technology to enhance home energy efficiency exists today, but there is a lack of awareness of the most impactful ways to deploy it.”

The industry clearly faces a significant hurdle to increasing household adoption of energy-saving devices and implementation of the behavior that will put them to best use. For example, the survey found that 52% of respondents believe smart home technology is too expensive. Schneider notes that connected homes (i.e., smart homes) can achieve energy savings of up to 22%.