Consumers are playing it safe when it comes to smart homes with new research showing that people are most likely to consider systems and devices that improve their family's security.

Though commissioned by Nest, the company that made thermostats desirable, the study of over 600 representative US households was undertaken independently by Kelton Global and Research Now and its biggest single finding is that the IoT (internet of things) has hit the mainstream, in terms of recognition at least.

Some 81% of respondents said that they either already had a connected home product or were contemplating making their first smart home device purchase this year. In fact, according to the study, 38% of Americans are more interested in the technologies and their capabilities than even six months ago.

However, the top reasons given for making their home smarter are focused on safety, security and convenience.

In this study, 44% said that increased security would be the main benefit or driver behind a smart home device purchase and 54% pointed to greater potential convenience -- the chance to automate chores and to keep an eye on the house from anywhere in the world.

Just 38% of respondents cited a reduced energy bill as the main reason for contemplating a smart device (even though 59% of respondents admitted worrying about their energy consumption), and 21% said that adding smart home technology could boost the resale value of their house.

"Once viewed as luxury items, connected home products are now reaching mainstream consumers," said Tom Bernthal, founder and CEO, Kelton Global of the study's findings.

Comfort over appearance

As well as finding out the features that do and don't appeal, the study offers a glimpse of the typical smart-home family.

It's a family that wants technology to make spending more time together easy and wants to do so in a safe and comfortable rather than trend-setting physical environment.

Nearly nine in ten (89%) said that spending time together is their top priority and 56% said that comfort trumps looks when it comes to the state of their home.

And while there's good news for Nest -- 21% of respondents named the company when asked about brands associated with smart homes, 12% cited Apple, a company that's developing a smart home platform but currently sells no Apple-branded smart home devices.