LivSecure — the self-installed, smart home security solution and a division of My Alarm Center (No. 14 on the SDM 100) — commissioned Harris Poll to conduct an online survey in February 2016 among 2,114 U.S. adults 18 and older. More than four in five Americans (81 percent) also indicated it would be important to be able to access their system remotely through a computer, tablet or mobile device when they’re not at home, and nearly 72 percent would like the option to integrate a security system to control other home functions such as thermostats and lighting.

The study also showed interest in DIY or self-installed home security systems, with 49 percent of Americans saying they are open to installing their own home security system, with parents of children under 18 in the household more likely than those without to be open to self-installation (57 percent vs. 46 percent, respectively).

“Smart home technology is popular, but the survey shows that homeowners want more than a ‘smart thing’ when it comes to protecting their home and family. Homeowners want assurances that help will arrive when their family needs it, and professional monitoring alerts first responders in case of an emergency,” said Amy Kothari, CEO and president of My Alarm Center.

Kothari also said that self-installation of a proven and reliable home security system has gotten much easier. “The option to self-install a home security system is significantly lowering the cost for consumers who are interested in protecting their family.”