‘Appliance Anxiety’ grips Aussie holidaymakers: survey

The big telco undertook research coinciding with the broad availability of its Smart Home platform, in advance of the Easter holiday period, when it  says holidaymakers’ biggest worries are whether the house will “still be there” when they get back home - with leaving the iron on topping the list (22%) of things Aussies are most anxious about.

According to Telstra the survey revealed that many holidaymakers have admitted to spending their long weekends worrying they’ve forgotten to switch off appliances, while “security stress” - worrying whether they have left a window or door unsecured while away on holiday – was a concern for nearly half (48%) of survey respondents.

Other indications of so-called Appliance Anxiety include:

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• Running late: 86% of Aussies spend more time than usual ensuring their house is secure and appliances are off before going on holiday, with 8 in 10 (78%) of people turning appliances off at the wall before going away.
• No smoke without fire: Paranoia is based on experience, and youngsters are the worst culprits. 54% of under 24s have accidentally left an appliance on when leaving the house.
• Pet peeves: pets are putting family time last, with 49% of surveyed pet owners saying they’ve put off going away because they can’t bear to leave their animals.

Telstra says the research – conducted by research firm Pure Profile - found that 18 to 24 year-olds are the most absent-minded, with a huge 67% worrying whether they’ve left the iron or the hair straightener on.

But fear not, Telstra’s executive director of home and premium services, John Chambers, says the telco’s new smart home technology can help Australians “take back control of their homes – and their holidays”.

“Holidays should be a time of rest and relaxation, and not spent stressing about our homes and what we might have forgotten to do before we left.

“From setting up your lights and appliances to turn on and off so it looks like someone’s home, to keeping an eye on the cat via cameras and making sure the iron is switched off, Telstra Smart Home can help silence the worries in the back of your mind and let you spend more time enjoying your trip.”
 
And, to help ease those holiday worries and the effects of Appliance Anxiety, Telstra offers some tips, combined with use of the smart home technology, for keeping the home – or the pets and “stay at home” kids - safe and secure:

Keep an eye on the home

Outdoor sensors and cameras set up near the front door and windows can let you check on anyone or anything coming to your home while you’re away

Home care

Neighbours can be let in to water the plants from wherever you are, with the installation of a smart lock, camera and outdoor sensorPet peace of mind

For those with cats and other low maintenance pets, you can set up a camera in the utility for peace of mind check-ins, or install a motion sensor on the cat flap to check the cat has come home at night

Pet care

Your neighbours can be let in to feed the cat while you’re away much more easily with a smart lock, than with a spare set of keys

Family care

Leaving the kids at home? Install a camera kit to make sure everyone is behaving themselves while you’re away

If you’ve got teens at home, why not install a camera and motion sensors on the liquor cabinet to make parties a thing of the past

Deliveries

Expecting a parcel? It doesn’t matter if you’re out and about – use the smart lock and outdoor sensors to allow the delivery driver in and make the drop off.

Come home to cool

Use a Zen thermostat to make your house a nice comfortable temperature for when you arrive home from your trip

Getting the light just right

For extra comfort, set “away mode” – randomised light functionality – to make it look like you’re home

Is the iron off?

Use a smart plug to ensure all your appliances are safely switched off and say goodbye to Appliance Anxiety forever.