Homeowners discuss the freedoms and fears of being home alone

One in three married Americans will talk to themselves when their partner isn’t home.

That’s according to a recent survey, which asked 2,000 married homeowners over the age of 35 about how they make the most of their alone time. Two-thirds will take advantage of their partner’s absence to binge-watch movies or TV shows that the latter dislikes.

Another 34% cook or bake recipes eschewed by their significant other, and the same number of respondents will have conversations with either themselves or their pet.

But while some relish their “home alone” habits, 56% worry about whether or not they forgot to lock the doors and shut the windows as they’re getting ready to fall asleep.

Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Ring, the survey also found that the vast majority of homeowners (87%) generally feel informed about their neighborhood’s safety.

That may be why people’s nighttime concerns are more about their to-do lists and upcoming deadlines (35%) rather than what happens in their neighborhood while they’re asleep (25%).

Regardless of whether their partner is at home or away, nearly half said they’re usually not bothered by mysterious noises at night because they assume they’re harmless. But for those who are awakened they either check out the noise themselves (61%), ask their partner to check it out (32%), or check their alarm system (32%).

And although 52% described their neighborhood as “very safe,” 78% still use a peephole or doorbell camera to check who’s arrived.

While many respondents reported their security cameras catching unexpected critters — from raccoons raiding trash to deer stealing kids’ carved pumpkins — and embarrassing slips, trips and mishaps, some reported catching intruder break-ins, porch pirates and even a neighbor stealing trash.

Yet two in five respondents admitted they’re not familiar with the most common signs and causes of carbon dioxide leaks, while nearly 20% admit they would have to Google “how can I tell if I have a pipe leak?” if they suspected there was a leak in their pipes.

Ninety-seven percent feel that it’s important to know that their home and belongings are safe when they’re away. Perhaps that’s why more than half of respondents said the most valuable part of their home security system is being able to check security cameras when home or away, and why 59% check their home security systems at least once a day.

“Tech has made it simpler for homeowners to be proactive about their home security and safety,” said a spokesperson for Ring. “In addition to alarms and cameras, other smart devices can help detect carbon monoxide or water leaks when people are away, keeping pets and belongings safe.”

As it turns out, neighborhood apps aren’t just for local banter — more than two-thirds said these platforms make them feel safer at home, and 77% feel that technology such as apps has made home security easier and more accessible.

“When communities come together, safer neighborhoods become a reality. Apps are a great way to not only stay connected with your neighbors but also get important safety updates from local police and fire departments,” said a spokesperson for Ring.

AMERICA’S FUNNIEST HOME ALONE FOOTAGE
“I was scared by a cat.”
“Locking myself out of the house.”
“Me singing and dancing to ‘Hamilton’ with my dogs.”
“Ordering ‘cheat food’ to be delivered and my husband seeing it.”
“Lizard crawling on the camera that alerted me.”
“Raccoons raiding the trash can.”
“Tripping on toys.”
“Watching my son dance while swatting flies at 1:30 a.m.”
“Someone falling up the stairs.”
“Funny fights between my kids.”