Guerra-Santin, O and Itard, L (2010) Occupants' behaviour: Determinants and effects on residential heating consumption. Building Research & Information, 38(3), pp. 318-338. ISSN 0961-3218
Abstract
What are the key determinants and effects of occupants' behaviour on energy use for space heating? Statistical analyses were carried out on energy use and self-reported behaviour data from a household survey in the Netherlands. Results showed that the number of usage hours for the heating system have a stronger effect on energy consumption than temperature setting. Small correlations were found between energy use and the ventilation system, since most households barely use the ventilation system. The main building characteristic determining behaviour is the type of temperature control. Households with a programmable thermostat were more likely to keep the radiators turned on for more hours than households with a manual thermostat or manual valves on radiators. In relation to household characteristics, the presence of elderly persons in the household proved to be a determining factor in the use of the heating system and ventilation. As a result of wide variations in preferences and lifestyle, occupant behaviour has emerged as an important contributor to energy use in dwellings. The results indicate that the type of heating and ventilation system has an influence on occupant behaviour.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | behaviour; comfort; energy demand; household; housing; inhabitant behaviour; residential stock; space heating |
| Index terms: | valve, comfort, space heating, presence, energy consumption, household, variation, housing, inhabitant behaviour, occupant behaviour, consumption, preference, energy use, determinant, heating system, radiator, energy demand, elderly, thermostat, ventilation, lifestyle, statistical analysis, survey, Netherlands |
| Subjects: | sociology, occupational health and safety management, demography, Geography, contractual condition, decision-making and reasoning, energy systems, environmental science, data science, control systems, health behaviours and lifestyles, consumer economics, mechanical systems, air quality, construction type, risk assessment, data collection methods |
| Topics: | Engineering Principles, Geographical Context, Research Practice, Health and Safety, Sustainability, Construction Technology, Stakeholder Management, Risk Management, Urban Studies, Contract Administration |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCEA |
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