Impact of energy audits on home energy consumption

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of energy audits on home energy consumption rate, and to determine factors affecting participation in energy audit/weatherization programmes. Objectives included: (i) developing a linear model for predicting home energy consumption; (ii) examining the role of home energy audits in consumption rate; (iii) determining whether audit participation had increased over a two‐year period; (iv) surveying reasons for non‐participation, and (v) identifying sources of audit/conservation information which were most acceptable to consumers. The model expressed home energy consumption per square foot as a linear function of demographic, attitudinal and structural variables. The three most significant predictors in the model were adequacy of information, housing tenure and income. Eight out of 10 conservation measures studied were significantly more likely to exist in the homes of those who had had an audit. Three of these measures were also significant in the model. Study findings included a 7% increase in audit participation from 1981 to 1983. Lack of money and information were the two major factors inhibiting participation. Consumers indicated a need for conservation information from acceptable sources such as short courses or workshops, county extension agents, or skilled craftspeople.

Utility Averaging Policies—Impact on Consumer's Energy Usage

“…A greater proportion of these studies have included number of rooms as a predictor variable in determining household energy usage; fewer studies have used square footage of the residence. Regardless of the method of determining house size all reviewed studies concluded that there is a positive relationship between house size and energy consumption (Gladhart 1984 Several studies have identified age of home as a contributing factor to energy cost and consumption (Chatelain 1981; Jaffee, Houston, and Olshavsky 1982; Junk, Junk, and Jones 1987). The relationship between age of dwelling and energy usage has been found to be both positive and negative.…”

Identification of elements to control and regulate residential energy consumption

“…It has a strong influence on the residential energy usage (Junk, Junk, & Jones, 1987;Lenzen et al, 2004;Morrison & Gladhart, 1976;O'Neill & Chen, 2002;Pachauri, 2004;Tonn & Eisenberg, 2007;Uitdenbogerd et al, 2007;Van Raaij & Verhallen, 1983). The results of a statistical analysis performed by Pachauri (2004) indicate that where the head of the household is in the range of 25-29 years old, the per capita energy requirement is about 7% more than where the household head is less than 25 years old.…”

“…Junk et al (1987) in their research found that increasing levels of education resulted in lower consumption levels. Other studies have also reported formal education as a factor toward energy conservation (Yergin, 1980).…”

“…According to some researchers, an increased vintage of a dwelling also goes along with a considerably increased amount of energy consumed for space heating and/or cooling (Junk et al, 1987;Mileham & Brandt, 1990;Tiwari, 2000). Older houses often lack energy efficiency and hence require capital investment for incorporating conservation measures, especially insulation and storm windows.…”

Complexvorming van spoorelementen in substraten en hydroponics : Een samenvatting van resultaten uit onderzoek en literatuur

“…Daarbij zou dan ook nog rekening gehouden moeten worden met de variatie van de pH in de rhizosfeer zoals dat bij teelten in grond vaak wordt gevonden. Ook daarbij worden grote verschillen gemeten (Junk, 1987). Helaas beschikken we niet over dergelijke metingen bij teelten in steenwol.…”