Manuscript-R2-25092020_MM_BKS.pdf (1.04 MB)
Testing smarter control and feedback with users: time, temperature and space in household heating preferences and practices in a Living Laboratory
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 21:51 authored by Benjamin SovacoolBenjamin Sovacool, Jody Osborn, Mari MartiskainenMari Martiskainen, Matthew LipsonTransitioning to more efficient and less carbon-intensive heating is a monumental policy challenge in the United Kingdom. However, very few households in the UK—and perhaps even elsewhere—have actual experience with state-of-the-art smart heating systems that may utilize enhanced control or feedback. Drawing from a unique sample of actual adopters of smart heating, this study closely examines the heating preferences, practices, and profiles of homes when they are given smarter heating systems. The study utilizes qualitative household data from the Energy System Catapult’s Living Laboratory of 100 smart homes in Birmingham (West Midlands), Bridgend (Wales), Manchester (Greater Manchester), and Newcastle (Northumberland). We examine the heating preferences and profiles of participants, with findings inductively organized around the themes of temperature, including tradeoffs between comfort, cost, and value; time, including the utility of heat scheduling; and space, including zonal heating controls. We also discuss patterns of learning, the emergence of environmental values, and issues of discomfort. We conclude by commenting on important distinctions between radiant and ambient heat, as well as between scheduled and on-demand heat. The main findings are 1) tradeoffs between comfort, value and cost occur when it comes to smart heating; 2) people want different numbers of warm hours in their homes at very different times; 3) households chose to heat different numbers of rooms; and 4) there are other non-monetary and non-functional aspects of smart heating that households value.
Funding
UK Centre for Research on Energy Demand; G2424; EPSRC-ENGINEERING & PHYSICAL SCIENCES RESEARCH COUNCIL; EP/R035288/1
SWS Heat - Developing the next generation technologies of renewable electricity and heating/cooling; G2475; EUROPEAN UNION; 764025
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Accepted version
Journal
Global Environmental ChangeISSN
0959-3780Publisher
ElsevierExternal DOI
Volume
65Article number
a102185Department affiliated with
- SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2020-10-12First Open Access (FOA) Date
2021-10-14First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2020-10-12Usage metrics
Categories
No categories selectedLicence
Exports
RefWorks
BibTeX
Ref. manager
Endnote
DataCite
NLM
DC