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Cold Hands, Warm Hearth? Climate, Net Takeback, and Household Comfort

Abstract:
Insulation reduces marginal heating cost and may lead to a takeback effect of higher wintertime thermostat settings, with a consequent dilution of energy savings. Alternatively, additional insulation could permit a lower thermostat setting by reducing drafts and radiation while increasing moisture retention, thereby enhancing comfort. This paper evaluates thermostat net takeback, the difference between takeback and enhanced comfort. Evidence supports the existence of both effects, with net takeback at the low end of literature estimates. Net thermostat takeback is on the order of 0.05 degrees F, leading to an energy takeback that ranges from 1-3% of potential energy savings, depending on climate and house size. Other significant determinants of thermostat are heating energy price and the presence of elderly or young occupants.

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Energy Specializations: Energy Modeling – Other; Electricity – Policy and Regulation

JEL Codes: Q41: Energy: Demand and Supply; Prices, Q40: Energy: General, Q21: Renewable Resources and Conservation: Demand and Supply; Prices

Keywords: Energy efficiency, insulation, conservation takeback effects, household energy demand

DOI: 10.5547/ISSN0195-6574-EJ-Vol16-No1-3

Published in Volume16, Number 1 of the bi-monthly journal of the IAEE's Energy Economics Education Foundation.

 

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