London - Loughborough Centre for doctoral research in energy demand Central House 14 Upper Woburn Place London, WC1H 0NN Heating controls and influences on householders’ space heating behaviour – do old habits die hard? Ashley Morton 2 nd Year PhD student, Loughborough University Introduction Research Aims Research Questions Does installing digital heating controls lead to a change in household heating patterns? Do occupant heating behaviours change after installation of new heating controls? Do the new heating controls lead to a saving in energy use for households? The residential sector responsible for over ¼ of the UK CO 2 emissions UK Government committed to reducing CO 2 emissions by 80% of 1990 level by 2050 Space and water heating is largest domestic energy user New heating control technologies suggested as a means to save energy The residential sector responsible for over ¼ of the UK CO 2 emissions UK Government committed to reducing CO 2 emissions by 80% of 1990 level by 2050 Space and water heating is largest domestic energy user New heating control technologies suggested as a means to save energy “Buildings don’t use energy: people do” K. B. Janda, 2009 To compare householders’ space heating behaviour evolution from installation of new heating control technologies Both pre and post installation behaviour and differences between use of the three different systems. And how they affect energy demand within households “Buildings don’t use energy: people do” K. B. Janda, 2009 To compare householders’ space heating behaviour evolution from installation of new heating control technologies Both pre and post installation behaviour and differences between use of the three different systems. And how they affect energy demand within households System 1System 2System 3 Methodology Programmable thermostat with wireless communication to the boiler. Allows householders to change set- point temperatures and set heating schedules. Touch screen in-home display unit linked to temperature sensor with wireless communication to the boiler. Allows householders to change temperatures and schedules similar to System 1 with the added benefit of energy consumption data viewable on in-home display unit. Similar to System 3 with in- home display with energy consumption information and additional programmable TRV’s. The programmable TRV’s allow for each room with one to be given a different temperature set-point and heating schedule to suit the householders. Combination of qualitative methods supported by quantitative data Total of 15 households which shall be monitored for 16 months, including some pre-installation data. Qualitative work shall focus on gaining in-depth knowledge of how occupants use their heating system and what behavioural traits are uncovered. Combination of qualitative methods supported by quantitative data Total of 15 households which shall be monitored for 16 months, including some pre-installation data. Qualitative work shall focus on gaining in-depth knowledge of how occupants use their heating system and what behavioural traits are uncovered. Whole house interactive activity Follow up interview Pre- installation household interview System 1 installed System 1 remains System 2 installed System 3 installed Weekly energy ‘diary’ after installation for 4 weeks Weekly energy ‘diary’ after new installations for 4 weeks Questionnaire on controls Final household interview Some initial results A focus group on heating use was carried out during the summer Questions related to topic areas of interest for the main study such as heating habits Discussion covered; ◊ Most important factors ◊ Influences on heating use ◊ H eating control strategies ◊ N egotiations of heating ◊ H eating for alternative purposes than providing warmth Cost was identified as being important but no participants said it currently drove their heating use. A focus group on heating use was carried out during the summer Questions related to topic areas of interest for the main study such as heating habits Discussion covered; ◊ Most important factors ◊ Influences on heating use ◊ H eating control strategies ◊ N egotiations of heating ◊ H eating for alternative purposes than providing warmth Cost was identified as being important but no participants said it currently drove their heating use. “I’m a cold blooded person so heating is important to me. I’d stint on food before I’d stint on heating” “I love to be warm I really hate to be cold so I probably live in an overheated house but that is just how I like to live” Factors identified as influencing heating use Desire to be comfortable Accessibility to heating controls Previous thermal experiences Compromises to ensure all occupants comfortable Health issues Secondary heating sources