Relationships between household characteristics and electricity end-use in Japanese residential apartments

This study aims to characterize the Japanese household properties, meanwhile investigates the electricity consumption by end-use of 12 households in electric-only apartments in Kitakyushu, Japan. Achieved electricity data from the measurement and household surveys, the author perceived significant relationships between the household characteristics and Electricity End-Use. Since the investigation conducted in the winter, heating systems become the primary consuming appliances with 38 % in total usage. Energy-related behavior closely linked to the room's function and house appliance ownership than floor areas, while the distribution of energy varied according to each lifestyle circumstance. Living rooms seemed to get more usage priority at these residential apartments, while private spaces indicated less often used. By classifying pair groups of participants in common and different traits, comparison analysis carries out numerous relationships among energy consumption, housing characteristics, and household characteristics. Finally, the study lays a platform for applying energy monitors and household surveys, which defines the contribution of detailed data in analyzing household energy related lifestyle. Thus, the energy performance reports can help to elevate awareness of saving energy in residential apartments. This paper suggested a combination of experiments, surveys, and questionnaire methodology to give an example for future studies regarding energy-related lifestyle and energy-saving strategies.

Automated summary

This study investigates the electricity consumption patterns of 12 households in electric-only apartments in Kitakyushu, Japan, and finds significant relationships between household characteristics and electricity end-use. The results indicate that energy-related behavior is closely linked to room function and appliance ownership, with energy distribution varying according to lifestyle. This research lays a foundation for applying energy monitors and household surveys to analyze household energy-related lifestyles, and suggests a combination of experiments, surveys, and questionnaires for future studies on energy-saving strategies.