Occupants' behaviour: determinants and effects on residential heating consumption

What are the key determinants and effects of occupants' behaviour on energy use for space heating? Statistical analyses were carried out on energy use and self-reported behaviour data from a household survey in the Netherlands. Results showed that the number of usage hours for the heating system have a stronger effect on energy consumption than temperature setting. Small correlations were found between energy use and the ventilation system, since most households barely use the ventilation system. The main building characteristic determining behaviour is the type of temperature control. Households with a programmable thermostat were more likely to keep the radiators turned on for more hours than households with a manual thermostat or manual valves on radiators. In relation to household characteristics, the presence of elderly persons in the household proved to be a determining factor in the use of the heating system and ventilation. As a result of wide variations in preferences and lifestyle, occupant behaviour has emerged as an important contributor to energy use in dwellings. The results indicate that the type of heating and ventilation system has an influence on occupant behaviour.