Assessment of space heating consumption efficiency based on a household survey in the hot summer and cold winter climate zone in China

Space heating demand in the hot summer and cold winter (HSCW) climate zone in China has increased rapidly over the past decade. It poses significant challenges for China's electricity supply infrastructure and building decarbonization. This study aims to understand the relative energy efficiency of household space heating and identify potential opportunities to reduce electricity usage at the household level. A stochastic frontier analysis approach is used to quantify the energy efficiency of households' space heating by forming an efficient frontier (minimum requirement of consumption given the characteristics of the household) and by comparing all households against that frontier. The results indicate that the average household space heating efficiency is 0.69. This indicates that households in the HSCW area have the ability to reduce their heating electricity consumption by 31% while still keeping the current level of indoor thermal comfort in the winter. The level of building energy efficiency standards (BEES) is the key factor influencing the space heating savings potential. Thus, Policy choices should focus on revising and optimizing superior BEES, and accelerating energy efficiency retrofits of existing residential buildings in this region.

Automated summary

Space heating demand in the HSCW climate zone in China has rapidly increased, posing challenges for electricity supply and building decarbonization. This study examines the energy efficiency of household space heating and identifies opportunities to reduce electricity usage. Using a stochastic frontier analysis, the average household space heating efficiency was found to be 0.69. This indicates the potential for households to reduce heating electricity consumption by 31% without sacrificing thermal comfort, with building energy efficiency standards being a key factor.