Reducing carbon, tackling fuel poverty: adoption and performance of air-source heat pumps in East Yorkshire, UK

Owen, Alice; Mitchell, Gordon; Unsworth, Rachael

doi:10.1080/13549839.2012.732050

Cited by 29 publications

(24 citation statements)

References 19 publications

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“…A theme mentioned by four respondents was a preference for lower temperatures in the bedroom when sleeping at night. This preference for lower temperatures when sleeping has also been noted by other researchers (Fell 2016;Owen et al 2012). Energy Efficiency (2019) 12:5-17Social rhythms and energy demand…”

Section: Household Thermal Routines As Described By Householderssupporting

confidence: 49%

How household thermal routines shape UK home heating demand patterns

Hanmer

Shipworth

et al. 2018

Energy Efficiency

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In homes in the UK, it is very common to operate space heating intermittently; the heating is usually switched off when the occupants are asleep at night and when they are out during the day. The strong association between heating operation and household routines leads to a morning peak in demand which, if it persists following electrification of heating, will require significant reinforcement of electricity supply networks.This paper examines factors that underpin how heating is used in the UK. A unique dataset of heating controller settings from 337 UK allows investigation of how patterns of heating operation in individual homes contribute to daily patterns of space heating energy consumption at the group level. A mixed method approach is followed, combining quantitative analysis of data with interviews with householders.The concept of thermal routines is introduced, bringing a time dimension to the consideration of domestic thermal comfort and recognising that demand for space heating is linked to patterns of practices in the home, which are themselves linked to social routines, e.g. timing of work and school. The results from this study suggest that household thermal routines around 07:00 in the morning are a particularly important consideration for a transition to future energy systems with a high proportion of low carbon heat. Factors that currently limit flexibility of heating demand in the UK are identified, and the implications for a transition to low carbon heating sources are discussed.

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Section: Household Thermal Routines As Described By Householderssupporting

confidence: 49%

How household thermal routines shape UK home heating demand patterns

Hanmer

Shipworth

et al. 2018

Energy Efficiency

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“…It is interesting to note that other research has found that even within -perception of impact varies, and correlates with their job satisfaction and their belief in their own expertise (Mahapatra et al, 2011). The ERYC scheme was designed to tackle fuel poverty in tandem with reducing carbon emissions (Owen et al, 2012). This primary focus led to advice being offered which reduced energy bills first, rather than ensuring emissions reductions, i.e.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Unseen influence—The role of low carbon retrofit advisers and installers in the adoption and use of domestic energy technology

Owen¹,

Mitchell²,

Gouldson³

2014

Energy Policy

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Abstract:Reducing climate changing emissions associated with residential property continues to be a significant challenge. Five case studies of different domestic energy technology schemes in England highlight the influence of advisers and installers in househol carbon technologies. Many of these advisers and installers are micro-enterprises working in connected groups in particular geographic areas. Such micro-enterprises form a large part of the construction sector, but despite the number of enterprises and the potential impact of changes in the behaviour of the sole traders and small firms, there appears to be little policy that specifically targets this group. Data from these case studies is presented and organised into a typological framework, in order to illustrate the range of ways in which the impact of advisers and installers can be modified. Two of the six factors in the typological framework relate to the motivation of installers themselves and how their work is perceived by their clients. By examining these factors in particular, this paper makes a novel contribution to understanding the factors that influence the take up and use of domestic energy technologies, leading to the possibility of new policy options or interventions. Green Deal is a scheme which allows private householders to repay the costs of energy efficiency improvements through their energy bills rather than needing up front capital payments. The Energy 4Companies Obligation complements the Green Deal by placing a legal requirement on energy suppliers to implement energy efficiency measures, particularly for more vulnerable groups of energy users.Energy technology retrofit clearly has potential to deliver significant emission reductions, but in practice, the success of retrofitting existing building stock to low carbon standards is dependent on social, cultural and economic change as much as technical innovation (Ravetz, 2008). Here, we investigate the role of a largely overlooked change agent in this broadly conceived retrofit process, the energy technology installers and advisers. We explore the interaction of these agents with householders in an effort to better understand their role and influence in the domestic energy retrofit process. We begin by briefly reviewing the factors that affect uptake and use of domestic energy technologies, before moving to the main focus of this paper, the influence of installers and advisers. We explore the role and impact of the adviser and installer through analysis of primary data from five English case studies. We conclude that their role is significant but that some of the characteristics of a large proportion of the advisers and installers mean that they are beyond the reach of current policy interventions. A framework for understanding individual adviser/installer attributes and competencies is developed, which we suggest can help to identify how policy and practice might reach these key individuals and unlock their potential to contribute to, and accelerate, the essential low carbon retrofit...

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“…With an air source heat pump, a particularly bad experience of installation in terms of disruption and damage to property, led one building user to believe that there was no difference in energy consumption before or after and doubt as to whether the equipment was working properly at all. In comparison, another householder who found the installation process well managed, had affectionate feelings towards the new heating system and overlooked teething problems with operation as unusual occurrences, easily overcome [42].…”

Section: Installationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Outside influence – Some effects of retrofit installers and advisors on energy behaviours in households

Owen

Mitchell

2015

Indoor and Built Environment

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We analyse qualitative data from home energy retrofit projects in England, looking beyond the boundaries of the building and its design for human behavioural influences on home energy use. We recognise that energy use is not solely determined by the decisions of building users or designers, but that intermediaries involved in energy retrofit may also be influential. Our focus is on retrofit which encompasses a range of changes to existing buildings to alter energy use.Decisions to incorporate new energy technologies into the home (both energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies), and how these technologies are then used, are shaped by the advice and action of energy efficiency advisers and energy 2 technology installers (intermediaries). Understanding the nature of this influence, and how it might be directed to increase energy efficient behaviours, is an overlooked opportunity. We found that influence was greatest at the pre-installation stage, and that influence which could be exercised post-installation was not realised. We conclude that by recognising how the role and influence of intermediaries varies at each stage of the retrofit process, policy and action can be identified to enhance the contribution intermediaries can make to changing behaviours and reducing domestic energy use. [197 words]

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Reducing carbon, tackling fuel poverty: adoption and performance of air-source heat pumps in East Yorkshire, UK

Cited by 29 publications

References 19 publications

How household thermal routines shape UK home heating demand patterns

How household thermal routines shape UK home heating demand patterns

Unseen influence—The role of low carbon retrofit advisers and installers in the adoption and use of domestic energy technology

Outside influence – Some effects of retrofit installers and advisors on energy behaviours in households

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