Determinants of Energy Saving Practices of Limited Income Multifamily Housing Residents

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify energy cost burdens and energy saving practices of limited income Virginia households, focusing on multifamily housing residents. There were three research objectives: (a) to identify demographic and housing characteristics of limited income multifamily housing residents; (b) to identify perceived energy cost burdens and energy saving efforts of limited income multifamily housing residents; and (c) to identify determinants of perceived energy cost burdens, energy saving efforts, and interest in additional energy saving information of limited income multifamily housing residents. In Spring 2005, a one-page questionnaire was administered to participants of Virginia Extension nutrition programs and 823 usable responses were collected. The major findings were as follows: (a) compared with single-family housing residents, multifamily housing residents tended to perceive fewer energy cost burdens, engage in more daily energy saving behaviors, and inquire less about future energy savings; (b) being headed by a single adult, the existence of a child at home, and dwelling location were significant determinants of perceived energy cost burdens and energy saving efforts; (c) perceived energy cost burdens were found to have significant positive influences on inquiry for future energy savings; and (d) perceived energy cost burdens and inquiry for future energy savings showed significant negative correlations with interest in further energy saving information. The researchers recommended the development and implementation of energy saving education that is applicable for the situations of multifamily housing residents with limited incomes.