Household energy service and home appliance choices in urban China

Abstract

Household energy consumption modeling often focusses on fuel and technology, without taking into account the purposes of using energy. In this study, we examine factors associated with household energy service and home appliance choices from the perspective of energy-related well-being. Using a choice model specification and a microdata for China's urban households from 1986 to 2012, we regress nested combinations of energy service categories on socioeconomic, demographic, and climatic factors. Our results suggest heating and cooling energy services use is more associated with climate than other factors. Demographic factors are more related with access to basic appliances and information services, while the acquisition of advanced appliances is more associated with household income. Exploring the role of income, we find similar relationships with ownership of washing machines, TVs, and refrigerators, while household income has a stronger relationship with the ownership of microwaves, computers, and air conditioners. Our results are informative to the factors that drive home appliance selection decisions and corresponding residential energy demand growth in China.