State and perspective of individual household heating in Serbia: A survey-based study

Abstract

This paper presents the results of the household survey on individual household heating systems in Serbia. The survey was conducted in the period October to December 2020 with the participation of 1100 households with individual household heating systems. The information collected in the questionnaire can be separated into three main parts: basic household data, current heating system characteristics, and households’ perceptions and attitudes. The survey results provide unique and comprehensive information concerning individual household heating systems and the main barriers and drivers for a successful energy transition in the future. The results show the obsolescence of household heating systems, low efficiency, insufficient investment in thermal insulation in the past, and lack of financial resources for investing in sustainable heating. On the other hand, this survey highlights the positive attitude of about half of households towards potential subsidizing of the cost of new heating systems. This survey presents a valid starting point for defining instruments aimed to improve energy efficiency in the household sector, diminish its influence on climate change, and secure energy transition towards sustainable heating systems. The obtained results should be indicative for middle-income developing countries at the beginning of the energy transition process.