User behavior and energy-saving potential of electric washing machines

Abstract

With the intensification of the global energy crisis and the increase in environmental awareness, energy-saving problems related to household appliances have garnered widespread attention. Here, the usage patterns of electric washing machine users and their energy-saving potential was mainly explored, so as to improve the current situation that the influencing factors of existing research behaviors were not deep enough and the energy saving potential was not specific enough. A questionnaire survey was used to gather information on 20,840 users, including individual characteristics, energy-saving awareness, and usage behavior. The study analyzed the differences in users’ energy-saving awareness and behavior through a series of analysis methods, and evaluated the energy-saving and water-saving potential of electric washing machines. The results showed that user behavior such as washing mode, washing temperature, and the volume ratio of clothes significantly affected on the energy and water consumption of electric washing machines. Individual characteristics of users such as gender, age, educational background, and family income were strongly correlated with their awareness of and decisions made regarding energy conservation. Improving the energy efficiency of electric washing machines and optimizing user purchasing behavior could result in 38,787.54 GWh national energy savings potential, and 6.90 million tons of water-saving potential. This study will help manufacturers and government departments better understand consumers’ usage behavior regarding electric washing machines, which could allow them to modify their market strategies and bolster the promotion and education of energy efficiency labels for electric washing machines. This also could support the nation’s objectives for environmental preservation, water and energy conservation, and the sale of products with lesser energy efficiency.