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Raising the AC temperature in the tropics, one degree at a time

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  • Somasundaram, Jeeva
  • Koch, Ingrid
  • Lim, Noah

Abstract

In tropical countries, air conditioners (ACs) account for a significant fraction of energy consumption. We conduct a randomized control trial to examine how people can best be induced to raise their AC temperature by 2 °C over time, to reduce energy consumption. Subjects were randomly assigned to (1) raise the AC temperature gradually, by 1 °C in period 1 and an additional 1 °C in period 2; (2) increase the temperature by 2 °C in one go during period 2; or (3) a no-incentive control condition. We find that raising AC temperatures gradually worked better in achieving higher AC temperatures during the intervention and post-intervention periods. Energy consumption data confirmed that these higher AC temperatures translated into energy savings. Our findings demonstrate the effectiveness of gradual targets to initiate and sustain behavioral change in energy conservation and other related domains.

Suggested Citation

  • Somasundaram, Jeeva & Koch, Ingrid & Lim, Noah, 2023. "Raising the AC temperature in the tropics, one degree at a time," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 128(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:eneeco:v:128:y:2023:i:c:s0140988323006898
    DOI: 10.1016/j.eneco.2023.107191
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