Classifying energy behaviors to optimize sustainability: Insights from French residential heating practices

Understanding residential energy consumption is crucial for addressing climate change and achieving global energy conservation goals. In France, space heating accounts for 63 % of total residential energy use, highlighting the significant influence of occupant behavior. This study investigates heating behaviors in French households using Item Response Theory (IRT) to identify key thermostat-related actions and Latent Class Analysis (LCA) to segment households into four behavioral profiles: “Temperature Adjustment Enthusiasts”, “Passive Adjusters”, “Night-time Temperature Adjusters”, and “Extreme Temperature Modifiers”. Each profile exhibits distinct patterns of energy consumption and reduction potential. Key findings reveal the potential to achieve up to 20 % energy savings through tailored policy interventions. Policymakers are encouraged to focus on behavior-driven strategies, such as providing subsidies to retrofit poorly insulated homes, particularly targeting tenants and senior households. Promoting the adoption of automated heating technologies, like smart thermostats, can minimize inefficiencies caused by frequent temperature adjustments and ensure consistent indoor temperatures. These interventions not only reduce energy use but also directly contribute to lowering greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with France's climate mitigation targets. By addressing both behavioral and structural barriers, this study provides a comprehensive framework for designing sustainable energy policies that align with ecological and socio-economic objectives, advancing energy efficiency while promoting social equity and environmental justice.