Year: 2012
Type: report
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: This paper examines a large-scale appliance replacement program in Mexico that since 2009 has helped 1.5 million households replace their old refrigerators and air-conditioners with energy-efficient models.Using household-level electric billing records from the population of Mexican residential customers we find that refrigerator replacement reduces electricity consumption by an average of 11 kilowatt hours per month, about a 7% decrease.We find that air conditioning replacement, in contrast, increases electricity consumption by an average of 6 kilowatt hours per month, with larger increases during the summer.To put these results in context we present a simple conceptual framework in which energy-efficient durable goods cost less to operate, so households use them more.This behavioral response, sometimes called the "rebound" effect, is important for air-conditioners, but not important for refrigerators.
DOI: 10.3386/w18044
Authors: Lucas Davis, Alan Fuchs, Paul Gertler
Language: English
Field: Energy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1950541266