Appliance Efficiency: A Tale of Two Perspectives

摘要

Since 1993, the Energy Center of Wisconsin (ECW) has been conducting a biennial Appliance Sales Tracking study (AST). These AST studies compile self-reported consumer attitudes and purchase behavior about household energy-consuming equipment. Where possible, equipment nameplate or other information is collected to determine equipment efficiency. Since 1997, the ECW has also been collecting furnace/air conditioner sales information directly from distributors. These data are reported quarterly by efficiency level. The sales data represent between 70 and 80% of furnace and central air conditioner sales in the state. The two studies provide rich longitudinal data to study trends over time. They also allow for the comparison of reported to independently measured efficiency levels. The vast majority of consumers report purchasing a high efficiency unit regardless of the year, or appliance. Distributor sales and nameplate data are, for the most part, inconsistent with these self- reports. This paper discusses three possible reasons for differences between consumer perceptions and independent estimates of appliance efficiency. The analysis suggests that the consumer definition of high efficiency is different than that of energy and industry professionals. This discrepancy points to the need for easily identifiable indicators of high efficiency, such as ENERGY STAR~(~R), to help consumers in the selection of high efficiency products.