A Research Note on: Consumer Preferences for Selected Energy Conservation Features in Housing

Abstract

This paper examines preferences of Utah residents for energy conservation strategies for space heating. The results are based on data collected in 1981 and 1983 by a mail survey of Utah residents. In both surveys, energy conservation features were found to be Important considerations in choosing a dwelling. In particular, more than 70 percent of the respondents reported they would be more likely or much more likely to buy a house that has solar heating. The acceptance of solar heating is broad-based, with no significant differences with respect to location, age, sex, income or education of respondent. Nearly two-thirds of the respondents indicate that the presence of a wood-burning stove would favorably affect their housing choice. Younger respondents and those located in rural areas were the most likely to prefer a wood-burning stove. The impact of conservation features on house selection preferences diminished from 1981 to 1983, but, with the exception of solar heating, the changes are not statistically significant.

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Notes on contributors

LaRae B. Chatelain

LaRae B. Chatelain is Associate Professor of Home Economics and Consumer Education

H. Craig Petersen

H. Craig Petersen is Professor of Economics at Utah State University, Logan, Utah.