The Effect of Structural Modification on Homeowners' Energy Conservation Behaviors

The hypothesis that homeowners t energy conservation behaviors decrease once structural energy saving modifications are added to residences was refuted by the findings of this study. Using a longitudinal sample from eight western states, the energy conservation behaviors of homeowners who added specific structural energy saving modifications were compared with those who did not by t-tests. Three significant (p<.05) positive relationships between the addition of specific structural modifications and concomitant energy conservation behavior change were found. Although no significant difference in behavior change was found for the remaining six hypotheses, the addition of five of the structural modifications were accompanied by increases in energy conservation behavior. Knowledge of the positive relationship between structural modification and concomitant energy conservation behavior may be used by professionals to educate consumers and as a basis on which policy decisions can be made.

Citation:

Jeanette A. Brandt, LaRae Chatelain, and Becky O. Beck (1986) ,"The Effect of Structural Modification on Homeowners' Energy Conservation Behaviors", in NA - Advances in Consumer Research Volume 13, eds. Richard J. Lutz, Provo, UT : Association for Consumer Research, Pages: 662.

Advances in Consumer Research Volume 13, 1986      Page 662

THE EFFECT OF STRUCTURAL MODIFICATION ON HOMEOWNERS' ENERGY CONSERVATION BEHAVIORS

Jeanette A. Brandt, Oregon State University

LaRae Chatelain, Utah State University

Becky O. Beck, Eagle River, Alaska

The hypothesis that homeowners t energy conservation behaviors decrease once structural energy saving modifications are added to residences was refuted by the findings of this study. Using a longitudinal sample from eight western states, the energy conservation behaviors of homeowners who added specific structural energy saving modifications were compared with those who did not by t-tests. Three significant (p<.05) positive relationships between the addition of specific structural modifications and concomitant energy conservation behavior change were found. Although no significant difference in behavior change was found for the remaining six hypotheses, the addition of five of the structural modifications were accompanied by increases in energy conservation behavior. Knowledge of the positive relationship between structural modification and concomitant energy conservation behavior may be used by professionals to educate consumers and as a basis on which policy decisions can be made.

For further information, write to:

Dr. Jeanette A. Brandt / College of Home Economics / Oregon State University / Corvallis, OR 97331

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