Beyond the thermostat: A behavioral study of residential cooling practices

Rising global temperatures and the increasing frequency of extreme heat events have led to a surge in air conditioning (AC) usage, resulting in higher energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. While advancements in cooling technology have improved energy efficiency, actual energy consumption is largely influenced by occupant behavior. This study analyzes the impact of residential AC usage behaviors on indoor thermal conditions. By integrating quantitative measurements of indoor temperature and AC operation with qualitative insights from occupant interviews, key cooling behavior patterns and their implications for AC consumption are identified. The results indicate that temperature and fan speed control methods, the use of auxiliary cooling devices, and mobile app utilization significantly influence AC usage patterns. Additionally, electricity cost awareness has a notable impact on AC usage duration, and mobile apps linked to AC systems exhibit a dual effect—enhancing user convenience while potentially increasing cooling demand. These findings highlight the necessity of incorporating occupant behavior into energy-saving policies and AC system design. By integrating behavioral adaptation, economic incentives, and smart control technologies, more effective strategies can be developed to reduce cooling-related energy consumption while maintaining thermal comfort. This study provides an in-depth exploration of how differences in residents’ AC usage behaviors affect indoor environmental conditions and offers insights for developing more sustainable cooling strategies.