How to Improve Effectiveness of Renewable Space Heating Programs by Better Understanding Homeowner—Installer Interactions

Alisa Freyre, Stefano Cozza, Matthias Rüetschi, Meinrad Bürer, Marlyne Sahakian and Martin K. Patel
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Alisa Freyre: Energy Efficiency Group, Institute for Environmental Sciences (ISE), University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
Stefano Cozza: Energy Efficiency Group, Institute for Environmental Sciences (ISE), University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
Matthias Rüetschi: Services Industriels de Genève, 1219 Geneva, Switzerland
Meinrad Bürer: Research & Development, EcoAct, 75008 Paris, France
Marlyne Sahakian: Sociology Department, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
Martin K. Patel: Energy Efficiency Group, Institute for Environmental Sciences (ISE), University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland

Energies, 2021, vol. 14, issue 15, 1-24

Abstract: In this paper, we perform a literature review on the current state of knowledge about homeowners in the context of the adoption of renewable heating systems. Despite a considerable number of studies about homeowners, homeowner–installer interactions, and ways to improve the effectiveness of renewable heating programs, based on homeowner knowledge, have not yet been studied in much detail. To address these knowledge gaps, we conduct a qualitative study on single-family house owners who installed heat pumps and took part in a renewable heating program in Geneva, Switzerland. We cover homeowner practices in choosing installers and heating system types, homeowners’ feedback about heat pump installation and use, as well as their experience in participation in the renewable heating program. Based on the literature review and the findings from the interviews, we provide the following recommendations on how to increase the effectiveness of renewable heating programs: (a) support for homeowners should not be limited to financial incentives; (b) partnership programs with installers could help to increase the quality of installation services and enable homeowners to choose qualified installers; and (c) assisting homeowners in pre-qualification and ex-post analysis, in learning how to operate their renewable heating systems and in solving problems during the post-installation period, can contribute to improved technology reputation, which can, in turn, increase technology uptake by other homeowners.

Keywords: renewable heating; heat pumps; homeowners; installers; energy programs; subsidies (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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