Energy (in)efficeint food storage in households

Panel: Panel 3: Dynamics of Consumption (social and cultural perspectives, actors and their interactions)

Authors:
Ans. P. Groot-Marcus, Wageningen Agricultural University
Elies Scherhorn, Wageningen Agricultural University

Abstract

Cooling appliances in Dutch households form the second largest electricity consuming category of appliances.The behavior in families is investigated an autumn 1998, questioning how energy efficient is the placement anduse of cooling appliances, how do they use these appliances, what do they know and where do they get their information.

All households have at least one refrigerator; nearly one-fifth possess 2 refrigerators. The cooling capacity is lower the larger the household, but larger households have a higher filling rate. The measurements of the temperature show that the appliances have a quite high temerature, while the majority of the respondents think that their refrigerator temperature is right. Energy-inefficient behaviour is divided in placement and use of the refrigerator. Neither inefficient placement nor inefficient refrigerator use are associated with traditional household characteristics or environmental attitudes.

Refrigerators seem to be standard appliances for which one does not need extra information. Households mention certain information sources like user manuals for temerature settings, but these manuals generally appear to be vague about temperatures.

It is recommended are to quantify energy inefficiencies by measurements in households with unfavorable situations and to study the motivation from the user concerning high inside temperatures, including the risk and wastage of food, under real life conditions. A better temperature regulation inside the refrigerator and easy accessible displays should help to get adequate use in the mind of the consumer.