Energy Efficiency Savings - Are you a Rebounder?
The Rebound Effect is when people increase their use of a product or service because it is now cheaper than it was before. You’ve completed your energy efficiency upgrades and now your overall cost of comfort is cheaper, your utility bills are lower.
The new heat pump is more efficient, and the new insulation increases that efficiency even more. It now cost less to heat or cool your home, so you can afford to set the thermostat at a more comfortable temp? You can worry less about leaving the lights on longer because you have the “new” bulbs and it’s cheaper to burn them?
A new study from ACEEE “The Rebound Effect: Large or Small?” shows that the rebound effect is actually pretty insignificant. Many, many studies have been done over the years, and the studies will continue. ACEEE indicates in their white paper, “these studies indicate that direct rebound effects will generally be about 10% or less”.
If you have invested in energy efficient upgrades for your home and it gives you extra comfort and enjoyment – including less stress because you forgot to turn the lights off – then it’s money well spent. However, if you notice that your utility bills are not showing the expected savings and it concerns you, it might be time to take a look at possible rebound effects and behavior changes.
Are you taking extra long, hot steamy showers because you have a new efficient water heater that cost less to heat the water? That’s the Rebound Effect, enjoy!
ACEEE full report
About Sandy Michaels
Sandy has regularly contributed to our blog and knowledge base with how to articles. She is extremely knowledgeable about the Snugg Pro platform.