Changed norms of comfort in different energy cultures: The case of heat pumps

摘要

From socio-technical research it is well documented that socialnorms change with the development in technologicalstructures. It is also recognised that there are different energyregimes in different countries, depending on energy supplystructure, building traditions and other aspects of the energyconsumption-production infrastructure. In this paper thesetwo approaches will be brought together in a discussion ofhow the introduction of a new energy efficient technology, theheat pump, might influence social norms of comfort in differentenergy cultural contexts. A previous Danish study on heatpumps showed that 20 % of the expected energy saving fromsubstituting direct electric heating with heat pumps was notrealised in practice. In Norway, research shows that only 58 %of households report saving electricity by using a heat pump. Inboth cases the surplus energy is used to increase indoor comfort.The growing popularity of heat pumps might be seen asa result of these changes; it is a feasible measure that has thepotential of increasing the comfort level for the same amountof kWh. These results point towards similar trends in the twocountries regarding comfort norms induced by the introductionof heat pumps. However, there is expected to be considerabledifferences in the Norwegian and Danish energy regimes.They will be compared with regards to energy consumptionpatterns, energy production systems, and major differences inenergy culture and tradition. This is used in a discussion ofhow different energy regimes and cultures might affect the waythe introduction of heat pumps can be expected to influencechanges in norms of comfort in the two countries. The paperwill draw on practice theoretical understandings of how everydaylife habits and routines, comfort and technologies areclosely related and interwoven. The discussion may contributeto a better understanding of energy practices, and serve as abase for future policy instruments on sustainable consumption.