You need JavaScript to view this

Impact on consumer refrigerator purchases of energy consumption information at point of sale

Abstract

This document reports on the results of an experimental study designed to test the effect of energy consumption labelling, and of the degree of sales-force emphasis on energy consuption aspects, on consumer purchases of refrigerators in Canada. This research pursued the objectives of trying to understand the decision process used by consumers in buying appliances, and to assess the initial impact of the ENERGUIDE labelling program with a view to provide guidance for its future development or extension. Results show a clear potential for worthwhile energy savings via shifts in consumer refrigerator choices. To date (1979), relatively few buyers considered energy consumption an important criterion in such a purchase. Retail salespeople, on whom consumers depend for refrigerator information, do not normally discuss energy information with customers; however, they did show interest in using a sales aid that would help compare operating costs of various models. Most customers either did not see or did not understand the ENERGUIDE labels, indicating a potential benefit from achieving greater consumer awareness of the importance of energy consumption in appliances and of redesigned energy labelling. Education of retail salespeople towards energy awareness seems to be the policy intiative with the greatest potential impact. 29 refs.,  More>>
Publication Date:
Mar 01, 1979
Product Type:
Technical Report
Report Number:
MU/FAS-031979; CE-01220
Reference Number:
CANM-88-001125; ERA-13-033794; EDB-88-102085
Subject:
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY AND ECONOMY; 32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION; CANADA; ENERGY POLICY; REFRIGERATORS; ENERGY CONSERVATION; PRODUCT LABELING; SURVEYS; GOVERNMENT POLICIES; NORTH AMERICA; 293000* - Energy Planning & Policy- Policy, Legislation, & Regulation; 320106 - Energy Conservation, Consumption, & Utilization- Building Equipment- (1987-)
OSTI ID:
5042357
Research Organizations:
Manitoba Univ., Winnipeg (Canada). Faculty of Administrative Studies
Country of Origin:
Canada
Language:
English
Availability:
CANMET/TID, Energy, Mines and Resources Canada, 555 Booth St., Ottawa, Ont., Canada K1A 0G1; $0.34CAN per page, $3.40 CAN minimum.
Submitting Site:
CANM
Size:
Pages: 175
Announcement Date:
May 13, 2001

Citation Formats

Anderson, C D, and Claxton, J D. Impact on consumer refrigerator purchases of energy consumption information at point of sale. Canada: N. p., 1979. Web.
Anderson, C D, & Claxton, J D. Impact on consumer refrigerator purchases of energy consumption information at point of sale. Canada.
Anderson, C D, and Claxton, J D. 1979. "Impact on consumer refrigerator purchases of energy consumption information at point of sale." Canada.
@misc{etde_5042357,
title = {Impact on consumer refrigerator purchases of energy consumption information at point of sale}
author = {Anderson, C D, and Claxton, J D}
abstractNote = {This document reports on the results of an experimental study designed to test the effect of energy consumption labelling, and of the degree of sales-force emphasis on energy consuption aspects, on consumer purchases of refrigerators in Canada. This research pursued the objectives of trying to understand the decision process used by consumers in buying appliances, and to assess the initial impact of the ENERGUIDE labelling program with a view to provide guidance for its future development or extension. Results show a clear potential for worthwhile energy savings via shifts in consumer refrigerator choices. To date (1979), relatively few buyers considered energy consumption an important criterion in such a purchase. Retail salespeople, on whom consumers depend for refrigerator information, do not normally discuss energy information with customers; however, they did show interest in using a sales aid that would help compare operating costs of various models. Most customers either did not see or did not understand the ENERGUIDE labels, indicating a potential benefit from achieving greater consumer awareness of the importance of energy consumption in appliances and of redesigned energy labelling. Education of retail salespeople towards energy awareness seems to be the policy intiative with the greatest potential impact. 29 refs., 5 figs., 8 tabs.}
place = {Canada}
year = {1979}
month = {Mar}
}