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A dataset for understanding self-reported patterns influencing residential energy decisions
Tracy L Fuentes1, Kieren H McCord2, Max J Martell1
1Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA.
Scientific Data
|July 22, 2025
Summary
Understanding Patterns Guiding Residential Adoption and Decisions about Energy Efficiency (UPGRADE-E) offers a large dataset on household energy choices. This data helps researchers and policymakers understand factors influencing technology adoption in homes.
Area of Science:
- Social Sciences
- Energy Policy
- Building Science
Background:
- Household occupant behavior significantly influences residential energy performance and technology adoption.
- A lack of representative public data on household energy decision-making hinders research.
- The UPGRADE-E dataset addresses this gap by providing comprehensive data on U.S. households.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and describe the UPGRADE-E dataset, a novel resource for studying household energy decision-making.
- To provide a large-scale, representative dataset linking demographics, building characteristics, and behavioral factors related to energy efficiency.
- To facilitate research on technology adoption and energy performance in residential buildings.
Main Methods:
- A national-scale internet survey was conducted with 9,919 U.S. residents of single-family and small multifamily homes.
- The dataset comprises 391 variables covering demographics, building characteristics, home modifications, technology adoption willingness, motivations, barriers, program participation, information sources, and energy scenarios.
- Data validation was performed using internal consistency checks and comparisons with existing U.S. national datasets.
Main Results:
- The UPGRADE-E dataset offers an unprecedented scale and breadth of information on household energy-related decision-making.
- It integrates demographic data, home modifications, and self-reported cognitive drivers influencing energy choices.
- The dataset provides a rich resource for analyzing patterns in technology adoption and energy efficiency behaviors.
Conclusions:
- The UPGRADE-E dataset is a valuable resource for policymakers and researchers investigating energy technology adoption in U.S. homes.
- It enables a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between occupant behavior, decision-making, and residential energy performance.
- Leveraging this data can inform targeted policies and interventions to improve energy efficiency in the residential sector.
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