Adoption, use, and perception of room and personal comfort systems in U.S. households

The widespread adoption of centralized heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems in U.S. households has offered comprehensive, on-demand indoor climate control, but also introduced challenges, such as accommodating diverse occupant preferences or ensuring efficient energy use in sparsely occupied zones. Recent studies have indicated that integrating centralized HVAC systems with room comfort systems (RCSs) or personal comfort systems (PCSs) could enhance occupant comfort and energy efficiency through localized thermal control. However, limited research has investigated how these systems are adopted, used, and perceived in residential settings. This study addresses this gap by analyzing two datasets: the national Residential Energy Consumption Survey data and a complementary household survey designed to capture perceptions and usage behaviors related to RCSs and PCSs. We used descriptive and inferential analysis to reveal overall and subgroup trends, with groups defined based on the system adoption status, climate, and HVAC energy efficiency level. Results revealed that RCSs and PCSs remained relatively underutilized among U.S. households. Adopters of RCSs and/or PCSs possessed generally positive views regarding their potentials; however, their behaviors did not reflect these perceptions into improved energy use patterns. Furthermore, non-adopters often lacked understanding of how these systems can effectively complement centralized HVAC systems to enhance comfort and energy efficiency. This study advances understanding of how predominant centralized HVAC infrastructure shapes household attitudes toward decentralized comfort technologies and underscores the need to raise awareness of the potential benefits of RCSs and PCSs for enhancing comfort and energy efficiency.