Unveiling energy inefficiencies: A study on building energy consumption in single-person households

The rise of single-person households globally is reshaping the residential building sector, yet their energy consumption patterns have been largely overlooked. This study analyzes data from 518 households in South Korea over one year, revealing significant insights into single-person households’ energy use. Single-person households consume 2.69 times more heating energy, 1.66 times more electricity, and 1.55 times more domestic hot water per capita than multi-person households. Employed individuals in these households, who spend less time at home, consume more heating energy due to inefficient Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) control behaviors, wasting 43.6 % of heating energy. The study highlights the urgent need for targeted energy policies and technological innovations tailored to single-person households. Current policies designed for multi-person households fail to address their unique needs. Proposed measures include revised building energy performance standards, optimized HVAC system sizing, and floor plan designs that consider the distinct occupancy patterns of single-person households. By addressing these challenges, policymakers and technologists can reduce energy consumption and support global carbon neutrality goals.