Temperature response functions for residential energy demand – A review of models

• This paper reviews temperature-based demand models of residential energy demand.
• We identified the advantages and limitation of temperature response functions.
• We discussed the potential of the models to evaluate the adaptation responses.
• The impacts of the type and age of the building stock haven’t been broadly assessed.

Climate is a major influence on residential energy demand and energy demand patterns. A better understanding of the link between climate and energy demand responses is crucial to improve energy forecasting outcomes and to evaluate the potential of climate change adaptation strategies. This paper reviews models of residential energy demand to temperature. We classify the models used in papers published in peer-reviewed journals and observe that the credibility of energy demand projections hinges in part on the assumption that the shape and type of the temperature response function is stationary. The evidence of acclimatization to warmer conditions may oppose this assumption. While the studies reviewed here only tested the impact of changes in the temperature thresholds and the shape of temperature response functions, a comprehensive understanding of changes in energy demand patterns and climate adaptation potentials requires knowledge of building stock turnover rates and associated changes in technology and behavioral responses of building occupants. These are not yet part of the standard repertoire of temperature-based demand models.