AC replacement: Heat of the moment or cool-headed choice?

Abstract

This paper investigates the determinants of households’ central air conditioner (AC) replacements, one of the larger energy using durable goods that households purchase. We do not find evidence that hot weather or high humidity significantly affect AC replacement rates. However, higher electricity prices and bills increase the likelihood of AC replacement. These findings suggest that clear financial motivators like price incentives could be an effective tool in policymakers’ climate change arsenal going forward.