Energy efficiency and comfort: analysis of thermal responses and behaviors of residents with high and low air conditioning dependency

The widespread use of split air conditioners (SAC) in Chinese residences has a significant impact on energy consumption. This study examines SAC usage behaviors in Jiaozuo, Henan Province, through environmental measurements and resident surveys. Using the entropy weight method, SAC users were classified into high air conditioning dependency (HACD) and low air conditioning dependency (LACD) groups. While both groups experienced similar outdoor heat conditions (P > 0.05), HACD residents maintained significantly lower indoor temperatures (P = 0.002). However, there were no significant differences in heat sensation, thermal comfort, or acceptability between the two groups (P > 0.05). LACD residents demonstrated greater adaptability to higher temperatures by adopting diverse low-carbon strategies, such as natural ventilation, fan usage, and clothing adjustments. As a result, LACD residents exhibited behavioral patterns associated with lower air-conditioning energy use, underscoring the potential for energy savings through adaptive cooling strategies. Using Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) and Matrice d’Impacts Croisés Multiplication Appliquée à un Classement (MICMAC) analysis, the study identified economic conditions, outdoor environment, and climatic region as deep-level factors influencing air conditioning behaviors through residential environment, individual differences, and attitude awareness. These findings provide a theoretical basis for promoting energy-efficient, comfortable, and sustainable air conditioning practices.