KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Although they are worried about the economy, consumers are willing to buy energy-efficient products and services if they can see immediate dollar savings, according to a national survey conducted by the Shelton Group.

The survey found that 71 percent of consumers cited saving money as a reason to buy energy-efficient products. Far fewer chose “to protect the environment” (55 percent) and “to protect the quality of life for future generations” (49 percent). That is a significant change from the surveys conducted by the Shelton Group in 2006 and 2007 — before the recession — when consumers cited “to protect the environment” most often.

“Americans are concerned about their jobs, their homes, and their bank accounts. They’re now more focused on saving money than saving the Amazon,” said Suzanne Shelton, president of the Shelton Group. “Yes, conserving energy is the greenest thing anybody can do, but consumers are not buying more efficient products because they want to save the world. They want products that can save them money in the long run.”

According to the Shelton Group, it tracks shifting consumer attitudes and behaviors about energy efficiency and sustainability through its quarterly studies: Utility Pulse, Eco Pulse, Green Living Pulse, and Energy Pulse. The latest study, Utility Pulse, shows the recession’s effect on consumers. “Now more than ever, Americans have a deep desire to be in charge of their lives,” Shelton said. “And seeing utility bills go down $10 to $20 a month brings a lot of peace of mind. It’s a huge motivator.”

According to the survey, consumers said they are likely to take a number of energy-efficient measures after learning they would save over the long term. Among them:

• 44 percent responded they are likely to buy a programmable thermostat; 32 percent already have;

• 43 percent responded they are likely to install insulation in their homes; 26 percent already have;

• 42 percent responded that they are likely to install a higher-efficiency water heater; 26 percent already have.

The study also showed consumers want results when they buy energy-efficient products, and they are disappointed if they do not see the return on investment they expected:

• Most (53.3 percent) of those who said they had purchased Energy Star brand appliances, completed energy-efficient home renovations, or participate in special utility programs had seen the reduction in their utility bill that they had expected.

• Almost a third (32 percent), however, said they had not. This is most likely due to their utility raising rates, or because they are using more energy, thanks to additional gadgets (computers, cell phones, etc.) that they have plugged in. Then there is the third possibility — the “Snackwells effect” — so-called because some people purchase the low-calorie snacks and then eat more of them.

“A lot of us buy a box of Snackwells and think, ‘They’re low fat, so I can eat all of them.’ Then we wonder why we haven’t lost weight,” Shelton said. “Buying an energy-efficient product can create the same type of effect. We’ll say, ‘I just got a high-efficiency air conditioner, I can lower the temp and make my home even cooler in the summer.’ Then we get frustrated that our new air conditioner isn’t reducing our utility bills.

“That’s why it’s important that utilities and energy-efficient product manufacturers make sure consumers understand what they’re getting and promote behavior change alongside product purchases,” Shelton added. “A high-efficiency heater doesn’t mean we can turn our home into a sauna in the winter.”

Publication date: 03/30/2009