A Study on the Commonly Adopted Energy Sources and Production Systems for Domestic Hot Water in the Calabria Region (Italy)

Abstract

Worldwide, there are many options to ensure domestic hot water (DHW) provision in dwellings. This study aimed to depict the distribution of energy sources and DHW production systems in the Calabria region. The research was focused on understanding which variables, among contextual variables and building characteristics, may influence the adoption of a particular energy source or production system. Descriptive statistics and chi-square test of independence have been developed. Significant relationships were found between the climatic zone and the energy source used as well as between the climatic zone and the production system installed in both households with a separated and a combined DHW production system. Furthermore, the population of the municipality and the dwelling type resulted to be significant variables for the preference of an energy source or the diffusion of a combined production system.