Energy Consumption in Hungarian Households
Heating is a major driver of electricity and gas use across Europe, and Hungary is no exception. According to recent national statistics, about 17 % of total household energy consumption is devoted to maintaining indoor warmth. In a country where winter temperatures can drop below 0 °C, the cost of keeping homes comfortable can quickly become a significant part of the monthly budget.
Heating Accounts for 17 % of Total Energy Use
When the energy mix shifts toward renewables, the pressure on heating systems increases. The more efficient the heating strategy, the lower the overall carbon footprint. This is why the Corvinus University of Budapest has taken a close look at how simple behavioral changes can reduce energy demand.
The Corvinus University Experiment
In December 2025, a team of researchers from the Regional Centre for Energy Policy Research at Corvinus University published a study in the journal Sustainable Futures. The study surveyed 266 university students across Budapest, asking them to set a target temperature for their homes over the coming weeks.
Study Design and Participant Groups
The participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups:
- Control – no additional information or default setting.
- Default‑Only – participants were told the recommended default temperature was 18 °C.
- Information‑Only – participants received a concise note summarizing international health recommendations for safe indoor temperatures.
- Combined – participants received both the default temperature and the informational note.
Key Findings: Information Drives Behavior
The most striking result was that the group that received the informational note lowered their preferred temperature by almost one degree on average, from 21.5 °C in the control group to 20.5 °C. The default‑only group showed no significant change, indicating that simply stating a target temperature is insufficient to alter habits.
When the default and information were combined, participants actually chose a higher temperature than the information‑only group, suggesting a back‑fire effect where the perceived external control undermined the persuasive power of the message.
Why Knowledge Outperforms Default Settings
Confidence and Health Concerns
Students were more willing to accept a lower temperature when they felt confident that it would not compromise their health. The informational note addressed common misconceptions, such as the belief that temperatures below 18 °C can cause illness, thereby building trust in the recommendation.
The Backfire Effect of Combined Nudges
When the default temperature was paired with the informational note, participants perceived the intervention as a form of coercion. This perception led to resistance, a phenomenon documented in behavioral economics literature where overly prescriptive nudges can trigger reactance.
Practical Implications for Energy Policy
Crafting Effective Information Campaigns
Policymakers should focus on clear, evidence‑based messaging that explains the health and economic benefits of modest temperature reductions. Campaigns could use infographics, short videos, and real‑world case studies to illustrate the impact of a one‑degree drop on energy bills and carbon emissions.
Balancing Comfort and Conservation
While 18 °C is a common recommendation, the study noted that households with small children or elderly residents may need slightly higher settings. Tailoring guidelines to specific demographic groups can improve compliance without compromising well‑being.
Recommendations for Students and Homeowners
Setting Realistic Temperature Targets
Based on the study’s findings, a practical target for most households is 20 °C during the day and 18 °C at night. This approach balances comfort with energy savings and aligns with the health guidelines endorsed by the World Health Organization.
Using Smart Thermostats and Energy Audits
Smart thermostats can automatically adjust indoor temperatures based on occupancy patterns, reducing waste. Additionally, a simple energy audit—identifying drafts, poor insulation, and inefficient appliances—can uncover further savings opportunities.
Conclusion
The Corvinus University study demonstrates that well‑crafted information is a powerful tool for reducing household energy consumption. By addressing misconceptions and building confidence, students and homeowners can adopt lower temperature settings without sacrificing comfort. Policymakers and sustainability advocates should therefore prioritize transparent, evidence‑based communication over prescriptive nudges.
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