Purchasing energy efficient appliances: knowledge, attitudes, inconvenience

In order to reduce global warming and air pollution it is imperative to encourage consumers to purchase energy efficient appliances (EEAs). This study aims to contribute to the evolving literature on pro-environmental purchase behaviour by examining the influences of consumers’ knowledge, attitudes and perceived inconvenience on their intention to purchase EEAs. A paper-based survey was used to collect data from 682 Vietnamese consumers who shopped at five specialist appliance stores. The data analysis using structural equation modelling revealed that consumers with greater knowledge of EEAs are inclined to believe that purchases of EEAs are important for environmental protection. They also tend to downplay their beliefs of inconvenience associated with such purchases (i.e. higher price, poor energy rating labels, extra time and effort required). Furthermore, whilst environmental attitude positively influenced purchase intention, perceived inconvenience significantly reduced such intention. Based on the findings, strategies are suggested to enhance purchases of EEAs.