## 4 Factors Affecting HErC
### Economic Attributes  
Household economic attributes play a crucial role in the HErC. In recent years, China has made significant progress in poverty alleviation, gradually narrowing income disparities, although wealth gaps and regional differences still require attention. Factors such as income level, household assets, and expenditure patterns collectively shape the complex pattern of HErC.  
Income level plays a key role in urban HErC [37] Numerous studies have indicated that per capita energy consumption and carbon emissions in urban households tend to increase with rising income [38; 39]. Income levels influence carbon emissions by altering household sensitivity to energy consumption. Low-income households are often more concerned with energy costs, while high-income households are more likely to prioritize quality of life and consumer experiences, favoring carbon-intensive products and services [40]. However, higher income levels can also drive households to shift from traditional to cleaner energy sources, which helps reduce carbon emissions [33]. [PERSON] et al. found that wealthier households are more willing to increase their use of clean energy, while low-income households, due to habitual use and cost considerations, are less likely to completely abandon low-quality energy sources [41]. [PERSON], [PERSON] and [PERSON] also confirmed this in their study on the energy transition in urban household cooking [42]. The influence of income level on urban HErC is complex and variable and may differ due to factors such as regional climate and urban development [43]. It is essential to consider multiple factors and develop tailored strategies to balance the pursuit of higher living standards with the increase in HErC that accompanies rising income.  
Household assets, as an important indicator of economic status, also influence HErC. It is widely recognized that carbon emissions increase with the level of asset ownership [38].  
Assets such as savings, real estate [44], automobiles [39], and home appliances [32] contribute to this effect. In particular, household savings play a critical role in mediating the impact of income on energy transition. Heterogeneous savings behaviors significantly affect this relationship, with medium- to high-savings households more inclined to adopt clean energy systems [45]. Previous studies have shown that approximately one-third of future electricity demand growth will arise from an increase in certain large appliances [46]. Therefore, optimizing household asset allocation, promoting energy-efficient appliances, and encouraging green transportation are important strategies for reducing HErC.  
Household expenditures are another key factor influencing urban HErC. Increased consumption expenditure is widely regarded as a significant driver of higher HErC [47], even playing a dominant role [48]. However, some studies have found that the impact of consumption expenditure on energy consumption and carbon emissions varies regionally [49], with a more persistent and pronounced effect in economically disadvantaged areas [50]. [PERSON] et al. attribute this variability to regional differences in reliance on fossil fuels within household expenditure patterns, with cleaner energy practices in some regions mitigating the emissions that would otherwise result from increased expenditure [51]. [PERSON] et al. support this view, suggesting that shifts in household expenditure patterns can offset the increased energy demand associated with improved living standards [52]. This suggests that improving quality of life does not necessarily increase carbon emissions [53] and can be effectively controlled by optimizing consumption patterns [54].