Space heating energy consumption in urban residential areas of the hot summer and cold winter zones (HSCW) in China has increased dramatically during the last decade. Large-scale surveys and in-depth measurements of residential heating consumption is important to monitor trends. More importantly, a macro energy model that reflects the current status and that can be used to analyze future scenarios is needed. In this paper, a bottom-up model was established, and the results show the total energy consumption in the HSCW and the influences of building envelops, heating equipment efficiency, and especially occupant behavior on energy use. Related technical and policy suggestions were analyzed in different scenarios. Presently, energy consumption for heating in urban residential areas of the HSCW is relatively low, but is increasing rapidly, so the establishment of superior national building energy efficient designs requires attention. The findings suggest that the district heating network would not be feasible for the HSCW and decentralized heating should be the major heating method employed. Besides building efficiency, appliance efficiency should also be improved. Lastly, residents' behaviors in regards to the opening of windows can significantly influence energy use and should be carefully considered by policy makers and engineers. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.