Key Takeaways #
- Room temperature is subjective and influenced by multiple factors.
- Gender, national origin, season, and even job satisfaction can affect how we perceive temperature.
- There is no single perfect temperature that will satisfy everyone.
Why Room Temperature Matters #
- We spend significant time indoors in industrialized societies.
- Buildings must be comfortable for diverse groups of people.
- Managing heating and cooling costs is crucial.
Factors Influencing Temperature Perception #
Gender #
- Some studies suggest differences in preferred temperatures between men and women, but not consistent across all cultures.
- Studies in Israel and Pakistan did not find significant differences.
National Origin #
- A study in Tokyo found a wider gulf in preferred temperatures between Japanese women and non-Japanese men, highlighting the role of both culture and gender.
Job Satisfaction #
- A study in the US found a link between job satisfaction and satisfaction with the indoor environment, including temperature.
"If you find you’re always sweaty at work, maybe try asking for a raise?"
Time of Year #
- We may tolerate higher temperatures in summer.
- We tend to rate indoor environments as warmer in winter, even if slightly cooler, potentially due to comparison with outdoor temperatures.
Humidity #
- Higher humidity makes rooms feel warmer, especially at higher temperatures.
- Building engineers should consider humidity when setting temperatures, especially in regions with extreme temperature variations.
Finding a Comfortable Temperature #
- No single temperature will satisfy everyone, and our preferred temperatures vary even within ourselves throughout the year.
- Allowing building users to adjust the thermostat can be a solution, but is not always practical.
- Understanding the various factors impacting comfort temperature is essential for designing comfortable spaces.
"Room temperature is actually informed by a bunch of different facets of our experience as humans."
Summary for: Youtube