What is the importance of indoor temperature?
Temperature defines how hot or cold something feels and is typically measured in degrees Celsius (°C) or Fahrenheit (°F). Ambient temperature, room temperature and outside temperature all refer to the temperature of the air.
The ambient room temperature is the average temperature within a space. The perception of temperature differs from person to person. It is important to create a general feeling of comfort for everyone. The temperature at which most people feel comfortable indoors typically lies between 21 and 25 °C, often referred to as the thermal comfort zone. The World Health Organization sets 18 °C as the lower threshold for a healthy indoor environment.
In this respect, it is not the absolute temperature, but especially the apparent temperature that is important: the temperature humans actually feel. This temperature can deviate substantially from the absolute temperature due to various factors including humidity, wind speed (or draft when indoors), and exposure to sunlight. Furthermore, it depends on the individuals occupying the room and the activities they perform.
A critical, but crucial balance
Temperatures between 18 °C and 20 °C may already feel cold. This can feel uncomfortable but is not unhealthy, most people can adapt to this temperature. The cold feeling creates a mild stress response that makes you slightly more alert, which can improve focus. This sharpened focus, however, will fade if you stay in the cold too long, and discomfort will take over, making concentration difficult again.
Temperatures between 15 and 17 °C are acceptable for short periods, or when performing physically demanding tasks, but not when sitting still. Long-term exposure to indoor temperatures below 15 °C can have negative effects on our health.
Conversely, when the surrounding temperature is too high, the effects may also feel uncomfortable: the body becomes clammy and tired. In addition, people may experience dizziness, fainting, and heat cramps. A temperature of 30 °C is regarded as the upper limit for working safely. Lowering the temperature excessively can have adverse effects. Concentration decreases, tiredness increases, and the body’s focus shifts to warming up again.
What is a good indoor work temperature?
The ideal room temperature also depends on the use. Generally, there are 4 categories of work environments requiring different temperature levels:
1) Heavy work: 13 °C
For heavy physical labour, cooler temperatures of around 12—14 °C are recommended to prevent overheating.
2) Light work: 16 °C
Light physical activity usually requires a slightly warmer environment, often in the 16—18 °C range.
3) Hospitals and shops: 18 °C
Public spaces like hospitals and shops are often kept around 18—20 °C for comfort and health reasons.
4) Offices: 20 °C
Offices typically have recommended temperatures between 20—22 °C to ensure comfort for mostly sedentary work.
What is free cooling?
Generally, in summer, there is a demand to bring the indoor temperature down, and in winter, there is a demand to raise the indoor temperature and limit heat losses. Heat exchangers can help with this, as do fan heaters.
The most important application of ventilation in function of temperature is free cooling, which is an alternative or supplement to air conditioning. As outside temperatures lower during the night, the ventilation system starts sucking the cooler air inside. Over time the building starts to cool. When the building has reached the desired temperature, the system stops supplying air inside. It is cost-effective and the outside air will benefit the indoor air quality.
Since temperature and relative humidity are basic parameters that determine the comfort and well-being of residents, most Sentera sensors can measure both parameters.