Indoor Climate

Thermal comfort is defined in ISO 7730 as “… that condition of mind which expresses satisfaction with the thermal environment”. The sensation of thermal comfort is therefore largely subjective and will vary from person to person. Due to differences in metabolism and expectations, there are distinct individual differences among people’s perception of comfort as a function of temperature, humidity, and other atmospheric characteristics. Acclimatisation, habits, and expectations influence perceived comfort. These individual differences make it difficult to specify a single thermal environment that will be satisfactory to everyone. A thermal environment is therefore typically defined to be acceptable to at least 80% of the occupants of an interior space.