A064 Office neutral temperature

A field survey of neutral temperature in air-conditioned offices of Hong Kong

Brief:

The thermal environment for air-conditioned offices in subtropical climates is examined from the prospect of maintaining an optimum operative temperature for the occupants. We have investigated the optimum neutral temperature from occupants’ responses towards the perceiving thermal environment in air-conditioned offices and complaints of thermal discomfort in an air-conditioned office building. The operative temperature was correlated with the occupants’ thermal responses. The results showed that the thermal neutral temperatures for air-conditioned offices in subtropical climates were 23.6°C and 21.4°C in summer and winter respectively. The preferred thermal environment in Hong Kong should be slightly cool, corresponding to about 1°C below the neutral temperature, in order to satisfy most of the occupants in the office space.

Source: Building and Environment, Volume 42, Number 2, pp. 699-706 (2007).

Further information:

Mui KW, Wong LT, 2007. Neutral temperature in subtropical climates - a field survey in air-conditioned offices, Building and Environment 42(2) 699-706.