50 occupants of terraced houses, divided into 4 groups, were surveyed three times in October 1981, February 1983 and March 1983. The first group had Isolair air heating and ventilating systems, and were well insulated with double glazing. The second group was heated by radiators and had the same insulation as group 1. Groups 3 and 4 had normal insulation. Results of the surveys are given. The air heating and ventilating system did not provide the level of satisfaction hoped for. The group with the air heating and ventilating system was surveyed again in March 1984.
Notes the contaminants which may be contained in room air - radon, solvents, tobacco smoke, formaldehyde, dust mites etc. Points out that no definitive threshold values have been established for contaminants representing health hazards. Points out that the reactions of various individuals to them differ widely, determined by a number of factors.
Reports a case study dealing with the relation between ventilating and airing behaviour and the outside climate. Also the significance of other variables such as preferences with respect to the indoor climate are considered. Wind speed is found to correlate, but outside temperature (varying from -3 to +9 degrees C) does not correlate with the length of time the windows in the bedrooms and bathrooms are opened. Rainfall and sunshine also seem to have some influence. The main reasons for airing are that the bedrooms are too warm and not fresh.
This paper describes the results of a study of the indoor climate at 11 Danish schools. The investigation shows how the pupils themselves experience the indoor climate and indicates, for example, the relationship between the volume of outdoor air supplied per pupil and the pupils' evaluation of the quality of the air in the classroom.
Examines evidence for relating sickness to the office environment. Notes research into the office building syndrome (obs) in various countries. Notes that although air conditioning goes back to the 1920s, obs has been in the news only during the last five years or so. Notes the contribution to this of energy saving regulations. Notes the complex nature of indoor air contamination. Points to obvious factors such as air conditioning systems unserviced for 30 years, occupational psychology, indoor architecture, climatic constance and air ionisation.
Studies the daily behaviour with respect to heating, use of windows and ventilation in newly built identical houses in Oosterhout, Netherlands. The houses have external walls of brick with cavity insulation, double-glazed windows and natural ventilation, with a gas burner furnace in the loft for heating and hot water. 57 occupants were interviewed and 41 filled in hourly log-books during 14 days recording people at home, thermostat setting, periods of open windows and trickle ventilators in the different rooms, use of radiator valves and position of doors inside the house.
This paper reports a case study dealing with the relation between ventilating and airing behaviour and the outside climate. Also the significance of other variables such as preferences with respect to the indoor climate are considered. An indication is found that wind speed correlates, but outside temperature (varying from -3 to +9 degrees C) does not correlate with the length of time the windows in the bedrooms and bathrooms are opened. Rainfall and sunshine also seem to have some influence. The main reason for airing is the opinion that the bedrooms are too warm and not fresh.
Discusses the effects of air infiltration and air change rate on temperature and humidity of indoor air. Attempts to quantify the relationship between surface temperature, thermal bridges, thermal resistance and indoor climate.
Notes the increased attention being paid to "sick buildings" of the irritating type. Occupants complain of deteriorated indoor air and subtle medical symptoms that may be related to the indoor air. The problem seems to coincide with energy economising. To evaluate the actual quality of the air in a building it is necessary to conduct field studies with mobile investigation units, taking representative air samples for immediate sensory and chemical analysis.
Describes the work of the Department of Climate and Building Services of the National Swedish Institute for Building Research. Full scale trials, field measurement and measurement technology and methods applied to indoor climate are described. Research on airtight buildings, radon, air quality and efficient ventilation, occupant requirements and effects on human performance is also summarised. Dummies are used to measure heat transport to or from parts of the body, and for measurement of humidity.
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