What does thermal comfort refer to?

Thermal comfort pertains to the state of mind that reflects an individual's satisfaction with their surrounding thermal environment. It goes beyond merely measuring the physical temperature of a room and takes into account other factors such as humidity, air movement, and personal factors like clothing and activity level. Achieving thermal comfort means that the environment is perceived as neither too hot nor too cold, resulting in a pleasant experience for occupants.

This concept is important because it acknowledges that thermal comfort is subjective; different individuals may have varying preferences and tolerances for temperature and humidity. Understanding this helps in designing spaces that enhance occupant satisfaction, leading to improved comfort levels in residential and commercial buildings.

It's also essential to highlight that thermal comfort does not involve just energy consumption measurements or the design of heating systems, although these can play a role in achieving the desired comfort levels. Instead, it emphasizes the psychological and physiological aspects that contribute to a person's overall experience in a given environment.