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CHAPTER 6
1953 Guide
measurable, degree the optimum conditions for comfort previously in dicated. Since the mean radiant temperature of a space is affected by cold walls mid windows, as well as by the warm surfaces of heating units placed within the room or imbedded in the walls, these factors must be
Physiological Principles
Many field studies23 have been made to determine the optimum indoor effective temperature for both winter and summer in several metropolitan districts of the United States and Canada, in cooperation with the manage ments of offices employing large numbers of workers (Fig. 11). On the whole women of all age groups studied prefer an effective temperature for comfort 1 0 deg higher than men. All men and women over 40 years of age prefer a temperature 1 deg ET higher than that desired by persons below this age. The persons serving in all of these studies were repre sentative of office workers dressed for air conditioned spaces in the summer season, and engaged in the customary office activity.
* Note.--Both summer and winter comfort lines apply to inhabitants of the United States only. Applies-
titm of winter comfort hne is further limited to rooms heated by central systems of the convection type. The
line does not apply to rooms heated by radiant methods. Application of summer comfort line is limited to
homes, offices and the like, where the occupants become fully adapted to the artificial air conditions. The
une does not apply to theaters, department stores, and the like where the exposure is less
3 hours. The
summer comfort line shown pertains to Pittsburgh and to other cities in the northern portion of the United
TM Southern Canada, and at elevations not in excess of 1000 ft above sea level. An increase of one dee
itl^should be made approximately per 5 deg reduction in north latitude.
Dotted portion of winter comfort line was extrapolated beyond test data.
compensated. Likewise, in densely occupied spaces, such as classrooms, theaters and auditoriums, temperatures somewhat lower than those .indicated by the comfort line may be desirable because of counter radiation between the bodies of occupants in close proximity to each other. Such radiation will also elevate the mean radiant temperature of the room.
Fig. 11. Relation Between Effective Temperature and Percentage Observa
tions Indicating Comfort
On the basis of present knowledge, for different geographical regions and age groups, the most popular temperature varies from a low of 66 ET in winter to a high of 73 ET in summer. The spread for summer comfort is 69 to 73 ET.
A spread of 3 deg in the optimum effective temperature for summer cooling is ascribed to geographical location. However, variations in sensa tion of comfort among individuals may be greater for any given location than variations due to a difference in geographical location. The available information indicates that changes in weather conditions over a period of a few days do not alter the optimum indoor temperature.
Sudden chilling (shock) of persons entering a cooled and air conditioned space during the summer months, may at times be important. It is due to the rapid evaporation of perspiration which accumulated1 on the skin and in the clothing during previous subjection to hot and humid outside conditions. While studies^6 have shown that for healthy individuals this shock is not harmful, under some conditions it may be unpleasant or