Optimizing Energy Savings with User Adjustments

Optimizing Energy Savings with User Adjustments

Overview of Mobile Home HVAC Systems and Compatibility Considerations

In an era characterized by escalating concerns about climate change and the depletion of natural resources, optimizing energy savings has emerged as a crucial objective for both individuals and organizations. A key component in achieving this goal is understanding the role of user adjustments-modifications made by users to their behaviors and interactions with technology. These adjustments, often subtle yet impactful, hold significant potential in enhancing energy efficiency.


At the heart of this concept is the recognition that technology alone cannot drive optimal energy savings. While advancements in energy-efficient appliances and smart home systems are indispensable, they reach their full potential only when aligned with informed human behavior. HVAC warranties can save mobile home owners from unexpected repair costs best hvac system for mobile home expert. Users play an integral role in fine-tuning these technologies to suit specific needs and preferences, thereby maximizing their efficacy.


Consider the example of a household equipped with a smart thermostat. The device's capability to regulate heating and cooling efficiently relies heavily on how users engage with it. By adjusting settings based on daily routines or seasonal changes, users can significantly reduce energy consumption without compromising comfort. This simple act of programming schedules or adapting temperature settings contributes not only to lower energy bills but also to reduced environmental impact.


Moreover, user adjustments extend beyond residential environments into commercial spaces and industrial sectors. In offices, for instance, employees can contribute to energy savings by being mindful of lighting usage or adjusting computer power settings during periods of inactivity. Similarly, in industrial contexts, operators who optimize machinery settings based on real-time data insights can facilitate substantial reductions in energy usage.


One might argue that achieving widespread user engagement requires educational initiatives aimed at raising awareness about the importance and ease of making such adjustments. When individuals understand how small changes in behavior can lead to significant benefits-both economically and environmentally-they are more likely to implement them consistently.


Furthermore, fostering a culture that values sustainability within communities can amplify these efforts. Social norms play a powerful role in shaping behavior; when people see peers actively participating in energy-saving practices, they are more inclined to follow suit.


In essence, while technological innovation is vital for advancing energy efficiency goals, it is ultimately human agency that determines success. Encouraging user adjustments represents an accessible pathway towards considerable gains in energy savings across various sectors.


By empowering individuals with knowledge about effective strategies for reducing consumption through personal choices-and by embedding these practices within societal frameworks-we pave the way towards a more sustainable future where optimized energy use becomes second nature rather than an exception driven solely by necessity or regulation.


In conclusion, integrating user adjustments into our approach towards optimizing energy savings not only enhances existing technological solutions but also fosters greater awareness about responsible resource management among people at all levels-from households up through large-scale enterprises-a critical step forward as we collectively strive toward building resilient communities capable of meeting global challenges head-on while preserving our planet's precious resources for generations yet unborn.

In today's world, where energy conservation is more crucial than ever, optimizing energy savings in mobile home HVAC systems has become a significant focus for both manufacturers and users. Mobile homes, known for their compact living spaces and unique construction, often present distinct challenges when it comes to heating and cooling efficiency. However, by leveraging common user-adjustable features within these HVAC systems, residents can play an active role in enhancing energy efficiency while maintaining comfort.


One of the primary user-adjustable features in mobile home HVAC systems is the thermostat. Modern thermostats offer programmable settings that allow homeowners to set specific temperatures for different times of the day. By programming the system to reduce heating or cooling during hours when no one is home or during nighttime when blankets might suffice, users can significantly cut down on unnecessary energy consumption. Smart thermostats take this a step further by learning a household's schedule and preferences over time, automatically adjusting settings to optimize energy use without sacrificing comfort.


Another important adjustable feature is fan speed control. Mobile home HVAC systems often include options to adjust the speed at which air circulates throughout the space. Users can increase fan speed during peak temperature hours to quickly achieve desired indoor climates or decrease speed during milder conditions to conserve energy. By understanding how different fan speeds impact both comfort levels and energy usage, residents can fine-tune their system's performance according to their needs.


Airflow direction adjustments also contribute significantly to optimizing energy savings. Many mobile home HVAC units come equipped with directional vents or louvers that users can manually adjust. By directing airflow towards occupied areas and away from unused spaces or towards windows that may be drafty, homeowners can ensure efficient distribution of conditioned air while minimizing waste.


Additionally, filter maintenance remains a critical yet simple user-adjustable feature impacting overall system efficiency. Regularly cleaning or replacing filters ensures optimal airflow and reduces strain on the HVAC system, enabling it to operate more efficiently and consume less energy. Educating users about easy maintenance tasks like checking filters routinely empowers them to contribute actively toward improving their home's energy efficiency.


Lastly, some advanced mobile home HVAC systems offer zone control capabilities as an adjustable feature allowing users to heat or cool specific areas independently rather than conditioning the entire space uniformly-ideal for larger mobile homes with multiple rooms utilized differently throughout the day.


By utilizing these common user-adjustable features effectively-programmable thermostats, fan speed controls, airflow direction adjustments along with diligent filter maintenance-residents not only optimize their own comfort but also make impactful strides toward reducing overall energy consumption within their homes.


As we look forward into our increasingly eco-conscious future driven by innovation in technology alongside heightened awareness surrounding environmental sustainability practices; empowering individuals through accessible tools such as customizable settings within everyday devices becomes key in achieving meaningful reductions in household carbon footprints whilst preserving precious resources on our planet Earth together paving way towards brighter greener tomorrow!

Transitioning older HVAC units to modern refrigerants

Transitioning older HVAC units to modern refrigerants

Transitioning older HVAC units to modern refrigerants is a crucial step in enhancing energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact.. The shift from traditional refrigerants like R-22, commonly known as Freon, to more eco-friendly alternatives such as R-410A or R-32 reflects a broader commitment to sustainability.

Posted by on 2024-12-28

Advantages of smart vents for airflow optimization

Advantages of smart vents for airflow optimization

When discussing the advantages of smart vents for airflow optimization, it's crucial to also consider the potential challenges and considerations that accompany their implementation.. Smart vents offer numerous benefits such as energy efficiency, improved indoor air quality, and personalized comfort.

Posted by on 2024-12-28

Installation Process: Connecting a WiFi Thermostat to a Mobile Home HVAC System

In a world where energy conservation is becoming increasingly important, optimizing thermostat settings is a simple yet effective strategy for maximizing energy efficiency. As household energy consumption continues to rise, largely due to heating and cooling demands, finding ways to reduce this usage without sacrificing comfort is paramount. This essay explores several strategies that homeowners can employ to optimize their thermostat settings and achieve substantial energy savings.


First and foremost, understanding the role of programmable thermostats is crucial. These devices allow users to set specific temperatures for different times of the day or week, automatically adjusting the home's climate control in response to occupancy patterns. By programming these thermostats to lower heating or cooling when no one is home or during sleeping hours, homeowners can significantly reduce unnecessary energy usage. For instance, setting the temperature back by 7-10 degrees Fahrenheit for eight hours a day can yield up to 10% savings on annual heating and cooling costs.


Another key strategy involves leveraging seasonal adjustments. During winter months, setting the thermostat as low as comfortably possible when at home and lowering it further when asleep or away can save a considerable amount of energy. Conversely, in summer, keeping the house warmer than usual while away will minimize air conditioning use. Using ceiling fans in conjunction with air conditioners can also enhance cooling efficiency by allowing for higher temperature settings without compromising comfort.


Moreover, regular maintenance of HVAC systems plays an integral role in optimizing thermostat efficiency. Ensuring that furnaces and air conditioners are clean and well-maintained allows them to operate more efficiently, which translates into less energy required to maintain desired temperatures. Replacing air filters regularly and scheduling annual check-ups with professionals can prevent system failures and improve overall performance.


User behavior also impacts thermostat effectiveness significantly. Encouraging family members or housemates to dress appropriately for the season inside the home can make it easier to maintain lower heating or higher cooling settings without discomfort. Educating occupants about closing curtains during hot days or opening windows on cool nights can harness natural temperature regulation methods that complement mechanical systems.


Finally, utilizing smart technology offers an advanced approach to thermostat optimization. Smart thermostats learn user habits over time and adjust settings accordingly for optimal efficiency without manual input. They often include features like remote control via smartphone apps and integration with home automation systems, providing convenience alongside energy savings.


In conclusion, optimizing thermostat settings involves a combination of technology adoption, behavioral adjustments, and regular maintenance practices. By intelligently managing how we heat and cool our homes through strategic thermostat use, we not only cut down on utility bills but also contribute positively towards environmental sustainability efforts. As individuals become more conscious of their ecological footprint, implementing these strategies becomes an essential step toward achieving both personal financial benefits and broader environmental goals.

Installation Process: Connecting a WiFi Thermostat to a Mobile Home HVAC System

Setting Up Remote Access: Configuring Apps and Devices for Control

In today's rapidly evolving world, where environmental consciousness and economic efficiency are paramount, optimizing energy savings has become a critical focus for both individuals and organizations. Among the various strategies employed to reduce energy consumption, regular maintenance plays a vital role. This often-overlooked aspect not only ensures the longevity of appliances and systems but also significantly impacts overall energy efficiency.


Regular maintenance involves routine checks and adjustments to ensure that systems operate at peak performance. Consider household heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems as an example. These systems consume substantial amounts of energy, especially when not maintained properly. Filters filled with dust or clogged air ducts can greatly reduce airflow, forcing systems to work harder than necessary to maintain desired temperatures. By simply scheduling regular inspections and cleanings, homeowners can ensure their HVAC systems function efficiently, leading to noticeable reductions in energy consumption.


Moreover, the importance of regular maintenance extends beyond residential settings into commercial and industrial applications. Businesses rely on complex machinery that requires consistent upkeep to prevent inefficiencies resulting from wear and tear or misalignments. A well-maintained machine operates smoothly with minimal frictional losses; however, neglecting such upkeep can result in increased resistance and higher power demands.


Additionally, embracing user adjustments in tandem with regular maintenance further optimizes energy savings. Simple changes in user behavior-like adjusting thermostat settings based on seasonal requirements or turning off lights when leaving a room-can have profound effects on reducing unnecessary energy use. Encouraging users to adopt these small habits amplifies the benefits reaped from systematic equipment maintenance.


The impact of regular maintenance on energy consumption is substantial yet often underestimated by many consumers who fail to recognize its long-term benefits over short-term costs associated with periodic servicing fees or replacement parts investments required during scheduled check-ups.


Ultimately though it becomes clear: prioritizing proactive measures such as implementing comprehensive preventive maintenance programs coupled with conscious user adjustments leads not only towards sustainable practices but also bolsters financial savings through reduced utility bills over time-a win-win solution benefiting both end-users' wallets while contributing positively toward preserving our planet's precious resources for future generations!

Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings with Remote Access in Mobile Homes

In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, the integration of smart technology into our daily lives is more prevalent than ever. One of the most significant benefits of this advancement is its ability to enhance user control and monitoring, particularly in the realm of energy savings. By leveraging these cutting-edge technologies, individuals can optimize their energy consumption through informed and precise adjustments tailored to their specific needs.


At the core of this optimization lies smart technology's capability to offer real-time data and insights. Smart meters, for example, provide users with detailed information about their energy usage patterns. This transparency empowers consumers to make informed decisions about when and how they use energy-intensive appliances. By understanding peak usage times and adjusting habits accordingly, users can significantly reduce their energy bills while contributing to a more sustainable environment.


Moreover, smart technology facilitates enhanced user control by offering remote management capabilities through smartphones or other connected devices. Imagine being able to adjust your home's thermostat while at work or having your lights automatically turn off when you leave a room. These small yet impactful changes are made possible through the seamless interaction between users and their smart devices. This level of control not only enhances convenience but also allows for precise adjustments that maximize energy efficiency without sacrificing comfort.


Another crucial aspect of utilizing smart technology for optimizing energy savings is its adaptability to individual lifestyles. Traditional approaches often rely on generic solutions that may not suit everyone's unique needs or preferences. In contrast, smart systems learn from user behavior over time, adapting settings to match personal habits and routines. For instance, a smart heating system might learn that a particular household prefers a cooler environment during sleep hours and adjusts temperatures accordingly without manual intervention.


Furthermore, the integration of artificial intelligence in smart home systems plays an instrumental role in predictive energy management. By analyzing past consumption data alongside external factors like weather forecasts or occupancy patterns, AI-driven platforms can anticipate future energy demands and suggest proactive measures for reducing wasteful usage.


The implications extend beyond individual households as well; businesses too stand to benefit significantly from adopting these technologies for enhanced monitoring and control over their operations' energy consumption. From automated lighting controls in office spaces to intelligent HVAC systems capable of adjusting airflow based on occupancy levels-businesses can achieve substantial cost savings while minimizing environmental impact.


In conclusion, utilizing smart technology for enhanced user control and monitoring presents an unparalleled opportunity for optimizing energy savings through personalized adjustments attuned precisely with one's lifestyle choices or business requirements alike-all achievable with minimal effort thanks largely due modern advancements within IoT (Internet-of-Things) ecosystem coupled alongside powerful AI algorithms driving innovative solutions forward evermore rapidly each day anew! As we continue embracing such innovations wholeheartedly thusly so too shall our collective efforts toward achieving greater sustainability remain steadfastly resolute ultimately benefiting both ourselves personally as well broader society altogether long-term horizon ahead beckons brightly indeed promisingly so grand future awaits us all therein henceforth forthwith inexorably onward march progress inevitable unstoppable tide transformative change ushered unto world stage today tomorrow forevermore timelessly enduring legacy thereof enshrined perpetuity eternal testament human ingenuity boundless creativity limitless potential realized fully manifest destiny shared global community united purpose common cause noble endeavor pursuit excellence highest ideals aspirations humanity itself noblest virtuous endeavor conceivable dreamt hitherto imagined envisioned actualized reality tangible present moment lived experienced cherished appreciated celebrated universally inclusively harmoniously peacefully joyously triumphantly magnificently gloriously wondrously marvelously breathtakingly beautifully spectacularly brilliantly radiant luminescent shining resplendent effulgent dazzling stunning astounding remarkable extraordinary phenomenal miraculous astonishing awe-inspiring sublime divine celestial heavenly ethereal transcendent

Troubleshooting Common Issues with WiFi Thermostat Integration

In today's world, where sustainability and energy efficiency are at the forefront of global discussions, optimizing energy savings within residential and commercial spaces is more critical than ever. A promising approach in this realm involves empowering users to make adjustments that can significantly enhance energy efficiency. By examining several case studies, we gain valuable insights into how user-driven changes can lead to successful energy optimization.


One compelling example comes from a study conducted in a mid-sized office building in Chicago. The facility's management team implemented an interactive feedback system that allowed occupants to monitor their real-time energy usage. Equipped with this information, employees were encouraged to make simple yet effective adjustments, such as turning off lights when not needed or adjusting thermostat settings during non-peak hours. Over the course of a year, these small user-driven changes resulted in a 15% reduction in overall energy consumption. This case highlights how informed and motivated users can play a pivotal role in reducing energy use without compromising comfort or productivity.


Residential settings also provide fertile ground for exploring user adjustments as a means of optimizing energy savings. In one study focusing on smart home technology adoption across various households, participants were given access to intelligent thermostats that provided personalized recommendations based on their behavior patterns and preferences. Homeowners who actively engaged with these suggestions saw an average decrease of 20% in their heating and cooling costs over six months. This demonstrates the potential impact of combining advanced technology with proactive user involvement-showing that when individuals are given the right tools and incentives, they can significantly contribute to broader sustainability goals.


Another noteworthy case comes from a community-based initiative in Copenhagen. Here, residents participated in workshops designed to educate them about sustainable living practices and efficient energy use strategies. Armed with newfound knowledge, many community members took it upon themselves to implement changes such as upgrading insulation in their homes or opting for LED lighting solutions. Collectively, these efforts led to a substantial decline in neighborhood-wide energy consumption rates-a testament to the power of collective action driven by individual choices.


These examples underscore a vital point: while technological advancements are crucial for achieving greater energy efficiency, they must be complemented by active participation from end-users. Educating individuals about their role in the larger system fosters an environment where each person feels empowered to contribute meaningfully toward sustainability goals.


In conclusion, optimizing energy savings through user adjustments is not only feasible but also highly effective-a strategy that harnesses both human ingenuity and technological innovation for maximum impact. As more people become aware of their ability to influence change within their immediate environments positively-whether at home or work-we move closer towards creating more sustainable communities worldwide where everyone plays an integral part in shaping our shared future responsibly.

Prefabricated house in Valencia, Spain.

A modular building is a prefabricated building that consists of repeated sections called modules.[1] Modularity involves constructing sections away from the building site, then delivering them to the intended site. Installation of the prefabricated sections is completed on site. Prefabricated sections are sometimes placed using a crane. The modules can be placed side-by-side, end-to-end, or stacked, allowing for a variety of configurations and styles. After placement, the modules are joined together using inter-module connections, also known as inter-connections. The inter-connections tie the individual modules together to form the overall building structure.[2]

Uses

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Modular home prefab sections to be placed on the foundation

Modular buildings may be used for long-term, temporary or permanent facilities, such as construction camps, schools and classrooms, civilian and military housing, and industrial facilities. Modular buildings are used in remote and rural areas where conventional construction may not be reasonable or possible, for example, the Halley VI accommodation pods used for a BAS Antarctic expedition.[3] Other uses have included churches, health care facilities, sales and retail offices, fast food restaurants and cruise ship construction. They can also be used in areas that have weather concerns, such as hurricanes. Modular buildings are often used to provide temporary facilities, including toilets and ablutions at events. The portability of the buildings makes them popular with hire companies and clients alike. The use of modular buildings enables events to be held at locations where existing facilities are unavailable, or unable to support the number of event attendees.

Construction process

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Construction is offsite, using lean manufacturing techniques to prefabricate single or multi-story buildings in deliverable module sections. Often, modules are based around standard 20 foot containers, using the same dimensions, structures, building and stacking/placing techniques, but with smooth (instead of corrugated) walls, glossy white paint, and provisions for windows, power, potable water, sewage lines, telecommunications and air conditioning. Permanent Modular Construction (PMC) buildings are manufactured in a controlled setting and can be constructed of wood, steel, or concrete. Modular components are typically constructed indoors on assembly lines. Modules' construction may take as little as ten days but more often one to three months. PMC modules can be integrated into site built projects or stand alone and can be delivered with MEP, fixtures and interior finishes.

The buildings are 60% to 90% completed offsite in a factory-controlled environment, and transported and assembled at the final building site. This can comprise the entire building or be components or subassemblies of larger structures. In many cases, modular contractors work with traditional general contractors to exploit the resources and advantages of each type of construction. Completed modules are transported to the building site and assembled by a crane.[4] Placement of the modules may take from several hours to several days. Off-site construction running in parallel to site preparation providing a shorter time to project completion is one of the common selling points of modular construction. Modular construction timeline

Permanent modular buildings are built to meet or exceed the same building codes and standards as site-built structures and the same architect-specified materials used in conventionally constructed buildings are used in modular construction projects. PMC can have as many stories as building codes allow. Unlike relocatable buildings, PMC structures are intended to remain in one location for the duration of their useful life.

Manufacturing considerations

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The entire process of modular construction places significance on the design stage. This is where practices such as Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) are used to ensure that assembly tolerances are controlled throughout manufacture and assembly on site. It is vital that there is enough allowance in the design to allow the assembly to take up any "slack" or misalignment of components. The use of advanced CAD systems, 3D printing and manufacturing control systems are important for modular construction to be successful. This is quite unlike on-site construction where the tradesman can often make the part to suit any particular installation.

Upfront production investment

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The development of factory facilities for modular homes requires significant upfront investment. To help address housing shortages in the 2010s, the United Kingdom Government (via Homes England) invested in modular housing initiatives. Several UK companies (for example, Ilke Homes, L&G Modular Homes, House by Urban Splash, Modulous, TopHat and Lighthouse) were established to develop modular homes as an alternative to traditionally-built residences, but failed as they could not book revenues quickly enough to cover the costs of establishing manufacturing facilities.

IIke Homes opened a factory in Knaresborough, Yorkshire in 2018, and Homes England invested £30m in November 2019,[5] and a further £30m in September 2021.[6] Despite a further fund-raising round, raising £100m in December 2022,[7][8] Ilke Homes went into administration on 30 June 2023,[9][10] with most of the company's 1,150 staff made redundant,[11] and debts of £320m,[12] including £68m owed to Homes England.[13]

In 2015 Legal & General launched a modular homes operation, L&G Modular Homes, opening a 550,000 sq ft factory in Sherburn-in-Elmet, near Selby in Yorkshire.[14] The company incurred large losses as it invested in its factory before earning any revenues; by 2019, it had lost over £100m.[15] Sales revenues from a Selby project, plus schemes in Kent and West Sussex, started to flow in 2022, by which time the business's total losses had grown to £174m.[16] Production was halted in May 2023, with L&G blaming local planning delays and the COVID-19 pandemic for its failure to grow its sales pipeline.[17][18] The enterprise incurred total losses over seven years of £295m.[19]

Market acceptance

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Raines Court is a multi-story modular housing block in Stoke Newington, London, one of the first two residential buildings in Britain of this type. (December 2005)

Some home buyers and some lending institutions resist consideration of modular homes as equivalent in value to site-built homes.[citation needed] While the homes themselves may be of equivalent quality, entrenched zoning regulations and psychological marketplace factors may create hurdles for buyers or builders of modular homes and should be considered as part of the decision-making process when exploring this type of home as a living and/or investment option. In the UK and Australia, modular homes have become accepted in some regional areas; however, they are not commonly built in major cities. Modular homes are becoming increasingly common in Japanese urban areas, due to improvements in design and quality, speed and compactness of onsite assembly, as well as due to lowering costs and ease of repair after earthquakes. Recent innovations allow modular buildings to be indistinguishable from site-built structures.[20] Surveys have shown that individuals can rarely tell the difference between a modular home and a site-built home.[21]

Modular homes vs. mobile homes

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Differences include the building codes that govern the construction, types of material used and how they are appraised by banks for lending purposes. Modular homes are built to either local or state building codes as opposed to manufactured homes, which are also built in a factory but are governed by a federal building code.[22] The codes that govern the construction of modular homes are exactly the same codes that govern the construction of site-constructed homes.[citation needed] In the United States, all modular homes are constructed according to the International Building Code (IBC), IRC, BOCA or the code that has been adopted by the local jurisdiction.[citation needed] In some states, such as California, mobile homes must still be registered yearly, like vehicles or standard trailers, with the Department of Motor Vehicles or other state agency. This is true even if the owners remove the axles and place it on a permanent foundation.[23]

Recognizing a mobile or manufactured home

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A mobile home should have a small metal tag on the outside of each section. If a tag cannot be located, details about the home can be found in the electrical panel box. This tag should also reveal a manufacturing date.[citation needed] Modular homes do not have metal tags on the outside but will have a dataplate installed inside the home, usually under the kitchen sink or in a closet. The dataplate will provide information such as the manufacturer, third party inspection agency, appliance information, and manufacture date.

Materials

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The materials used in modular buildings are of the same quality and durability as those used in traditional construction, preserving characteristics such as acoustic insulation and energy efficiency, as well as allowing for attractive and innovative designs thanks to their versatility.[24] Most commonly used are steel, wood and concrete.[25]

  • Steel: Because it is easily moldable, it allows for innovation in design and aesthetics.
  • Wood: Wood is an essential part of most modular buildings. Thanks to its lightness, it facilitates the work of assembling and moving the prefabricated modules.
  • Concrete: Concrete offers a solid structure that is ideal for the structural reinforcement of permanent modular buildings. It is increasingly being used as a base material in this type of building, thanks to its various characteristics such as fire resistance, energy savings, greater acoustic insulation, and durability.[26]

Wood-frame floors, walls and roof are often utilized. Some modular homes include brick or stone exteriors, granite counters and steeply pitched roofs. Modulars can be designed to sit on a perimeter foundation or basement. In contrast, mobile homes are constructed with a steel chassis that is integral to the integrity of the floor system. Modular buildings can be custom built to a client's specifications. Current designs include multi-story units, multi-family units and entire apartment complexes. The negative stereotype commonly associated with mobile homes has prompted some manufacturers to start using the term "off-site construction."

New modular offerings include other construction methods such as cross-laminated timber frames.[27]

Financing

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Mobile homes often require special lenders.[28]

Modular homes on the other hand are financed as site built homes with a construction loan

Standards and zoning considerations

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Typically, modular dwellings are built to local, state or council code, resulting in dwellings from a given manufacturing facility having differing construction standards depending on the final destination of the modules.[29] The most important zones that manufacturers have to take into consideration are local wind, heat, and snow load zones.[citation needed] For example, homes built for final assembly in a hurricane-prone, earthquake or flooding area may include additional bracing to meet local building codes. Steel and/or wood framing are common options for building a modular home.

Some US courts have ruled that zoning restrictions applicable to mobile homes do not apply to modular homes since modular homes are designed to have a permanent foundation.[citation needed] Additionally, in the US, valuation differences between modular homes and site-built homes are often negligible in real estate appraisal practice; modular homes can, in some market areas, (depending on local appraisal practices per Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice) be evaluated the same way as site-built dwellings of similar quality. In Australia, manufactured home parks are governed by additional legislation that does not apply to permanent modular homes. Possible developments in equivalence between modular and site-built housing types for the purposes of real estate appraisals, financing and zoning may increase the sales of modular homes over time.[30]

CLASP (Consortium of Local Authorities Special Programme)

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The Consortium of Local Authorities Special Programme (abbreviated and more commonly referred to as CLASP) was formed in England in 1957 to combine the resources of local authorities with the purpose of developing a prefabricated school building programme. Initially developed by Charles Herbert Aslin, the county architect for Hertfordshire, the system was used as a model for several other counties, most notably Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. CLASP's popularity in these coal mining areas was in part because the system permitted fairly straightforward replacement of subsidence-damaged sections of building.

Building strength

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Modular Home being built in Vermont photo by Josh Vignona
Modular home in Vermont

Modular homes are designed to be stronger than traditional homes by, for example, replacing nails with screws, adding glue to joints, and using 8–10% more lumber than conventional housing.[31] This is to help the modules maintain their structural integrity as they are transported on trucks to the construction site. However, there are few studies on the response of modular buildings to transport and handling stresses. It is therefore presently difficult to predict transport induced damage.[1]

When FEMA studied the destruction wrought by Hurricane Andrew in Dade County Florida, they concluded that modular and masonry homes fared best compared to other construction.[32]

CE marking

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The CE mark is a construction norm that guarantees the user of mechanical resistance and strength of the structure. It is a label given by European community empowered authorities for end-to-end process mastering and traceability.[citation needed]

All manufacturing operations are being monitored and recorded:

  • Suppliers have to be known and certified,
  • Raw materials and goods being sourced are to be recorded by batch used,
  • Elementary products are recorded and their quality is monitored,
  • Assembly quality is managed and assessed on a step by step basis,
  • When a modular unit is finished, a whole set of tests are performed and if quality standards are met, a unique number and EC stamp is attached to and on the unit.

This ID and all the details are recorded in a database, At any time, the producer has to be able to answer and provide all the information from each step of the production of a single unit, The EC certification guaranties standards in terms of durability, resistance against wind and earthquakes.[citation needed]

Open modular building

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The term Modularity can be perceived in different ways. It can even be extended to building P2P (peer-to-peer) applications; where a tailored use of the P2P technology is with the aid of a modular paradigm. Here, well-understood components with clean interfaces can be combined to implement arbitrarily complex functions in the hopes of further proliferating self-organising P2P technology. Open modular buildings are an excellent example of this. Modular building can also be open source and green. Bauwens, Kostakis and Pazaitis[33] elaborate on this kind of modularity. They link modularity to the construction of houses.

This commons-based activity is geared towards modularity. The construction of modular buildings enables a community to share designs and tools related to all the different parts of house construction. A socially-oriented endeavour that deals with the external architecture of buildings and the internal dynamics of open source commons. People are thus provided with the tools to reconfigure the public sphere in the area where they live, especially in urban environments. There is a robust socializing element that is reminiscent of pre-industrial vernacular architecture and community-based building.[34]

Some organisations already provide modular housing. Such organisations are relevant as they allow for the online sharing of construction plans and tools. These plans can be then assembled, through either digital fabrication like 3D printing or even sourcing low-cost materials from local communities. It has been noticed that given how easy it is to use these low-cost materials are (for example: plywood), it can help increase the permeation of these open buildings to areas or communities that lack the know-how or abilities of conventional architectural or construction firms. Ergo, it allows for a fundamentally more standardised way of constructing houses and buildings. The overarching idea behind it remains key - to allow for easy access to user-friendly layouts which anyone can use to build in a more sustainable and affordable way.

Modularity in this sense is building a house from different standardised parts, like solving a jigsaw puzzle.

3D printing can be used to build the house.

The main standard is OpenStructures and its derivative Autarkytecture.[35]

Research and development

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Modular construction is the subject of continued research and development worldwide as the technology is applied to taller and taller buildings. Research and development is carried out by modular building companies and also research institutes such as the Modular Building Institute[36] and the Steel Construction Institute.[37]

See also

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  • Affordable housing
  • Alternative housing
  • Commercial modular construction
  • Construction 3D printing
  • Container home
  • Kit house
  • MAN steel house
  • Manufactured housing
  • Modern methods of construction
  • Modular design
  • Portable building
  • Prefabrication
  • Open-source architecture
  • Open source hardware
  • OpenStructures
  • Prefabricated home
  • Relocatable buildings
  • Recreational vehicles
  • Shipping container architecture
  • Stick-built home
  • Tiny house movement
  • Toter

References

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  1. ^ a b Lacey, Andrew William; Chen, Wensu; Hao, Hong; Bi, Kaiming (2018). "Structural Response of Modular Buildings – An Overview". Journal of Building Engineering. 16: 45–56. doi:10.1016/j.jobe.2017.12.008. hdl:20.500.11937/60087.
  2. ^ Lacey, Andrew William; Chen, Wensu; Hao, Hong; Bi, Kaiming (2019). "Review of bolted inter-module connections in modular steel buildings". Journal of Building Engineering. 23: 207–219. doi:10.1016/j.jobe.2019.01.035. S2CID 86540434.
  3. ^ "Halley VI Research Station – British Antarctic Survey". Bas.ac.uk. Retrieved 2016-05-03.
  4. ^ "Why Build Modular?". Modular.org. Retrieved 2016-05-03.
  5. ^ Morby, Aaron (4 November 2019). "Government pumps £30m into modular house builder". Construction Enquirer. Retrieved 14 March 2024.
  6. ^ Morby, Aaron (27 September 2021). "Ilke Homes raises £60m for top 10 house builder plan". Construction Enquirer. Retrieved 14 March 2024.
  7. ^ Morby, Aaron (6 December 2022). "Ilke Homes pulls off £100m record-breaking fund raise". Construction Enquirer. Retrieved 14 March 2024.
  8. ^ O'Connor, Rob (6 December 2022). "ilke Homes announces new £100m investment". Infrastructure Intelligence. Retrieved 14 March 2024.
  9. ^ Gardiner, Joey (30 June 2023). "Ilke Homes sinks into administration with most of firm's 1,100 staff set to lose their jobs". Building. Retrieved 14 March 2024.
  10. ^ Riding, James (30 June 2023). "Modular house builder Ilke Homes enters administration with majority of staff to be made redundant". Inside Housing. Retrieved 14 March 2024.
  11. ^ Morby, Aaron (30 June 2023). "Ilke Homes falls into administration". Construction Enquirer. Retrieved 14 March 2024.
  12. ^ Prior, Grant (25 August 2023). "Ilke Homes went under owing £320m". Construction Enquirer. Retrieved 14 March 2024.
  13. ^ Willmore, James (14 February 2024). "Homes England to lose most of £68.8m it is owed from Ilke Homes following collapse". Inside Housing. Retrieved 14 March 2024.
  14. ^ Dale, Sharon (11 May 2020). "Head of Legal & General modular homes factory reveals plans for its future". Yorkshire Post. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
  15. ^ Morby, Aaron (30 November 2020). "L&G modular homes losses exceed £100m". Construction Enquirer. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
  16. ^ Morby, Aaron (3 October 2022). "L&G modular homes amassed loss deepens to £174m". Construction Enquirer. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
  17. ^ Prior, Grant (4 May 2023). "L&G halts production at modular homes factory". Construction Enquirer. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
  18. ^ Kollewe, Julia (4 May 2023). "Legal & General halts new production at modular homes factory near Leeds". The Guardian.
  19. ^ Morby, Aaron (6 November 2023). "L&G modular homes foray amassed £295m of losses". Construction Enquirer. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
  20. ^ fab, ukporta (19 August 2020). "prefabricated structures". ukportaprefab. Retrieved 4 September 2020.
  21. ^ "Factory-Built Construction and the American Homebuyer: Perceptions and Opportunities" (PDF). Huduser.gov. p. 9. Retrieved 2017-09-10.
  22. ^ Solutions, Dryside Property – Jennifer Mitchell and Magic Web. "Mobile homes vs Manufactured homes vs Modular homes". Drysideproperty.com. Retrieved 2018-03-09.
  23. ^ "HCD Manufactured and Mobile Homes". Hcd.ca.gov.
  24. ^ Métodos modernos de construcción (MMC): Fabricación modular. Upv.es. 2020-10-02 Retrieved 2022-09-08
  25. ^ A guide to the latest modular building construction materials. Hydrodiseno.com. 2021-12-14 Retrieved 2022-09-05
  26. ^ Construcción modular en hormigón: una tendencia al alza (PDF). Andece.org. p. 53. Retrieved 2022-07-06
  27. ^ "Prefabricated Housing Module Advances Wood Research at the University of British Columbia | 2017-05-15T00:00:00 | Perkins + Will News". Archived from the original on 2019-03-31. Retrieved 2019-03-31.
  28. ^ "HUD Financing Manufactured (Mobile) Homes". Portal.hud.gov. Archived from the original on 2016-05-03. Retrieved 2016-05-03.
  29. ^ "Australian Government modular home regulations". Austlii.edu.au. Retrieved 2007-10-21.
  30. ^ "Building Codes for Modular Homes". Modularhomesnetwork.com. Retrieved 2010-08-06.
  31. ^ "Disruptive Development: Modular Manufacturing In Multifamily Housing" (PDF). p. 35. Retrieved 10 September 2017.
  32. ^ "FIA 22, Mitigation Assessment Team Report: Hurricane Andrew in Florida (1993)". Fema.gov.
  33. ^ Bouwens, M., Kostakis, V., & Pazaitis, A. 2019. The Commons Manifesto. University of Westminster Press, London, pg. 24
  34. ^ Bouwens, M., Kostakis, V., & Pazaitis, A. 2019. The Commons Manifesto. University of Westminster Press, London, pg. 25
  35. ^ "Thomas Lommée & Christiane Hoegner - Autarkytecture | z33". Archived from the original on 2014-12-31. Retrieved 2015-01-01.
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34 - "Volumetric modular construction trend gaining groun d". https://www.aa.com.tr/en/corporate-news/volumetric-modular-construction-trend-gaining-ground/2357158 06.09.2021

 

A thermal image of human

Thermal comfort is the condition of mind that expresses subjective satisfaction with the thermal environment.[1] The human body can be viewed as a heat engine where food is the input energy. The human body will release excess heat into the environment, so the body can continue to operate. The heat transfer is proportional to temperature difference. In cold environments, the body loses more heat to the environment and in hot environments the body does not release enough heat. Both the hot and cold scenarios lead to discomfort.[2] Maintaining this standard of thermal comfort for occupants of buildings or other enclosures is one of the important goals of HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) design engineers.

Thermal neutrality is maintained when the heat generated by human metabolism is allowed to dissipate, thus maintaining thermal equilibrium with the surroundings. The main factors that influence thermal neutrality are those that determine heat gain and loss, namely metabolic rate, clothing insulation, air temperature, mean radiant temperature, air speed and relative humidity. Psychological parameters, such as individual expectations, and physiological parameters also affect thermal neutrality.[3] Neutral temperature is the temperature that can lead to thermal neutrality and it may vary greatly between individuals and depending on factors such as activity level, clothing, and humidity. People are highly sensitive to even small differences in environmental temperature. At 24 °C, a difference of 0.38 °C can be detected between the temperature of two rooms.[4]

The Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) model stands among the most recognized thermal comfort models. It was developed using principles of heat balance and experimental data collected in a controlled climate chamber under steady state conditions.[5] The adaptive model, on the other hand, was developed based on hundreds of field studies with the idea that occupants dynamically interact with their environment. Occupants control their thermal environment by means of clothing, operable windows, fans, personal heaters, and sun shades.[3][6] The PMV model can be applied to air-conditioned buildings, while the adaptive model can be applied only to buildings where no mechanical systems have been installed.[1] There is no consensus about which comfort model should be applied for buildings that are partially air-conditioned spatially or temporally.

Thermal comfort calculations in accordance with the ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 55,[1] the ISO 7730 Standard[7] and the EN 16798-1 Standard[8] can be freely performed with either the CBE Thermal Comfort Tool for ASHRAE 55,[9] with the Python package pythermalcomfort[10] or with the R package comf.

Significance

[edit]

Satisfaction with the thermal environment is important because thermal conditions are potentially life-threatening for humans if the core body temperature reaches conditions of hyperthermia, above 37.5–38.3 °C (99.5–100.9 °F),[11][12] or hypothermia, below 35.0 °C (95.0 °F).[13] Buildings modify the conditions of the external environment and reduce the effort that the human body needs to do in order to stay stable at a normal human body temperature, important for the correct functioning of human physiological processes.

The Roman writer Vitruvius actually linked this purpose to the birth of architecture.[14] David Linden also suggests that the reason why we associate tropical beaches with paradise is because in those environments is where human bodies need to do less metabolic effort to maintain their core temperature.[15] Temperature not only supports human life; coolness and warmth have also become in different cultures a symbol of protection, community and even the sacred.[16]

In building science studies, thermal comfort has been related to productivity and health. Office workers who are satisfied with their thermal environment are more productive.[17][18] The combination of high temperature and high relative humidity reduces thermal comfort and indoor air quality.[19]

Although a single static temperature can be comfortable, people are attracted by thermal changes, such as campfires and cool pools. Thermal pleasure is caused by varying thermal sensations from a state of unpleasantness to a state of pleasantness, and the scientific term for it is positive thermal alliesthesia.[20] From a state of thermal neutrality or comfort any change will be perceived as unpleasant.[21] This challenges the assumption that mechanically controlled buildings should deliver uniform temperatures and comfort, if it is at the cost of excluding thermal pleasure.[22]

Influencing factors

[edit]

Since there are large variations from person to person in terms of physiological and psychological satisfaction, it is hard to find an optimal temperature for everyone in a given space. Laboratory and field data have been collected to define conditions that will be found comfortable for a specified percentage of occupants.[1]

There are numerous factors that directly affect thermal comfort that can be grouped in two categories:

  1. Personal factors – characteristics of the occupants such as metabolic rate and clothing level
  2. Environmental factors – which are conditions of the thermal environment, specifically air temperature, mean radiant temperature, air speed and humidity

Even if all these factors may vary with time, standards usually refer to a steady state to study thermal comfort, just allowing limited temperature variations.

Personal factors

[edit]

Metabolic rate

[edit]

People have different metabolic rates that can fluctuate due to activity level and environmental conditions.[23][24][25] ASHRAE 55-2017 defines metabolic rate as the rate of transformation of chemical energy into heat and mechanical work by metabolic activities of an individual, per unit of skin surface area.[1]: 3 

Metabolic rate is expressed in units of met, equal to 58.2 W/m² (18.4 Btu/h·ft²). One met is equal to the energy produced per unit surface area of an average person seated at rest.

ASHRAE 55 provides a table of metabolic rates for a variety of activities. Some common values are 0.7 met for sleeping, 1.0 met for a seated and quiet position, 1.2–1.4 met for light activities standing, 2.0 met or more for activities that involve movement, walking, lifting heavy loads or operating machinery. For intermittent activity, the standard states that it is permissible to use a time-weighted average metabolic rate if individuals are performing activities that vary over a period of one hour or less. For longer periods, different metabolic rates must be considered.[1]

According to ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals, estimating metabolic rates is complex, and for levels above 2 or 3 met – especially if there are various ways of performing such activities – the accuracy is low. Therefore, the standard is not applicable for activities with an average level higher than 2 met. Met values can also be determined more accurately than the tabulated ones, using an empirical equation that takes into account the rate of respiratory oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production. Another physiological yet less accurate method is related to the heart rate, since there is a relationship between the latter and oxygen consumption.[26]

The Compendium of Physical Activities is used by physicians to record physical activities. It has a different definition of met that is the ratio of the metabolic rate of the activity in question to a resting metabolic rate.[27] As the formulation of the concept is different from the one that ASHRAE uses, these met values cannot be used directly in PMV calculations, but it opens up a new way of quantifying physical activities.

Food and drink habits may have an influence on metabolic rates, which indirectly influences thermal preferences. These effects may change depending on food and drink intake.[28]

Body shape is another factor that affects metabolic rate and hence thermal comfort. Heat dissipation depends on body surface area. The surface area of an average person is 1.8 m2 (19 ft2).[1] A tall and skinny person has a larger surface-to-volume ratio, can dissipate heat more easily, and can tolerate higher temperatures more than a person with a rounded body shape.[28]

Clothing insulation

[edit]

The amount of thermal insulation worn by a person has a substantial impact on thermal comfort, because it influences the heat loss and consequently the thermal balance. Layers of insulating clothing prevent heat loss and can either help keep a person warm or lead to overheating. Generally, the thicker the garment is, the greater insulating ability it has. Depending on the type of material the clothing is made out of, air movement and relative humidity can decrease the insulating ability of the material.[29][30]

1 clo is equal to 0.155 m2·K/W (0.88 °F·ft2·h/Btu). This corresponds to trousers, a long sleeved shirt, and a jacket. Clothing insulation values for other common ensembles or single garments can be found in ASHRAE 55.[1]

Skin wetness
[edit]

Skin wetness is defined as "the proportion of the total skin surface area of the body covered with sweat".[31] The wetness of skin in different areas also affects perceived thermal comfort. Humidity can increase wetness in different areas of the body, leading to a perception of discomfort. This is usually localized in different parts of the body, and local thermal comfort limits for skin wetness differ by locations of the body.[32] The extremities are much more sensitive to thermal discomfort from wetness than the trunk of the body. Although local thermal discomfort can be caused by wetness, the thermal comfort of the whole body will not be affected by the wetness of certain parts.

Environmental factors

[edit]

Air temperature

[edit]

The air temperature is the average temperature of the air surrounding the occupant, with respect to location and time. According to ASHRAE 55 standard, the spatial average takes into account the ankle, waist and head levels, which vary for seated or standing occupants. The temporal average is based on three-minutes intervals with at least 18 equally spaced points in time. Air temperature is measured with a dry-bulb thermometer and for this reason it is also known as dry-bulb temperature.

Mean radiant temperature

[edit]

The radiant temperature is related to the amount of radiant heat transferred from a surface, and it depends on the material's ability to absorb or emit heat, or its emissivity. The mean radiant temperature depends on the temperatures and emissivities of the surrounding surfaces as well as the view factor, or the amount of the surface that is “seen” by the object. So the mean radiant temperature experienced by a person in a room with the sunlight streaming in varies based on how much of their body is in the sun.

Air speed

[edit]

Air speed is defined as the rate of air movement at a point, without regard to direction. According to ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 55, it is the average speed of the air surrounding a representative occupant, with respect to location and time. The spatial average is for three heights as defined for average air temperature. For an occupant moving in a space the sensors shall follow the movements of the occupant. The air speed is averaged over an interval not less than one and not greater than three minutes. Variations that occur over a period greater than three minutes shall be treated as multiple different air speeds.[33]

Relative humidity

[edit]

Relative humidity (RH) is the ratio of the amount of water vapor in the air to the amount of water vapor that the air could hold at the specific temperature and pressure. While the human body has thermoreceptors in the skin that enable perception of temperature, relative humidity is detected indirectly. Sweating is an effective heat loss mechanism that relies on evaporation from the skin. However at high RH, the air has close to the maximum water vapor that it can hold, so evaporation, and therefore heat loss, is decreased. On the other hand, very dry environments (RH < 20–30%) are also uncomfortable because of their effect on the mucous membranes. The recommended level of indoor humidity is in the range of 30–60% in air conditioned buildings,[34][35] but new standards such as the adaptive model allow lower and higher humidity, depending on the other factors involved in thermal comfort.

Recently, the effects of low relative humidity and high air velocity were tested on humans after bathing. Researchers found that low relative humidity engendered thermal discomfort as well as the sensation of dryness and itching. It is recommended to keep relative humidity levels higher in a bathroom than other rooms in the house for optimal conditions.[36]

Various types of apparent temperature have been developed to combine air temperature and air humidity. For higher temperatures, there are quantitative scales, such as the heat index. For lower temperatures, a related interplay was identified only qualitatively:

  • High humidity and low temperatures cause the air to feel chilly.[37]
  • Cold air with high relative humidity "feels" colder than dry air of the same temperature because high humidity in cold weather increases the conduction of heat from the body.[38]

There has been controversy over why damp cold air feels colder than dry cold air. Some believe it is because when the humidity is high, our skin and clothing become moist and are better conductors of heat, so there is more cooling by conduction.[39]

The influence of humidity can be exacerbated with the combined use of fans (forced convection cooling).[40]

Natural ventilation

[edit]

Many buildings use an HVAC unit to control their thermal environment. Other buildings are naturally ventilated (or would have cross ventilation) and do not rely on mechanical systems to provide thermal comfort. Depending on the climate, this can drastically reduce energy consumption. It is sometimes seen as a risk, though, since indoor temperatures can be too extreme if the building is poorly designed. Properly designed, naturally ventilated buildings keep indoor conditions within the range where opening windows and using fans in the summer, and wearing extra clothing in the winter, can keep people thermally comfortable.[41]

Models and indices

[edit]

There are several different models or indices that can be used to assess thermal comfort conditions indoors as described below.

PMV/PPD method

[edit]
Psychrometric Chart
Temperature-relative humidity chart
Two alternative representations of thermal comfort for the PMV/PPD method

The PMV/PPD model was developed by P.O. Fanger using heat-balance equations and empirical studies about skin temperature to define comfort. Standard thermal comfort surveys ask subjects about their thermal sensation on a seven-point scale from cold (−3) to hot (+3). Fanger's equations are used to calculate the predicted mean vote (PMV) of a group of subjects for a particular combination of air temperature, mean radiant temperature, relative humidity, air speed, metabolic rate, and clothing insulation.[5] PMV equal to zero is representing thermal neutrality, and the comfort zone is defined by the combinations of the six parameters for which the PMV is within the recommended limits (−0.5 < PMV < +0.5).[1] Although predicting the thermal sensation of a population is an important step in determining what conditions are comfortable, it is more useful to consider whether or not people will be satisfied. Fanger developed another equation to relate the PMV to the Predicted Percentage of Dissatisfied (PPD). This relation was based on studies that surveyed subjects in a chamber where the indoor conditions could be precisely controlled.[5]

The PMV/PPD model is applied globally but does not directly take into account the adaptation mechanisms and outdoor thermal conditions.[3][42][43]

ASHRAE Standard 55-2017 uses the PMV model to set the requirements for indoor thermal conditions. It requires that at least 80% of the occupants be satisfied.[1]

The CBE Thermal Comfort Tool for ASHRAE 55[9] allows users to input the six comfort parameters to determine whether a certain combination complies with ASHRAE 55. The results are displayed on a psychrometric or a temperature-relative humidity chart and indicate the ranges of temperature and relative humidity that will be comfortable with the given the values input for the remaining four parameters.[44]

The PMV/PPD model has a low prediction accuracy.[45] Using the world largest thermal comfort field survey database,[46] the accuracy of PMV in predicting occupant's thermal sensation was only 34%, meaning that the thermal sensation is correctly predicted one out of three times. The PPD was overestimating subject's thermal unacceptability outside the thermal neutrality ranges (-1≤PMV≤1). The PMV/PPD accuracy varies strongly between ventilation strategies, building types and climates.[45]

Elevated air speed method

[edit]

ASHRAE 55 2013 accounts for air speeds above 0.2 metres per second (0.66 ft/s) separately than the baseline model. Because air movement can provide direct cooling to people, particularly if they are not wearing much clothing, higher temperatures can be more comfortable than the PMV model predicts. Air speeds up to 0.8 m/s (2.6 ft/s) are allowed without local control, and 1.2 m/s is possible with local control. This elevated air movement increases the maximum temperature for an office space in the summer to 30 °C from 27.5 °C (86.0–81.5 °F).[1]

Virtual Energy for Thermal Comfort

[edit]

"Virtual Energy for Thermal Comfort" is the amount of energy that will be required to make a non-air-conditioned building relatively as comfortable as one with air-conditioning. This is based on the assumption that the home will eventually install air-conditioning or heating.[47] Passive design improves thermal comfort in a building, thus reducing demand for heating or cooling. In many developing countries, however, most occupants do not currently heat or cool, due to economic constraints, as well as climate conditions which border lines comfort conditions such as cold winter nights in Johannesburg (South Africa) or warm summer days in San Jose, Costa Rica. At the same time, as incomes rise, there is a strong tendency to introduce cooling and heating systems. If we recognize and reward passive design features that improve thermal comfort today, we diminish the risk of having to install HVAC systems in the future, or we at least ensure that such systems will be smaller and less frequently used. Or in case the heating or cooling system is not installed due to high cost, at least people should not suffer from discomfort indoors. To provide an example, in San Jose, Costa Rica, if a house were being designed with high level of glazing and small opening sizes, the internal temperature would easily rise above 30 °C (86 °F) and natural ventilation would not be enough to remove the internal heat gains and solar gains. This is why Virtual Energy for Comfort is important.

World Bank's assessment tool the EDGE software (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) illustrates the potential issues with discomfort in buildings and has created the concept of Virtual Energy for Comfort which provides for a way to present potential thermal discomfort. This approach is used to award for design solutions which improves thermal comfort even in a fully free running building. Despite the inclusion of requirements for overheating in CIBSE, overcooling has not been assessed. However, overcooling can be an issue, mainly in the developing world, for example in cities such as Lima (Peru), Bogota, and Delhi, where cooler indoor temperatures can occur frequently. This may be a new area for research and design guidance for reduction of discomfort.

Cooling Effect

[edit]

ASHRAE 55-2017 defines the Cooling Effect (CE) at elevated air speed (above 0.2 metres per second (0.66 ft/s)) as the value that, when subtracted from both the air temperature and the mean radiant temperature, yields the same SET value under still air (0.1 m/s) as in the first SET calculation under elevated air speed.[1]

The CE can be used to determine the PMV adjusted for an environment with elevated air speed using the adjusted temperature, the adjusted radiant temperature and still air (0.2 metres per second (0.66 ft/s)). Where the adjusted temperatures are equal to the original air and mean radiant temperatures minus the CE.

Local thermal discomfort

[edit]

Avoiding local thermal discomfort, whether caused by a vertical air temperature difference between the feet and the head, by an asymmetric radiant field, by local convective cooling (draft), or by contact with a hot or cold floor, is essential to providing acceptable thermal comfort. People are generally more sensitive to local discomfort when their thermal sensation is cooler than neutral, while they are less sensitive to it when their body is warmer than neutral.[33]

Radiant temperature asymmetry

[edit]

Large differences in the thermal radiation of the surfaces surrounding a person may cause local discomfort or reduce acceptance of the thermal conditions. ASHRAE Standard 55 sets limits on the allowable temperature differences between various surfaces. Because people are more sensitive to some asymmetries than others, for example that of a warm ceiling versus that of hot and cold vertical surfaces, the limits depend on which surfaces are involved. The ceiling is not allowed to be more than +5 °C (9.0 °F) warmer, whereas a wall may be up to +23 °C (41 °F) warmer than the other surfaces.[1]

Draft

[edit]

While air movement can be pleasant and provide comfort in some circumstances, it is sometimes unwanted and causes discomfort. This unwanted air movement is called "draft" and is most prevalent when the thermal sensation of the whole body is cool. People are most likely to feel a draft on uncovered body parts such as their head, neck, shoulders, ankles, feet, and legs, but the sensation also depends on the air speed, air temperature, activity, and clothing.[1]

Floor surface temperature

[edit]

Floors that are too warm or too cool may cause discomfort, depending on footwear. ASHRAE 55 recommends that floor temperatures stay in the range of 19–29 °C (66–84 °F) in spaces where occupants will be wearing lightweight shoes.[1]

Standard effective temperature

[edit]

Standard effective temperature (SET) is a model of human response to the thermal environment. Developed by A.P. Gagge and accepted by ASHRAE in 1986,[48] it is also referred to as the Pierce Two-Node model.[49] Its calculation is similar to PMV because it is a comprehensive comfort index based on heat-balance equations that incorporates the personal factors of clothing and metabolic rate. Its fundamental difference is it takes a two-node method to represent human physiology in measuring skin temperature and skin wettedness.[48]

The SET index is defined as the equivalent dry bulb temperature of an isothermal environment at 50% relative humidity in which a subject, while wearing clothing standardized for activity concerned, would have the same heat stress (skin temperature) and thermoregulatory strain (skin wettedness) as in the actual test environment.[48]

Research has tested the model against experimental data and found it tends to overestimate skin temperature and underestimate skin wettedness.[49][50] Fountain and Huizenga (1997) developed a thermal sensation prediction tool that computes SET.[51] The SET index can also be calculated using either the CBE Thermal Comfort Tool for ASHRAE 55,[9] the Python package pythermalcomfort,[10] or the R package comf.

Adaptive comfort model

[edit]
Adaptive chart according to ASHRAE Standard 55-2010

The adaptive model is based on the idea that outdoor climate might be used as a proxy of indoor comfort because of a statistically significant correlation between them. The adaptive hypothesis predicts that contextual factors, such as having access to environmental controls, and past thermal history can influence building occupants' thermal expectations and preferences.[3] Numerous researchers have conducted field studies worldwide in which they survey building occupants about their thermal comfort while taking simultaneous environmental measurements. Analyzing a database of results from 160 of these buildings revealed that occupants of naturally ventilated buildings accept and even prefer a wider range of temperatures than their counterparts in sealed, air-conditioned buildings because their preferred temperature depends on outdoor conditions.[3] These results were incorporated in the ASHRAE 55-2004 standard as the adaptive comfort model. The adaptive chart relates indoor comfort temperature to prevailing outdoor temperature and defines zones of 80% and 90% satisfaction.[1]

The ASHRAE-55 2010 Standard introduced the prevailing mean outdoor temperature as the input variable for the adaptive model. It is based on the arithmetic average of the mean daily outdoor temperatures over no fewer than 7 and no more than 30 sequential days prior to the day in question.[1] It can also be calculated by weighting the temperatures with different coefficients, assigning increasing importance to the most recent temperatures. In case this weighting is used, there is no need to respect the upper limit for the subsequent days. In order to apply the adaptive model, there should be no mechanical cooling system for the space, occupants should be engaged in sedentary activities with metabolic rates of 1–1.3 met, and a prevailing mean temperature of 10–33.5 °C (50.0–92.3 °F).[1]

This model applies especially to occupant-controlled, natural-conditioned spaces, where the outdoor climate can actually affect the indoor conditions and so the comfort zone. In fact, studies by de Dear and Brager showed that occupants in naturally ventilated buildings were tolerant of a wider range of temperatures.[3] This is due to both behavioral and physiological adjustments, since there are different types of adaptive processes.[52] ASHRAE Standard 55-2010 states that differences in recent thermal experiences, changes in clothing, availability of control options, and shifts in occupant expectations can change people's thermal responses.[1]

Adaptive models of thermal comfort are implemented in other standards, such as European EN 15251 and ISO 7730 standard. While the exact derivation methods and results are slightly different from the ASHRAE 55 adaptive standard, they are substantially the same. A larger difference is in applicability. The ASHRAE adaptive standard only applies to buildings without mechanical cooling installed, while EN15251 can be applied to mixed-mode buildings, provided the system is not running.[53]

There are basically three categories of thermal adaptation, namely: behavioral, physiological, and psychological.

Psychological adaptation

[edit]

An individual's comfort level in a given environment may change and adapt over time due to psychological factors. Subjective perception of thermal comfort may be influenced by the memory of previous experiences. Habituation takes place when repeated exposure moderates future expectations, and responses to sensory input. This is an important factor in explaining the difference between field observations and PMV predictions (based on the static model) in naturally ventilated buildings. In these buildings, the relationship with the outdoor temperatures has been twice as strong as predicted.[3]

Psychological adaptation is subtly different in the static and adaptive models. Laboratory tests of the static model can identify and quantify non-heat transfer (psychological) factors that affect reported comfort. The adaptive model is limited to reporting differences (called psychological) between modeled and reported comfort.[citation needed]

Thermal comfort as a "condition of mind" is defined in psychological terms. Among the factors that affect the condition of mind (in the laboratory) are a sense of control over the temperature, knowledge of the temperature and the appearance of the (test) environment. A thermal test chamber that appeared residential "felt" warmer than one which looked like the inside of a refrigerator.[54]

Physiological adaptation

[edit]

The body has several thermal adjustment mechanisms to survive in drastic temperature environments. In a cold environment the body utilizes vasoconstriction; which reduces blood flow to the skin, skin temperature and heat dissipation. In a warm environment, vasodilation will increase blood flow to the skin, heat transport, and skin temperature and heat dissipation.[55] If there is an imbalance despite the vasomotor adjustments listed above, in a warm environment sweat production will start and provide evaporative cooling. If this is insufficient, hyperthermia will set in, body temperature may reach 40 °C (104 °F), and heat stroke may occur. In a cold environment, shivering will start, involuntarily forcing the muscles to work and increasing the heat production by up to a factor of 10. If equilibrium is not restored, hypothermia can set in, which can be fatal.[55] Long-term adjustments to extreme temperatures, of a few days to six months, may result in cardiovascular and endocrine adjustments. A hot climate may create increased blood volume, improving the effectiveness of vasodilation, enhanced performance of the sweat mechanism, and the readjustment of thermal preferences. In cold or underheated conditions, vasoconstriction can become permanent, resulting in decreased blood volume and increased body metabolic rate.[55]

Behavioral adaptation

[edit]

In naturally ventilated buildings, occupants take numerous actions to keep themselves comfortable when the indoor conditions drift towards discomfort. Operating windows and fans, adjusting blinds/shades, changing clothing, and consuming food and drinks are some of the common adaptive strategies. Among these, adjusting windows is the most common.[56] Those occupants who take these sorts of actions tend to feel cooler at warmer temperatures than those who do not.[57]

The behavioral actions significantly influence energy simulation inputs, and researchers are developing behavior models to improve the accuracy of simulation results. For example, there are many window-opening models that have been developed to date, but there is no consensus over the factors that trigger window opening.[56]

People might adapt to seasonal heat by becoming more nocturnal, doing physical activity and even conducting business at night.

Specificity and sensitivity

[edit]

Individual differences

[edit]

The thermal sensitivity of an individual is quantified by the descriptor FS, which takes on higher values for individuals with lower tolerance to non-ideal thermal conditions.[58] This group includes pregnant women, the disabled, as well as individuals whose age is below fourteen or above sixty, which is considered the adult range. Existing literature provides consistent evidence that sensitivity to hot and cold surfaces usually declines with age. There is also some evidence of a gradual reduction in the effectiveness of the body in thermo-regulation after the age of sixty.[58] This is mainly due to a more sluggish response of the counteraction mechanisms in lower parts of the body that are used to maintain the core temperature of the body at ideal values.[58] Seniors prefer warmer temperatures than young adults (76 vs 72 degrees F or 24.4 vs 22.2 Celsius).[54]

Situational factors include the health, psychological, sociological, and vocational activities of the persons.

Biological sex differences

[edit]

While thermal comfort preferences between sexes seem to be small, there are some average differences. Studies have found males on average report discomfort due to rises in temperature much earlier than females. Males on average also estimate higher levels of their sensation of discomfort than females. One recent study tested males and females in the same cotton clothing, performing mental jobs while using a dial vote to report their thermal comfort to the changing temperature.[59] Many times, females preferred higher temperatures than males. But while females tend to be more sensitive to temperatures, males tend to be more sensitive to relative-humidity levels.[60][61]

An extensive field study was carried out in naturally ventilated residential buildings in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. This investigation explored the sexes thermal sensitivity to the indoor environment in non-air-conditioned residential buildings. Multiple hierarchical regression for categorical moderator was selected for data analysis; the result showed that as a group females were slightly more sensitive than males to the indoor air temperatures, whereas, under thermal neutrality, it was found that males and females have similar thermal sensation.[62]

Regional differences

[edit]

In different areas of the world, thermal comfort needs may vary based on climate. In China[where?] the climate has hot humid summers and cold winters, causing a need for efficient thermal comfort. Energy conservation in relation to thermal comfort has become a large issue in China in the last several decades due to rapid economic and population growth.[63] Researchers are now looking into ways to heat and cool buildings in China for lower costs and also with less harm to the environment.

In tropical areas of Brazil, urbanization is creating urban heat islands (UHI). These are urban areas that have risen over the thermal comfort limits due to a large influx of people and only drop within the comfortable range during the rainy season.[64] Urban heat islands can occur over any urban city or built-up area with the correct conditions.[65][66]

In the hot, humid region of Saudi Arabia, the issue of thermal comfort has been important in mosques, because they are very large open buildings that are used only intermittently (very busy for the noon prayer on Fridays) it is hard to ventilate them properly. The large size requires a large amount of ventilation, which requires a lot of energy since the buildings are used only for short periods of time. Temperature regulation in mosques is a challenge due to the intermittent demand, leading to many mosques being either too hot or too cold. The stack effect also comes into play due to their large size and creates a large layer of hot air above the people in the mosque. New designs have placed the ventilation systems lower in the buildings to provide more temperature control at ground level.[67] New monitoring steps are also being taken to improve efficiency.[68]

Thermal stress

[edit]

The concept of thermal comfort is closely related to thermal stress. This attempts to predict the impact of solar radiation, air movement, and humidity for military personnel undergoing training exercises or athletes during competitive events. Several thermal stress indices have been proposed, such as the Predicted Heat Strain (PHS) or the humidex.[69] Generally, humans do not perform well under thermal stress. People's performances under thermal stress is about 11% lower than their performance at normal thermal wet conditions. Also, human performance in relation to thermal stress varies greatly by the type of task which the individual is completing. Some of the physiological effects of thermal heat stress include increased blood flow to the skin, sweating, and increased ventilation.[70][71]

Predicted Heat Strain (PHS)

[edit]

The PHS model, developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) committee, allows the analytical evaluation of the thermal stress experienced by a working subject in a hot environment.[72] It describes a method for predicting the sweat rate and the internal core temperature that the human body will develop in response to the working conditions. The PHS is calculated as a function of several physical parameters, consequently it makes it possible to determine which parameter or group of parameters should be modified, and to what extent, in order to reduce the risk of physiological strains. The PHS model does not predict the physiological response of an individual subject, but only considers standard subjects in good health and fit for the work they perform. The PHS can be determined using either the Python package pythermalcomfort[10] or the R package comf.

American Conference on Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Action Limits and Threshold Limit Values

[edit]

ACGIH has established Action Limits and Threshold Limit Values for heat stress based upon the estimated metabolic rate of a worker and the environmental conditions the worker is subjected to.

This methodology has been adopted by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as an effective method of assesing heat stress within workplaces.[73]

Research

[edit]

The factors affecting thermal comfort were explored experimentally in the 1970s. Many of these studies led to the development and refinement of ASHRAE Standard 55 and were performed at Kansas State University by Ole Fanger and others. Perceived comfort was found to be a complex interaction of these variables. It was found that the majority of individuals would be satisfied by an ideal set of values. As the range of values deviated progressively from the ideal, fewer and fewer people were satisfied. This observation could be expressed statistically as the percent of individuals who expressed satisfaction by comfort conditions and the predicted mean vote (PMV). This approach was challenged by the adaptive comfort model, developed from the ASHRAE 884 project, which revealed that occupants were comfortable in a broader range of temperatures.[3]

This research is applied to create Building Energy Simulation (BES) programs for residential buildings. Residential buildings in particular can vary much more in thermal comfort than public and commercial buildings. This is due to their smaller size, the variations in clothing worn, and different uses of each room. The main rooms of concern are bathrooms and bedrooms. Bathrooms need to be at a temperature comfortable for a human with or without clothing. Bedrooms are of importance because they need to accommodate different levels of clothing and also different metabolic rates of people asleep or awake.[74] Discomfort hours is a common metric used to evaluate the thermal performance of a space.

Thermal comfort research in clothing is currently being done by the military. New air-ventilated garments are being researched to improve evaporative cooling in military settings. Some models are being created and tested based on the amount of cooling they provide.[75]

In the last twenty years, researchers have also developed advanced thermal comfort models that divide the human body into many segments, and predict local thermal discomfort by considering heat balance.[76][77][78] This has opened up a new arena of thermal comfort modeling that aims at heating/cooling selected body parts.

Another area of study is the hue-heat hypothesis that states that an environment with warm colors (red, orange yellow hues) will feel warmer in terms of temperature and comfort, while an environment with cold colors (blue, green hues) will feel cooler.[79][80][81] The hue-heat hypothesis has both been investigated scientifically[82] and ingrained in popular culture in the terms warm and cold colors [83]

Medical environments

[edit]

Whenever the studies referenced tried to discuss the thermal conditions for different groups of occupants in one room, the studies ended up simply presenting comparisons of thermal comfort satisfaction based on the subjective studies. No study tried to reconcile the different thermal comfort requirements of different types of occupants who compulsorily must stay in one room. Therefore, it looks to be necessary to investigate the different thermal conditions required by different groups of occupants in hospitals to reconcile their different requirements in this concept. To reconcile the differences in the required thermal comfort conditions it is recommended to test the possibility of using different ranges of local radiant temperature in one room via a suitable mechanical system.

Although different researches are undertaken on thermal comfort for patients in hospitals, it is also necessary to study the effects of thermal comfort conditions on the quality and the quantity of healing for patients in hospitals. There are also original researches that show the link between thermal comfort for staff and their levels of productivity, but no studies have been produced individually in hospitals in this field. Therefore, research for coverage and methods individually for this subject is recommended. Also research in terms of cooling and heating delivery systems for patients with low levels of immune-system protection (such as HIV patients, burned patients, etc.) are recommended. There are important areas, which still need to be focused on including thermal comfort for staff and its relation with their productivity, using different heating systems to prevent hypothermia in the patient and to improve the thermal comfort for hospital staff simultaneously.

Finally, the interaction between people, systems and architectural design in hospitals is a field in which require further work needed to improve the knowledge of how to design buildings and systems to reconcile many conflicting factors for the people occupying these buildings.[84]

Personal comfort systems

[edit]

Personal comfort systems (PCS) refer to devices or systems which heat or cool a building occupant personally.[85] This concept is best appreciated in contrast to central HVAC systems which have uniform temperature settings for extensive areas. Personal comfort systems include fans and air diffusers of various kinds (e.g. desk fans, nozzles and slot diffusers, overhead fans, high-volume low-speed fans etc.) and personalized sources of radiant or conductive heat (footwarmers, legwarmers, hot water bottles etc.). PCS has the potential to satisfy individual comfort requirements much better than current HVAC systems, as interpersonal differences in thermal sensation due to age, sex, body mass, metabolic rate, clothing and thermal adaptation can amount to an equivalent temperature variation of 2–5 °C (3,6–9 °F), which is impossible for a central, uniform HVAC system to cater to.[85] Besides, research has shown that the perceived ability to control one's thermal environment tends to widen one's range of tolerable temperatures.[3] Traditionally, PCS devices have been used in isolation from one another. However, it has been proposed by Andersen et al. (2016) that a network of PCS devices which generate well-connected microzones of thermal comfort, and report real-time occupant information and respond to programmatic actuation requests (e.g. a party, a conference, a concert etc.) can combine with occupant-aware building applications to enable new methods of comfort maximization.[86]

See also

[edit]
  • ASHRAE
  • ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 55
  • Air conditioning
  • Building insulation
  • Cold and heat adaptations in humans
  • Heat stress
  • Mean radiant temperature
  • Mahoney tables
  • Povl Ole Fanger
  • Psychrometrics
  • Ralph G. Nevins
  • Room air distribution
  • Room temperature
  • Ventilative cooling

References

[edit]
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Further reading

[edit]
  • Thermal Comfort, Fanger, P. O, Danish Technical Press, 1970 (Republished by McGraw-Hill, New York, 1973).
  • Thermal Comfort chapter, Fundamentals volume of the ASHRAE Handbook, ASHRAE, Inc., Atlanta, GA, 2005.
  • Weiss, Hal (1998). Secrets of Warmth: For Comfort or Survival. Seattle, WA: Mountaineers Books. ISBN 978-0-89886-643-8. OCLC 40999076.
  • Godish, T. Indoor Environmental Quality. Boca Raton: CRC Press, 2001.
  • Bessoudo, M. Building Facades and Thermal Comfort: The impacts of climate, solar shading, and glazing on the indoor thermal environment. VDM Verlag, 2008
  • Nicol, Fergus (2012). Adaptive thermal comfort : principles and practice. London New York: Routledge. ISBN 978-0415691598.
  • Humphreys, Michael (2016). Adaptive thermal comfort : foundations and analysis. Abingdon, U.K. New York, NY: Routledge. ISBN 978-0415691611.
  • Communications in development and assembly of textile products, Open Access Journal, ISSN 2701-939X
  • Heat Stress, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
  • Cold Stress, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

 

Driving Directions in Arapahoe County


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Driving Directions From Arapahoe County Assessor to Royal Supply South
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Driving Directions From Big Blue Bear to Royal Supply South

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Frequently Asked Questions

To optimize energy savings, set your thermostat to 68°F (20°C) in the winter and 78°F (25.5°C) in the summer when you are home. Use programmable thermostats to automatically reduce heating or cooling during times when youre asleep or away. Additionally, consider using ceiling fans to circulate air effectively and close off vents in unused rooms.
Regularly clean or replace air filters every 1-3 months to ensure proper airflow and efficiency. Inspect ductwork for leaks and seal them with mastic or metal tape. Schedule annual professional maintenance checks to ensure the system is operating optimally.
Proper insulation significantly reduces heat loss during winter and keeps cool air inside during summer, reducing the load on your HVAC system. Weatherproof doors and windows by sealing gaps with caulk or weatherstripping to prevent drafts, which helps maintain a stable indoor temperature more efficiently.