Why measure indoor temperature?
Temperature is the measurement of how hot or cold a particular environment is. When we talk about ambient temperature, room temperature or outside temperature, we mean the temperature of the air. It is commonly measured in either Celsius (°C) or Fahrenheit (°F). A thermometer measures temperature. However, the absolute temperature in an environment is often not the whole story. The apparent temperature is what impacts humans.
Apparent temperature is the temperature felt by humans. It can vary from the absolute temperature extremely depending on multiple factors. These include humidity levels, wind speed (indoors: whether or not there is a draft), and exposure to sunlight. Generally, in summer, there is a demand to bring the indoor temperature down, and in winter, there is a demand to raise the indoor temperature and limit heat losses. Heat exchangers can help with this, as do fan heaters.
Free cooling during the night
The most important application of ventilation in function of temperature is free cooling. Free cooling is an alternative or supplement to air conditioning. As outside temperatures lower during the night, the ventilation system starts sucking the cooler air inside. Over time the building starts to cool. When the building has reached the desired temperature, the system stops supplying air inside. It is cost-effective and the outside air will benefit your indoor air quality.
The interplay of temperature and relative humidity
Comfortable temperature levels are thus based on more than the temperature alone. However, indoors, the apparent temperature and measured temperature will mostly differ based on the interplay between relative humidity and temperature. Higher relative humidity will increase the effects of heat and cold. Cold air combined with high relative humidity is chilly. Warm air with high relative humidity feels warmer than drier warm air.
Good indoor air temperature levels
The right temperature of an indoor environment depends on its use. Generally, there are four categories of work environments warranting different temperature levels. Heavy work environments should have a temperature of about 13°C. Light work environments should have a temperature of about 16°C. In shops and hospitals, people feel most comfortable with a temperature of about 18°C. And in office environments, the ideal temperature is 20°C. However, it should be noted that an ideal temperature depends on the person occupying the environment and the apparent temperature they feel.
Impacts of an indoor temperature that is too high or too low
There are varying degrees of indoor temperatures that are too high. The first few additional degrees will result in a gradual loss of comfort and concentration. If the temperature rises further, people may experience dizziness, fainting, and heat cramps. A temperature of 30°C is seen as an upper limit for working safely. On the other hand, working when the temperature is too low will result in tiredness and loss of comfort and concentration.
Since temperature and relative humidity are basic parameters that determine the comfort and well-being of residents, most Sentera sensors can measure these.