A comparison of the thermal adaptability of people accustomed to air-conditioned environments and naturally ventilated environments

Abstract

This study examined the psychological and physiological differences of thermal adaptability of people used to air-conditioned environments and naturally ventilated environments. The results suggested that long-term exposure to stable air-conditioned environments may weaken people's thermal adaptability. Therefore, it might be advantageous for people to spend less time in static air-conditioned environments; this is not only because of its possible deleterious impact on people's physiological adaptability, but also because the air-conditioners' high-energy consumption will contribute to the effects of global warming.

Rational selection of heating temperature set points for China's hot summer – Cold winter climatic region

“…Yu [25] conducted a chamber experiment to study whether living in a mild environment (AC environment) for long periods of time affected people's physiological acclimatization. Through measuring several physiological response indicators including the skin temperature, sweat rate, heart rate variability and heat stress protein 70, when the subjects are exposed to a 'heat shock', it was found that long-term exposure to air conditioned environments was indeed likely to compromise people's thermophysiological adaptability.…”

An individualized human thermoregulation model for Chinese adults

“…Fig. 10 shows one possible application of this Chinese model for predicting thermal comfort based on experiment carried out by Yu [43] and Liu [44]. The subjects in Yu's experiments were exposed in the cold environment with ambient temperature of 20 C (mildly cool), 16 C (cool) and 12 C (cold).…”

The influence of a student’s ‘home’ climate on room temperature and indoor environmental controls use in a modern halls of residence

“…However, some studies have shown that repeated exposure to hot or cold environments can result in physiological adaptation or acclimatisation [17,18,19]. One such study, conducted by Yu et al [19] investigated the difference in physiological responses between subjects accustomed to air conditioned and naturally ventilated indoor environments in 'heat shock' scenarios.…”

“…However, some studies have shown that repeated exposure to hot or cold environments can result in physiological adaptation or acclimatisation [17,18,19]. One such study, conducted by Yu et al [19] investigated the difference in physiological responses between subjects accustomed to air conditioned and naturally ventilated indoor environments in 'heat shock' scenarios. With the small sample employed (10 in each group, air conditioned and naturally ventilated), Yu et al [19] found that those accustomed to naturally ventilated environments did not report feeling as hot or uncomfortable as the AC group.…”