Indoor/Outdoor Environmental Parameters and Window-Opening Behavior: A Structural Equation Modeling Analysis

Abstract

In moderate climates, the operation of windows is the most common way to control for thermal comfort. Window-opening behavior (WOB) is a complex process influenced by multiple factors, yet only simple bi-variate analyses between variables obtained from longitudinal datasets have been examined. The goal of this study is to investigate the effects of indoor and outdoor environmental parameters on WOB using a statistical modeling approach called “structural equation modeling.” The results show that the indoor environmental parameters, such as operative temperature and air velocity, mediated the relationship between the outdoor environmental parameters, such as outdoor air temperature and wind gust, and the WOB. The indoor wet-bulb globe temperature rose as the solar radiation increased, and subsequently, both parameters affected the WOB. Also, an increase in outdoor wind gust led to higher indoor air velocity, which in turn resulted in a lower chance of occupants opening the window. By enhancing our understanding of the relationship between these theoretical parameters, improved design strategies on the mediating parameters can be prioritized and communicated early in the building design phase leading to more informed design decisions.

Associations between indoor soundscapes, building services and window opening behaviour during the COVID-19 lockdown

“…thermal sensation, preferences). In an office space in Washington, 44 it was found that in winter windows were opened mostly to cool down the room and/or to improve air circulation, while in summer and fall occupants opened the windows to cool the room, add some background noise and circulating air.…”

A review of select human-building interfaces and their relationship to human behavior, energy use and occupant comfort

“…The influence of season on window use occurs independently from the end-use. For example, in office buildings, Kim et al [61] showed people were more likely to open windows in the warm season than the cold season. Sun et al [62] found the mode of window-opening by office occupants changed throughout seasons: day and night with no closing during summer and all-closed in winter.…”

“…The outdoor temperature, daily work schedule, and on-off state of airconditioners are the three main factors affecting the final window operating behavior. Other investigations add more complexity to the problem by including further variables like differences in the window opening and closing behavior during the seasons [65], and indoor environmental conditions like "too hot," "background noise," and "air circulation" [61]. Other physical factors, such as wind speed, relative humidity, outdoor PM2.5 concentrations, solar radiation, daylight hours showed significant impact on window-opening probability.…”

“…Many of these challenges surrounding window usability differs based on the typology of a given building (especially between commercial and residential buildings). Despite the fact most studies only consider environmental variables as key influential factors of occupants interaction with windows [46], [48], [50], [51], [60], [61], [65], different parameters can influence the control on natural ventilation [42], [63]. For example, a variety of window features and design variables such as window size, shape and location within the facade, window opening type and opening angles/percentages, and shading devices could influence the occupants interaction [42], [70], or how windows usability affects IAQ [52].Some blinds/curtains configurations may prevent the proper operation of the window.…”

Analysis of Window-Opening Patterns and Air Conditioning Usage of Urban Residences in Tropical Southeast Asia

“…Despite the fact that most previous studies only consider environmental variables as key influential factors of occupants' interaction with windows [15,16,[25][26][27][28][29], different parameters can influence the control on natural ventilation [30,31]. Cali et al [32] monitored changes in indoor thermal environment and window-opening behaviour for four years in apartments in Southern Germany.…”