Aug. 26, 2005: ASHRAE To Study Link Between Comfort, Efficiency
ATLANTA - With HVACR consuming a third of energy used in buildings, alternative systems or strategies to reduce energy use are needed. Different approaches could include use of a building's thermal mass in combination with night cooling or heating or cooling by pipes embedded in floors, walls, or ceilings. Such systems are often associated with indoor temperatures that drift during the day.
While drifting temperatures may save energy, their impact on occupant health and productivity are unknown. Research to study the impact of drifting temperatures on thermal comfort, health, and productivity is being funded by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).