In short, people are more productive when they are comfortable. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has established a "thermal comfort range."

This guide is a range of temperature and humidity in which most building occupants are comfortable. There are two ranges, one for winter and one for summer. The midpoint for winter is about 71.5 degrees F and 45 percent relative humidity (rh). The midpoint for summer is about 76 degrees F and 45 percent rh.

Use these temperatures as general guides only. Different people sense humidity and temperature differently. Other factors also affect comfort, such as:

Active workers (such as factory workers) prefer a cooler temperature. Sedentary workers (such as office workers) prefer a warmer temperature.

Publication date: 06/20/2005