Analysis of Indoor Thermal Comfort Perception of Building Occupants in Jimeta, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the perception of occupants on thermal comfort in Jimeta, Nigeria where the temperature is high, hot and dry weather. The objectives are to assess factors impacting on indoor thermal comfort, and effect of ventilation on heath of occupants in the area. Indoor thermal comfort and room temperature survey of thirty occupants’ living rooms were taken using thermometers. Results show that building forms and orientation, building openings to floor area ratio, landscaping, and building fenestration have direct effect on the average room temperature of residential buildings. Challenges of high temperature, insomnia, fatigue, boredom, headache, poor arousal, and asthma are among health implications of inadequate ventilation suffered by occupants. It is recommended that building professionals be engaged in planning, design and construction of buildings to aid the application of building orientation, ratio of building openings to floor area, and landscaping among others to achieve ventilation and comfortable temperature.

Keywords: Buildings, Hazards, Temperature, Thermal comfort, Ventilation