Field Validation of the Fanger Thermal Comfort Model

Abstract

Quantitative models of “thermal comfort” commonly involve prediction equations with “votes” on a thermal sensation scale as the criterion and physical variables (temperature, humidity, activity, clothing) as predictors. One established model of this sort was developed by Fanger using laboratory data. The present study sought to validate this model in realistic indoor settings by correlating predicted with measured thermal sensation judgments for 521 resident employees and students. Several demographic and cognitive variables were also measured, and direct comfort judgments were taken for comparison with the main criterion. Results provided weak support for the validity of the physical-predictor model. More important, however, was the substantial increase in predictiveness contributed by cognitive variables, and the demonstration that “comfort” defined by thermal sensation votes is not the same as that measured directly. Implications for energy conservation proposals are discussed.