Analysis of Indoor Climate and Occupants’ Behaviour in Traditional Scottish Dwellings

Abstract

Due to the relevance of the internal boundary conditions and the lack of specific data for the Scottish context, an exploration of the internal environment of traditional dwellings is needed. In this study the indoor climate of 24 properties with different levels of insulation and air-tightness was analysed using a combination of quantitative and qualitative data. Temperature and relative humidity were recorded at 15 minutes intervals in two rooms per property. The analysis was complemented with semi-structured interviews with the occupants. Based on temperature and relative humidity, the moisture loads were calculated. Results in non- insulated properties showed indoor temperatures lower than the minimum level of thermal comfort, especially in winter, and high values of relative humidity during the warm season. The humidity levels in upgraded buildings are consistently lower despite the greater variability found in the internal temperatures.