Pilot study on relationship between indoor and outdoor temperatures in Brisbane households

Abstract

Purpose / Context – Temperature is known to have impact on human health. In estimating such health effects outdoor temperature data are usually used as proxy for temperature exposure due to scarcity of indoor temperature data though humans spend most of their time indoor. Thus there is a need to investigate how outdoor temperature relates to indoor temperature especially in residential settings. Methodology / Approach – Field measurements were conducted in 15 residential houses in different suburb of Brisbane to identify the relationship between indoor and outdoor temperature during the winter season of 2016. Results –In the month of June the minimum indoor temperature ranged from 9.56 – 16.25 oC, whiles the maximum was between 22.19 – 26.50 oC. Also for the month of July minimum temperature ranged between 11.75 – 16.69 oC and the maximum temperature was between 24.75 – 28.31 oC. In the month of August, for indoor temperature minimum temperature was between 12.31 – 17.75 oC and a maximum of 22.69 – 26.31 oC. Outdoor temperature recorded in the month of June varied between 2.95 – 7.80 oC for minimum range and 24.00 – 32.44 oC for maximum range. July minimum temperature ranged from 6.25 – 9.31 oC as maximum temperature was between 28.50 – 34.38 oC. Minimum outdoor temperature for the month of August was also between 5.69 – 17.75 oC as the maximum temperature ranged between 24.44 – 35.00 oC. Pearson correlation coefficient calculated between mean hourly indoor and outdoor temperatures ranged from 0.25 – 0.85. Key Findings / Implications – The results obtained indicated that indoor and outdoor temperatures relationship in residential settings may vary depending on factors including type of ventilation, insulation, type of building and behaviour of occupants. Originality – The findings attained will contribute to precise estimation of temperature exposure at a personal level especially in residential settings and empirical data will contribute to filling the gap of limited indoor temperature data.