Thermal Sensation Levels Research Articles

The Impact of Neck Cooling on Serum Oxidant/Antioxidant Status and HSP70 Levels during High-Intensity Cycling.

Numerous studies have been conducted in an attempt to discover cooling strategies that can be effective in improving exercise performance. However, the mechanism by which neck cooling relieves exercise-induced physiological stress and the optimal cooling temperature are unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of neck cooling at different temperatures during high-intensity cycling on body temperature, physiological variables, oxidant/antioxidant status, heat shock protein (HSP) 70 levels, and exercise performance in adolescent athletes. Seven well-trained male adolescent cyclists (age, 17.00 ± 0.76 years; athletic career, 3.86 ± 0.90 years) participated in three exercise trials involving three cooling regimens: control (CON), low-temperature (7 °C) neck cooling (LNC), and mixed-temperature (14 + 20 °C) neck cooling (MNC). The experimental condition used a cross-over design to minimize adaption to the repetitive cycling trials. Cycling consisted of a 20 km warm-up session and a two 2 km race session. Neck cooling at different temperatures was administered for 20 min during each rest period: after the warm-up, after the first 2 km race, and after the second 2 km race. Blood samples were taken to assess serum malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and HSP70 levels. In addition, tympanic temperature (Tty), thermal sensation (TS), heart rate (HR), and the saturation of percutaneous oxygen (SpO2) were measured before, immediately after, and 24 h after exercise. As a measure of cycling performance, the race record and speed were measured in the first and second 2 km races. In all trials, Tty, TS, HR, MDA, SOD, and HSP70 levels significantly increased (p < 0.05), and SpO2 levels significantly decreased (p < 0.05). TS significantly decreased 24 h after exercise compared to that immediately after exercise in the LNC and MNC trials (p < 0.05). Serum HSP70 levels were significantly higher 24 h after exercise (0.87 ± 0.10 ng/mL) than immediately after exercise (0.79 ± 0.04 ng/mL) in the CON trial (p < 0.05). Twenty-four hours after exercise, the CON (0.87 ± 0.10 ng/mL) trial showed significantly higher serum HSP70 levels than the LNC (0.73 ± 0.01 ng/mL) trial (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in cycling race record or speed between the trials (p > 0.05). Our findings suggest that neck cooling can induce a positive effect on thermal perception during recovery after cycling and that neck cooling at a relatively low temperature may be more effective in reducing exercise-induced HSP70 expression.

The impact of socio-demographic factors on occupants’ thermal comfort and sensation: An integrated approach using statistical analysis and agent-based modeling

The thermal comfort and thermal sensation of occupants can significantly impact the overall performance of the building. However, very little is known about how occupants perceive or thermally respond to their building interior layouts or what factors affect their thermal comfort and sensation, particularly in low-income residential homes. Through a post-occupancy evaluation of 394 occupants from 190 households in Chittagong, Bangladesh, this study examines the socio-demographic factors (i.e., gender, age, and home ownership) that influence occupants' thermal comfort and sensation. The chi-square, Cramer's V, and Lambda tests were used to statistically analyze the impact of selected socio-demographic factors. The results showed that female occupants were significantly less satisfied than male occupants with their existing thermal environment. However, the study did not find any influence of age or home ownership on occupant thermal comfort. Furthermore, comprehensive agent-based modeling (ABM) was implemented to support the results of the statistical analysis of the influence of gender on occupants' thermal comfort levels. The ABM was designed based on the theory of planned behavior. As a simulation output, the ABM model stochastically estimated occupants' thermal comfort and sensation level in terms of the predicted mean vote. Similar to the statistical analyses, the results of the ABM also indicated better thermal comfort and thermal sensation for male occupants than for female occupants. The results of the study can serve as a guideline for better understanding the socio-demographic factors involved in the modeling or remodeling of occupant thermal comfort in developing economies.

Improvements of stratified micro-environments on the satisfaction of individual thermal preferences and energy-efficiency

Stratified micro-environments (SME) aim to simultaneously provide various thermal comfort levels in a shared space to satisfy individual needs at different positions. The first objective of this study is to find out the quantitative improvements made by applying the SME against stratum ventilation (SV), mixing ventilation (MV), and displacement ventilation (DV). Thermal comfort indices, including predicted mean vote (PMV) and draft rate (DR), are used to quantify individual preferences. The PMV1 and PMV2 represent overall thermal sensation levels at Positions 1 and 2, set in a simulated small office, respectively. The DRs are named in the same rule. Results show that the |PMV1- PMV2| value under SV, MV, and DV only reaches 24.7%, 4.4%, and 4.6% of that under the SME on average, and the |DR1-DR2| value reaches 24.9%, 10.6%, and 7.0%. Later, the PMV prediction model for non-free-jet conditions is developed by multiple linear regression method. With practical constraints attached, the scope for the SME operation is identified. The maximum |PMV1- PMV2| value is 1.8; for DR, it is 24.9%. Only 9.9% of the PMV combinations and 3.8% of the DR combinations under the SME can be satisfied by total volume ventilation (TVV). Lastly, a normal distribution of PMV preference of [-0.5, 0.5] consisting of 40 individuals is utilized as a case study. Over 85% preferences are better satisfied by the SME than TVV, accompanied by an energy-saving rate of 55%-95% than MV.

Adaptive thermal sensation evaluation model in tents for Western Sichuan Plateau of China: A field study

The Western Sichuan Plateau (WSP), which is located in the eastern margin of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, exhibits a unique climate featuring high altitude, thin air, low air temperature, and strong solar radiation. The local residents have developed a unique thermal sensation as a result of climatic adaptation, which cannot be accurately described using existing thermal sensation evaluation models. Therefore, we conducted a field study of the thermal sensation of the herdsmen living in tents in two typical areas located in the WSP. We measured the thermal environment parameters (air temperature, relative humidity, air speed, and black-globe temperature) on site and simultaneously conducted a questionnaire regarding the activity level, clothing insulation, and thermal sensation of the residents. A statistical regression analysis was performed, and the results showed a difference of 5.7 °C and 3.2 °C between the actual and predicted thermal neutral temperatures of the residents in the WSP during winter and summer, respectively. To improve the prediction accuracy, an adaptive predicted mean vote (aPMV) model incorporated with an adaptive coefficient was established for the WSP. The aPMV model can accurately predicted the thermal sensation levels of the local herdsmen living in tents.

Determination of thermal sensation levels for Koreans based on perceived temperature and climate chamber experiments with hot and humid settings

People perceive thermal sensation differently despite the same temperature value of thermal comfort index depending on various factors such as climate, culture, and physiological characteristics. The use of the thermal comfort index without optimization may lead to biases in assessment of thermal stress and sensation. This study aims to derive the perceived temperature (PT) ranges of thermal sensation levels related to heat stress for Koreans. The experiments were designed using a controlled environmental chamber to derive the PT ranges and were performed with subjects who are residents of Seoul, South Korea. The experiments were carried out in the summers of 2017 and 2018, and the thermal sensation votes were surveyed from 19 subjects whose mean age, height, weight, and body mass index were 22.5 years, 171 cm, 72 kg, and 23 kg⋅m−2, respectively. The derived PT ranges for Koreans led to a better performance than the reference PT ranges for Germans based on the results of validation. The thresholds of ‘Warm,’ ‘Hot,’ and ‘Very hot’ thermal sensation classes for Koreans were 28 °C, 36 °C, and 43 °C, respectively: higher than those for Germans. The results indicate that Koreans may have higher heat resistance or lower heat sensitivity than Germans.

The multisensory interaction between auditory, visual, and thermal to the overall comfort in public open space: A study in a tropical climate

• Perception of comfort in urban public space is affected by multimodal interaction. • Multimodal interaction exists between auditory and thermal sensations. • Multimodal interaction exists between visual and thermal sensations. • Sun exposures, dynamics, humidity, and noise influence comfort in urban public space. • Auditory factors have a stronger impact on comfort than thermal and visual factors. Human comfort, one of the most critical factors in public space utilization, is influenced by a multisensory interaction between stimuli in the built environment, namely auditory, thermal, and visual. However, the combined interaction between these stimuli and how it affects the perception of comfort and thus the use of space, especially for conditions in public open spaces in a tropical-climate country, is not fully understood. This study utilizes the Structural Equation Modeling method to model the interaction between the auditory, thermal, and visual factors in public open spaces by observing the physical parameters of the environment and the perceptions of space users. The results indicate a multisensory relationship between the visual and thermal factors induced by the sun exposures, in which Visual Sensation increases with an increase in Thermal Sensation. Another multisensory relationship exists between auditory and thermal factors, where Auditory Sensation increases with increased Thermal Sensation and noise level, which explains the dynamic in public open spaces. Additionally, changes in the auditory factor have the most significant influence on comfort in public open space, followed by thermal and visual factors. The findings of this study provide valuable information to support urban designers in creating comfortable urban public spaces.

Experimental investigation of standard effective temperature (SET*) adapted for human walking in an indoor and transitional thermal environment

Thermal indices are widely used to predict the human body's thermal sensation indoors and outdoors, with standard effective temperature (SET*) being the most commonly used index. Although SET* has been well-proven in predicting indoor static thermal comfort, it has not yet proven its applicability in thermal comfort and dynamic condition assessments outdoors. Refers to verify the application of SET* in both an indoor and transitional space, experiments were conducted in the badminton hall of Guangzhou University (representing the indoor space) and the overhead floor of the experimental building of Guangzhou University (representing the transition space). Thirty healthy college students were first asked to walk for 20 min at four walking speeds and then to rest for 10 min. During the whole process, environmental parameters and the mean thermal sensation vote (MTSV) were recorded. Thereafter, the relationship between MTSV and the calculated SET* was established; notably, the applicability of the SET* prediction model in the transitional space was significantly better than that in the indoor space during walking. An improved SET* prediction model and the corresponding thermal stress categories are proposed to predict the dynamic thermal sensation, which is suitable for either walking indoors or in transitional spaces. From the linear regression equation in the improved model, it was obtained that the thermal comfort interval (MTSV falling within ±0.5) represented by α SET* is 24–37.5 °C. In addition, through Probit regression analysis, the thermal sensation level corresponding to the improved SET* (α SET*) was determined.

Outdoor comfort level improvement in the traffic waiting areas by using a mist spray system: An experiment and questionnaire study

Outdoor hot environment in summer affects human health seriously, and it is very difficult to be improved by air-conditioning equipment. However, some outdoor activities are unavoidable and taking the public transportation is the main way, especially for medium and low-income population, so improving thermal environment in urban transportation waiting areas is necessary and significant. Based on this, the mist spray system was considered to improve the human thermal comfort in the urban transportation waiting areas. A bus station model was established to analyze the influence of the mist spray system through experimental test and questionnaire. The results showed air temperature was reduced obviously, while thermal comfort was well improved in the mist spray system. The average air temperatures were decreased by 2.6 °C, 2.1 °C and 3.3 °C in the head, the nasal cavity, and the chest, respectively. Human thermal sensation was increased from 1.44 (between slightly hot and hot) to 0.33 (slightly higher than neutrality), while thermal comfort was improved from −1.13 (slightly uncomfortable) to 0.76 (slightly comfortable). And female and obese participants had more sensitivity on thermal sensation and comfort level. And the mist spray system could be used widely in practice due to its wide acceptability of 76 %.

User Thermal Comfort in Historic Buildings: Evaluation of the Potential of Thermal Mass, Orientation, Evaporative Cooling and Ventilation

The study investigated the level of thermal comfort in historical buildings located at a relatively high altitude in the Arabian Desert of Saudi Arabia. The study focused on the impact of the use of thermal mass and orientation on the level of thermal performance at Shubra and Boqri Palaces. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were used in this study, including a questionnaire interview with architecture experts living at the relatively high altitude of Taif city, to obtain data and information from local experts. The computer software TAS EDSL was used along with on-site equipment, such as thermal imaging cameras and data loggers, to observe the physical conditions of the building in terms of its thermal performance. The study revealed that the experts’ age and years of experience were important aspects while collecting data from them during the survey. The use of thermal mass had a slight impact on the indoor air temperature as well as the energy consumption, but it helped in providing thermal comfort. Use of ventilation can improve thermal comfort level. Evaporative cooling technique has a considerable impact on reducing indoor air temperature with 4 °C drop, improving the thermal comfort sensation level. The novelty of this work is that, it links the outcomes of qualitative results of experts with field monitoring as well as computer modelling. This can contribute as method to accurately collect data in similar case studies.

Unlocking thermal comfort in transitional spaces: A field study in three Italian shopping centres

Shopping centres are commonly laid out as small individual stores connected by transitional spaces. Setpoint temperatures used to control transitional spaces are normally the same as in traditional indoor environments despite substantial differences in use, time of permanence and users' needs. Currently, there are no comfort guidelines for transitional spaces and the literature lacks relevant studies on the topic. There is an untapped potential for energy savings and improved indoor environmental quality. The main objective of this work is to evaluate the suitability of Fanger's comfort model and adaptive comfort model for transitional spaces. We assessed users' thermal perception and potential impacting factors in three Italian shopping centres. 724 customers were interviewed on their thermal comfort, thermal sensation, thermal preference, and clothing level while experiencing the transitional space. In addition, the thermal environment at the interview locations (dry-bulb temperature, globe temperature, relative humidity, and air speed at different levels) and the outdoor temperature were monitored. The study demonstrated that Fanger's model and the adaptive comfort model are not suitable for transitional spaces. Customers were inclined to adapt to a much wider range of indoor environmental conditions. An operative temperature of up to 27.5 °C was still deemed comfortable by more than 80% of the customers. These results unlock a large potential for energy savings and pave the way for passive solutions such as natural ventilation.

A simulation framework for predicting occupant thermal sensation in perimeter zones of buildings considering direct solar radiation and ankle draft

Buildings with highly glazed envelopes have gained popularity in recent decades. Though it is well understood that these modern buildings can be less energy efficient, only a few attempts have been made to examine the impact of certain building design decisions, such as window characteristics, on indoor thermal sensation and thermal comfort. While conventional assessment of thermal sensation and comfort primarily considers zone-level environmental conditions (e.g. air temperature and relative humidity), localized effects including direct solar radiation exposure and ankle draft may also exist and can impact indoor thermal sensation especially in highly glazed perimeter zones. In this work, a simulation framework is introduced to incorporate the solar radiation effect and ankle draft effect, which are shown to increase warm and cold thermal sensation levels, respectively. The novel proposed ankle draft model adapts local draft conditions to determine the impact on overall thermal sensation for the first time. This simulation framework is demonstrated using a single-zone model using the climate of Toronto, Canada to illustrate the effect of three primary window design parameters on thermal sensation using a visualization approach: window size, U-factor, and solar heat gain coefficient. All observations are aligned with anecdotal evidence: warm thermal sensation level is positively correlated with window size and solar heat gain coefficient, whereas cold thermal sensation level is positively correlated with window size and window U-factor. This simulation framework can be used to analyze indoor thermal sensation and comfort for perimeter zones in existing buildings or fenestration alternatives during building design phases.

The outdoor thermal comfort assessment of different urban configurations within Akure City, Nigeria

The outdoor thermal comfort condition of Akure city has been assessed in this study. Four locations within the city (Airport, Ijapo, Alagbaka and Oja Oba) with varying urban settings were the focus in this study. The monthly and diurnal variation of thermal comfort within these locations were reported, as well as the frequency of occurrence of each thermal comfort sensation class. Temperature Humidity Index (THI) was used to compute the comfort values and determine sensation levels using air temperature and relative humidity data obtained during the field measurement campaign from January to December 2009. Results from the study showed that thermal comfort varies monthly. March was observed to be the most thermally stressed month, while August was the least. Diurnal variation showed that the period between 1400 and 1600 h was the least comfortable time of the day as the condition reached “hot” thermal sensation level. The comparative analysis between the stations showed that the locations within the Central Business District (CBD) were more thermally discomforting as they had a higher frequency of warm and hot sensations compared to the other locations. This study clearly reveals that thermal comfort conditions have varying thresholds at different locations within the urban area.

Effect of change in ambient temperature on core temperature of female subjects during the daytime and its sex differences.

Tympanic temperature (Tty), skin temperature, and regional dry heat loss were measured continuously in eight female subjects under three conditions: (1) stepwise increases in ambient temperature (Ta) from 26°C at 09:00 to 30°C at 18:00, (2) steady Ta at 28°C from 09:00 to 18:00, and (3) stepwise decreases in Ta from 30°C at 09:00 to 26°C at 18:00. Oxygen consumption, body weight loss, thermal sensation, and comfort levels were periodically recorded. The Tty increased significantly (p < 0.01) from 36.1 ± 0.36°C to 36.6 ± 0.23°C at 18:00 under condition 1 but remained virtually unchanged under conditions 2 and 3. Thermal comfort was observed at 15:00 and 17:00 under condition 3, whereas subjects reported that they felt slightly cool at 15:00. The rate of body heat storage (S), changes in Tty, mean skin temperature ([Formula: see text]sk), and mean body temperature during each period were calculated, and confirmed that changes in [Formula: see text]sk was correlated with S. Diurnal changes in core temperature (Tc) appeared to be more dependent on diurnal rhythm than on changes in Ta, except when Ta increased continuously. Thus, it may be difficult to predict diurnal changes in women's Tc using a body-heat-balance equation during thermal transient.

Outdoor thermal comfort in different urban settings of sub-tropical high-density cities: An approach of adopting local climate zone (LCZ) classification

Outdoor thermal comfort is determined by urban morphology and the geometry of outdoor urban spaces. The local climate zone (LCZ) classification system aims to characterise the urban and rural land cover based on various urban morphological parameters. It has been widely used in studies of the thermal environment, but the subjective thermal perception between LCZ classes has rarely been studied. This study evaluated the microclimatic conditions and subjective perception of the thermal environment in eight LCZs in Hong Kong, using questionnaire surveys and field measurements. An ANOVA test showed that the microclimatic conditions were significantly different across eight LCZs, and this could be attributed to the urban morphology and the geometry of the outdoor urban spaces. This does not only affect the critical conditions but also the variations in the thermal environment. The highest maximum temperature (38.9 °C) was found in LCZ 1, and the lowest maximum temperature (29.9 °C) was observed in land cover LCZs. Subjective assessment showed that compact or high-rise settings were associated with warmer thermal sensations reported by the respondents. The relationship between the level of thermal stress and subjective thermal sensation changed across LCZs. This study demonstrated that the LCZ classification provides a characterisation of both the physical and thermal environment. It is also one of the first attempts to examine the relationship between the thermal environment and subjective perceptions using the LCZ classification system. Further work is required to investigate how thermal comfort indicators can be used to represent the thermal comfort conditions in different LCZs.

An Investigation of the Effects of Changes in the Indoor Ambient Temperature on Arousal Level, Thermal Comfort, and Physiological Indices

Thermal factors not only affect the thermal comfort sensation of occupants, but also affect their arousal level, productivity, and health. Therefore, it is necessary to control thermal factors appropriately. In this study, we aim to design a thermal environment that improves both the arousal level and thermal comfort of the occupants. To this end, we investigated the relationships between the physiological indices, subjective evaluation values, and task performance under several conditions of changes in the indoor ambient temperature. In particular, we asked subjects to perform a mathematical task and subjective evaluation related to their thermal comfort sensation and drowsiness levels. Simultaneously, we measured their physiological parameters, such as skin temperature, respiration rate, electroencephalography, and electrocardiography, continuously. We investigated the relationship between the comfort sensation and drowsiness level of occupants, and the physiological indices. From the results, it was confirmed that changes in the indoor ambient temperature can improve both the thermal comfort and the arousal levels of occupants. Moreover, we proposed the evaluation indices of the thermal comfort and the drowsiness level of occupants using physiological indices.

Human Outdoor Thermal Comfort Assessment in a Tropical Region: A Case Study

The thermal environment where human beings dwell is vital to the proper functioning of the human body system. This study assesses the outdoor thermal comfort conditions of five southwestern states of Nigeria over a 30-year period using the Temperature–Humidity Index (THI) and Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) indices. The monthly and seasonal variation of thermal sensation levels were assessed as well as the frequency of occurrence of each thermal sensation category for each of the stations considered. The prominent thermal sensation levels for each of the station were also ascertained. Results from the study revealed that thermal conditions deteriorated between 0900 and 1500 local standard time (LST) and resulted in higher levels of thermal stress. Thermal conditions were observed to vary seasonally, with increased thermal stress levels occurring during the transition to wet months (TWS) and dry months (DM), while thermal comfort conditions improved the most during the little dry season (LDS). Abeokuta was noted to be the station with the highest level of thermal discomfort when compared with other stations. Temperature was observed to be the highest contributor to thermal conditions; this, therefore implies that, with the increasing regional mean temperature, bioclimatic condition information is imperative in urban planning.

Occupant behaviour and thermal comfort in buildings: Monitoring the end user

Studies indicate that the energy performance gap between real and calculated energy use can be explained for 80% by occupant behaviour. This human factor may be composed of routine and thermoregulatory behaviour. When occupants do not feel comfortable due to high or low operative temperatures and resulting high or low skin temperatures, they are likely to exhibit thermoregulatory behaviour. The aim of this study is to monitor and understand this thermoregulatory behaviour of the occupant. This is a detailed study of two females living in a rowhouse in the city of Heerlen (Netherlands). During a monitoring period of three weeks over a time span of three months the following parameters were monitored: activity level, clothing, micro climate, skin temperatures and thermal comfort and sensation. Their micro climate was measured at five positions on the body to assess exposed near body conditions and skin temperature. Every two hours they filled in a questionnaire regarding their thermal comfort and sensation level (7-point scale), clothing, activities and thermoregulatory behaviour. The most comfortable (optimal) temperature was calculated for each person by adopting a biophysical model, a thermoneutral zone model. This study shows unique indivual comfort patterns in relation to ambient conditions. An example is given how this information can be used to calculate the buildings energy comsumption.

In-situ real time measurements of thermal comfort and comparison with the adaptive comfort theory in Dutch residential dwellings

Indoor thermal comfort is generally assessed using the PMV or the adaptive model. This research presents the results obtained by in-situ real time measurements of thermal comfort and thermal comfort perception in 17 residential dwellings in the Netherlands. The study demonstrates the new possibilities offered by relatively cheap, sensor-rich environments to collect data on clothing, heating, and activities related to thermal comfort, which can be used to improve and validate existing comfort models. The results are analyzed against the adaptive comfort model and its underlying assumptions. Data analysis showed that while indoor temperatures are within the adaptive model’s comfort bandwidth, occupants often reported comfort sensations other than neutral. Furthermore, when indoor temperatures were below the comfort bandwidth, tenants also often reported that they felt ‘neutral’. The adaptive model could overestimate as well as underestimate the occupant’s adaptive capacity towards thermal comfort. Despite the significant outdoors temperature variation, the indoor temperature of the dwellings and the clothing were observed to remain largely constant. Certain actions towards thermal comfort such as ‘turning the thermostat up’ were taking place while tenants were reporting thermal sensation ‘neutral’ or ‘a bit warm’. This indicates that either there is an indiscrimination among the various thermal sensation levels or alliesthesia plays a role and the neutral sensation is not comfortable, or many actions are happening out of habit and not in order to improve one’s thermal comfort. A chi2 analysis showed that only six actions were correlated to thermal sensation in thermally poorly efficient dwellings, and six in thermally efficient dwellings.

Non-intrusive interpretation of human thermal comfort through analysis of facial infrared thermography

Understanding occupants’ thermal sensation and comfort is essential to defining the operational settings for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems in buildings. Due to the continuous impact of human and environmental factors, occupants’ thermal sensation and comfort level can change over time. Thus, to dynamically control the environment, thermal comfort should be monitored in real time. This paper presents a novel non-intrusive infrared thermography framework to estimate an occupant's thermal comfort level by measuring skin temperature collected from different facial regions using low-cost thermal cameras. Unlike existing methods that rely on placing sensors directly on humans for skin temperature measurement, the proposed framework is able to detect the presence of occupants, extract facial regions, measure skin temperature features, and interpret thermal comfort conditions with minimal interruption of the building occupants. The method is validated by collecting thermal comfort data from a total of twelve subjects under cooling, heating and steady-state experiments. The results demonstrate that ears, nose and cheeks are most indicative of thermal comfort and the proposed framework can be used to assess occupants’ thermal comfort with an average accuracy of 85%.

In-situ real time measurements of thermal comfort and comparison with the adaptive comfort theory in Dutch residential dwellings

Indoor thermal comfort is generally assessed using the PMV or the adaptive model. This research presents the results obtained by in-situ real time measurements of thermal comfort and thermal comfort perception in 17 residential dwellings in the Netherlands. The study demonstrates the new possibilities offered by relatively cheap, sensor-rich environments to collect data on clothing, heating, and activities related to thermal comfort, which can be used to improve and validate existing comfort models. The results are analysed against the adaptive comfort model and its underlying assumptions. Data analysis showed that while indoor temperatures are within the adaptive model's comfort bandwidth, occupants often reported comfort sensations other than neutral. Furthermore, when indoor temperatures were below the comfort bandwidth, tenants also often reported that they felt ‘neutral’. The adaptive model could overestimate as well as underestimate the occupant's adaptive capacity towards thermal comfort. Despite the significant outdoors temperature variation, the indoor temperature of the dwellings and the clothing were observed to remain largely constant. Certain actions towards thermal comfort such as ‘turning the thermostat up’ were taking place while tenants were reporting thermal sensation ‘neutral’ or ‘a bit warm’. This indicates that either there is an indiscrimination among the various thermal sensation levels or alliesthesia plays a role and the neutral sensation is not comfortable, or many actions are happening out of habit and not in order to improve one's thermal comfort. A chi2 analysis showed that only six actions were correlated to thermal sensation in thermally poorly efficient dwellings, and six in thermally efficient dwellings.