From too hot to too cold or finding just right, is your thermostat telling the truth? In an article Jennifer Lather, assistant professor of architectural engineering, tells The Washington Post in an interview how persons perceive indoor temperatures thanks to convergent air cycles, similar to colliding air masses that influence meteorological climates. Air circulation, while certainly impactful in a house, apartment or office, is one of several factors influencing how persons experience room temperature, including how the structure was built, proper or improper installation of windows, and even room colors are others.
Lather talked about how “air movement” impacts climate change within the home and how circulating air contributes to people feeling more comfortable whether it’s hot or cold, depending on the time of year.
“We want the air to go up when we want it to be warm in the house and it’s winter” because it makes the temperature across a building more uniform, says Lather, who was recently awarded a planning grant for “Serving At-risk Communities in Disasters: Studying Planning and Response Measures under the Lens of Equity” via the UNL Grand Challenges Catalyst Competition.
Washington Post Article