ABSTRACT
This chapter presents findings from a mixed-methods study in the United States, which explored differences between climate type and thermal/visual satisfaction using qualitative and quantitative methods. Multiple statistical tests were run to determine if there was a difference between a building’s climate type and occupants’ reporting of their own thermal or visual satisfaction. Climate types were grouped into three categories: hot and humid, mixed marine, and cold or very cold. One-way ANOVA tests were conducted between climate categories and satisfaction scales. There was no significant difference found between the visual satisfaction scales and climate type. However, there was a statistically significant difference found between the three climate types, and the thermal satisfaction scale responses from survey participants. People in the mixed marine climate type category were less satisfied with their thermal conditions than the occupants in the other two climate type categories. Occupants’ reported satisfaction levels remained fairly positive, despite the significant differences found between climate types and reported temperature differences. Follow-up interview responses alluded to the importance of people adapting their own behaviours and playing a more active role in achieving their thermal comfort. Interviews also provided interesting thermal comfort insights relating to dress codes, cultural expectations, communication styles and adaptive behaviours.
