Subjective information in thermal comfort evaluation methods: A critical review

Abstract

Thermal environments hold significant importance in human living environments, affecting quality of life, work efficiency, and building energy consumption. Accurate evaluation of thermal comfort involves the quantification of subjective information and the establishment of indices and models. Although various thermal comfort evaluation methods currently exist, the complexity of subjective emotions has often been overlooked. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the underlying purposes and logic behind different thermal comfort evaluation methods, focusing on the intricacies of subjective information. It emphasizes that while substantial studies have already demonstrated that thermal sensation alone is insufficient for evaluating thermal environments in different contexts, there is still an overreliance on thermal sensation by various indices and models. By critically reviewing the role of subjective information in these methods, this review aims to promote the healthy development of thermal comfort evaluation.