Air temperature (T)
air-Q with an air temperature sensor
Description:
For humans, perceived temperature plays an important role. This perceived ambient temperature—the room temperature—may differ from the air temperature measured by an air thermometer. Room temperature refers to the measurable temperature in a room and consists of the local air temperature and the radiant temperatures of the various surfaces.
Temperature limits:
To promote well-being and, consequently, prevent health problems, the Federal Environment Agency recommends specific guideline values for indoor temperature. These vary depending on the intended use of the rooms.
In residential areas, temperatures between 21 and 23 °C are recommended. For children's rooms and bathrooms, the recommended temperature is 23 °C; in the kitchen, 18 to 19 °C; and in the bedroom, 16 to 18 °C.
For offices, a room temperature between 21 and 22 °C is recommended. The Workplace Directive (ASR) distinguishes between different activities in its legal recommendation for room temperature. The minimum temperature for sedentary and light work is 20 °C, and 19 °C for moderate physical exertion. Moderate physical work performed while standing requires an ambient temperature of at least 17 °C; for heavy physical work performed while standing, the temperature must not fall below 12 °C. The maximum temperature in workspaces is 26 °C.
| Denomination | Ambient Temperature Limits |
| Recommendation from the Federal Environment Office - Housing | 21 °C to 23 °C |
| Recommendation from the Federal Environment Agency - Offices | 21 °C to 22 °C |
| Recommendation from the Federal Environment Agency - Children's Room | 21 °C to 23 °C |
| Recommendation from the Federal Environment Agency - Bedroom | 16 °C to 18 °C |
| Maximum value according to the Workplace Directive (ASR) - Offices | 26 °C |
Consequences of temperatures that are too high or too low:
Individual comfort in indoor spaces depends largely on air temperature and humidity. The decisive factor here is the body’s own thermoregulation, which kicks in to prevent overheating when air temperatures are too high and, when temperatures are too low, attempts to raise body temperature—for example, by causing chills. Since thermoregulation is linked to blood circulation, people with circulatory problems may react very strongly to temperature fluctuations.
In addition to the physical effects, an uncomfortable air temperature can also have a negative impact on mental health and generally limit performance.
Temperatures that are too high can cause the mucous membranes to dry out, thereby increasing the risk of colds. They can also cause fatigue and headaches. Cold temperatures can make you feel unwell. In both cases, your concentration and performance are impaired.
At temperatures between 23 and 28 °C, mental performance also suffers, for example when working in an office. The common theory is that this temperature is perceived as too comfortable, leading to excessive relaxation. Even higher temperatures, on the other hand, lead to an increase in performance because they feel uncomfortable. People work more effectively when the temperature is perceived as “slightly cool.”
Adherence to the recommended guidelines can also reduce energy consumption, thereby conserving resources and lowering emissions. In addition, this can help prevent mold growth.
Context of perceived temperature:
The perceived room temperature is the result of various factors. Even more important than the air temperature is the surface temperature of the room’s walls. This is because the four walls radiate heat, and this temperature is added to the local air temperature when measuring the room temperature.
The body temperature of the people in the room—and thus the heat transfer between their bodies and the environment—also affects the perceived temperature.
In addition, individual skin characteristics, evaporation through the skin, and respiration, as well as air humidity, play a role in temperature perception. An additional factor is solar radiation and, consequently, the absorption or reflection properties of the respective clothing.
Sensor used:
The temperature is measured in the air-Q using a very high-precision sensor. Unfortunately, the air-Q itself heats up slightly. This self-heating is corrected using mathematical formulas; however, the air-Q reacts somewhat more slowly to temperature changes than a fully exposed temperature probe.
Measuring the air temperature:
If you want to measure the air temperature and analyze indoor air quality as a whole, then purchase the air-Q measuring device for a healthy life and a healthy work environment.
More measured values / sensors
