This report describes an investigation of the indoor climate in two different workspaces. Since we a big part of our lives are staying indoors in artificial environments, and more particularly in our workplaces, we think it would be interesting to do this investigation.
The technical solutions for air treatment systems began with simple natural systems without fans and where the thermal rise of the air applied. In modern time is technical air treating systems used to take care of the fresh air supply. This type of units can supply filtered air with the right temperature to the building.
Well-functioning ventilation is essential to bring clean fresh air to the room and effectively remove impurities without sound- or draught problems. The indoor climate is relevant for the output capacity. Ability to work is influenced by a few degrees difference. Even the mental capacity is affected by this. Indoor climate with good comfort create the conditions for effective activities.
People experience current indoor climate in various ways. In a workplace, some find it too warm while others complain that it is too cold. While odors from perfumes and pollutants may be perceived as very disturbing for example, allergies and children, while others are not affected at all.
The office in City Hall is located on the 4th floor of the central Västerås. Surroundings consist of a large city park, a big car park and the city center. The second office is in a big one floored building, about 10 kilometers outside the city, with close links to a heavily busy road and a large parking place.
At the sampling and measurement of the different spaces we used three different instruments. A sound meter, a carbon dioxide meter and a comfort meter which measures, operating temperature, humidity and air velocity. All measurements were made during an hour interval with at least one person in the room. We first measured the noise level and concentrations of carbon dioxide in the room, and after that we started comfort meter and collected the questionnaire responses.
The result from all measurements is consistent with the questionnaire responses. In the office space that are perceived as dry, cold or warm we measured almost the same results. The experience of a space feels dry line with reality. When cold outdoor air is heated to around 19 degrees it becomes dry, which is normal for the cold seasons.
2009. , p. 53