An overheating criterion for bedrooms in temperate climates: Derivation and application

Adequate sleep is crucial to human health and well-being elevated night-time temperatures can degrade quality. European countries with temperate climates use temperature thresholds between 25°C 28°C identify homes that are overheated. The current UK bedroom threshold of 26°C, based on one small study, which now over 45 years old. An extensive literature review indicated modern summertime bedding bedwear, enables body coverage be easily adjusted, thermal comfort achieved for up approximately 29°C. Temperatures measured in 591 bedrooms during England’s hottest ever summer, 2018, re-analysed. prevalences overheating generated by alternative criteria compared the established adaptive criterion. Comparisons made different dwelling household characteristics. Finally, a new criterion proposed mean temperature, 26°C 29°C depending application allowable exceedance chosen limited seven nights May September. Adopting 27°C vulnerable households others, 23% (5.5 million) main English were deemed overheated hot summer far fewer than 69% obtained using Irrespective chosen, there clear, consistent significant differences prevalence applicable unconditioned regions. It seeks strike balance risk will air-conditioned detrimental “good nights’ sleep”. Practical Application A bedrooms. adopts familiar format an exceedance. when people asleep intended aid interpretation predicted dynamic models measurements existing individuals heat sensitivity, design or refurbishment homes. With further testing refinement, it offers credible replacement given CIBSE Guide A, TM59 other guides. thus underpin regulations, Part O, dwellings England.