A study conducted by the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) reveals that comfort at home is shaped by various factors beyond just temperature. Published on July 8, 2026, researchers led by Dr. Sarah Chan examined how residents in Singapore's high-rise homes experience and manage heat. The findings highlight the complex interplay of household routines, airflow, and personal habits in shaping comfort levels.
Understanding the Factors Influencing Home Comfort
The research surveyed over 1,000 respondents across 416 households, combining surveys with home audits and interviews with 13 families. A striking 70% of respondents reported feeling warm or hot at home without air conditioning. Dr. Chan emphasizes that comfort is not solely reliant on cooling systems but also on how families share their living spaces and manage airflow.
“Coping well with heat at home is not just about whether a flat is 'hot' or whether a household has air conditioning,” said Dr. Chan. “It is also shaped by everyday routines, how families share space, and how people have become used to managing heat.” This concept, termed conditioned comfort, indicates that individuals' perceptions of comfort are influenced by their expectations and past experiences.
Home Environment's Role in Heat Management
Most urban heat studies focus on outdoor conditions, but the SUTD research highlights the importance of indoor environments. Residents frequently transition between outdoor heat and indoor cooling, which can affect their comfort levels. The study identifies several lesser-known factors that influence indoor comfort:
- Time spent outdoors correlates with increased comfort indoors.
- Closed windows and obstructed airflow are linked to higher indoor temperatures.
- Household dynamics and routines, such as nighttime air conditioning preferences, affect comfort levels.
Dr. Joshua Sim, a senior research fellow at the National University of Singapore, stresses the need to understand heat resilience through the lens of daily life. “Air conditioning remains important for sleep, health, and comfort, especially when heat becomes unsafe,” he stated.
Strategies for Improved Indoor Comfort
The researchers contend that addressing indoor heat requires a multifaceted approach. It is essential to consider housing conditions, neighborhood temperatures, and individual health needs. While air conditioning is necessary for many families, especially during hot nights, the study suggests additional strategies to improve comfort:
- Enhancing airflow by rearranging furniture and opening windows when feasible.
- Implementing public education on managing indoor heat effectively.
- Developing tools to help residents understand heat dynamics within their homes.
Dr. Chan concludes, “People should not be blamed for feeling hot or for using air conditioning. If we can make the hidden factors in the home more visible, households may have more choices.” By recognizing these influences, families can make informed decisions about their comfort and heat management strategies.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Phys.org. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
