An analysis of the inter-relationships among thermal comfort, acceptability, sensation, perception and preference in residences - a structural equation model

In residential buildings, varieties of thermal sensation and comfort requirements significantly impact energy consumption, warranting careful analysis of factors affecting thermal comfort. This study reveals the inter-relationships and relative influences among thermal comfort and thermal acceptability, thermal sensation, thermal perception, and thermal preference of thermal environments with air, light, temperature, and humidity, in Indian residences. A field study was conducted with a questionnaire collected data from 261 respondents in Pudukkottai District, Tamil Nadu, India. The study uses path models and structural equation models to provide a holistic view to show the inter-relationships between thermal comfort, acceptability, sensation, perception, and preference in Indian residences. The study endorses the importance of four thermal environments called air, light, temperature and humidity in Indian residences. The study also finds a significant and robust relationship between thermal comfort, acceptability, preference, sensation, and perception with statistical significance.