Since being founded in 1962, AC Genius has become one of the largest service providers of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in North Texas.

ASHRAE 55: Beyond the standard of thermal comfort

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Thermal comfort isn’t really defined in opposition to thermal discomfort. The best definition of thermal comfort, which has been established by many studies, is hinged on its impact on one’s well-being and productivity.

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Thermal comfort can be achieved by setting air temperature, humidity, and air movement after a range prescribed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). As people vary greatly among themselves on their temperature preferences, ASHRAE compares the outcomes of psychological experiments to thermal analysis variables in determining the indoor thermal conditions that majority of the occupants would find acceptable. These conditions are outlined in the ASHRAE 55 Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy, the industry consensus on thermal comfort requirements for buildings. ASHRAE 55 is updated on a regular basis to accommodate any changes affecting thermal comfort and its sustainability in indoor environments.

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Thermal comfort within offices is important. According to ASHRAE 55, the recommended office temperature ranges from 68°F to 74°F in winter and 73°F to 79°F during summer months. It has been reported that 80 percent of occupants feel comfortable on such levels, but there are still those who find these inadequate. Additional procedures are required to meet the acceptable thermal comfort levels for all building occupants.



Ensure your family’s comfort and safety by having your cooling and heating systems regularly checked by Hobson Air specialists. Go to this website to request for a service.

Fun Fact: The first air conditioner

"The very first unit by Willis Carrier was not for temperature control, but for humidity control. You got cooling as a byproduct."

Source: Live Science, Science of Summer: How Does Air Conditioning Work?