The combined effects of temperature and noise on the comfort perceptions of young people with a normal Body Mass Index

Abstract This study aims to investigate the combined effects of temperature and noise on human perceptions. Eighteen subjects participated in the experiments, which contained three temperature conditions (20 ℃:RH50 %, 25 ℃:RH50 %, 30 ℃:RH50 %.) and four noise levels (construction noises, 55,65,75,85 dB). The results showed temperature and noise had combined effects on human perceptions. On the one hand, the noise had different impacts on thermal perceptions in different temperature environments. Although the effect of noise did not influence thermal sensation significantly at 20 ℃ and 25 ℃, thermal comfort was more uncomfortable when the noise increased. Thermal comfort increased 1.85 scales with an increase from 55 dB to 85 dB at 30 ℃. Variations of heart rate also reflected the same pattern. HR was not only significantly associated with the effect of temperature but noise as well. On the other hand, noises were perceived as more uncomfortable at 30 ℃. Total annoyance sensation was influenced by noise significantly. The vote of total annoyance sensation was higher 1.96 scales in 85 dB than 55 dB at 30 ℃. From the perspective of creating comfortable environments, noise control should be more stringent in a hot environment. It is worth mentioning the conclusions were based on eighteen young people and need a larger sample size to confirm the results.