Effects of renovation using well-insulated windows on indoor thermal environment and the health of elderly occupants

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of installing well-insulated windows on the residential indoor thermal environment and the thermal comfort and health of occupants. We conducted measurement of thermal environments, occupant questionnaire about thermal comfort and surveys on physical activities of the elderly, before and after inner windows were added to inhabited houses. The survey was carried out for eight old wooden houses with elderly occupants in Yamagata City and surrounding areas. The results of our measurement and survey revealed that window renovation reduced the impact of cold outdoor air temperature on indoor thermal environment and improved thermal comfort in winter. Further, steps per day of the elderly significantly increased after renovation.