Improvement Of Thermal Comfort In Residential Buildings

Abstract Thermal discomfort experience in a built environment is a thing of concern since the quality of man depends on the quality of his indoor environment. This discomfort experience in an occupied space lowers the emotional and physical health of the occupants. This paper attempts to explore the thermal comfort scenario of the residential buildings in Mubi metropolis with the view of proffering measures to improve the comfort of people in their homes. To achieve the desired result 240 structured questionnaires were distributed to eight wards in the study area. The study reveals that the exacerbation of thermal discomfort in Mubi are attributable to some factors among which are epileptic power supply high cost of air conditioning systems use of good heat conducting materials in buildings poor building design and use of high heat emitting lighting devices. This however indicates that majority of Mubi residents are thermally uncomfortable in their homes. Based on the findings effective manipulation of shading devices micro-climate ventilation infiltration lighting electric appliances and building design will enhance the realization of the desired thermal comfort in residential buildings in the study area.