Perceived and measured indoor climate in new-family buildings including identifying technical deficiencies

When new buildings are constructed the indoor climate for the first period may differ from the one after some years due to various factors, for example may the emissions from the building materials be higher, possibly affecting the air quality, and the balancing of the technical systems; the mechanical supply and exhaust system and heating may not be completely finished. The perceived indoor climate in new-multi family buildings, with the aim of low-energy use and good indoor climate, has been examined by questionnaires when the buildings were new. In this follow-up study the same questionnaire has been performed after some years. Measurements of the indoor climate and the performance of the technical systems have also been made in some apartments. The objectives are to compare the resident’s experience of indoor climate after some years of occupancy with when the buildings were new and to examine indoor climate and aspects influencing this after some years of occupancy. One objective being studied is the window opening in the apartments and factors related to this. No large difference in experience is seen after some years. A majority of the respondents open their windows during the heating season for rather long time periods and daily or almost every day. It was found that the resulting indoor climate is a complex interaction between the technical systems, the design of the building envelope and the behavior of the occupant. Several deficiencies in all this three areas have been identified and suggestions on possible improvements are included.