An Experimental Investigation of the Influence of Indoor Color Temperature on Residents' Thermal Sensitivity

Abstract

The hue-heat hypothesis proposes that lighting influences perceived temperature, with cool-colored light lowering and warm-colored light raising temperature perception. While studies have supported hue-heat effects, further research is needed in residential settings. This study examined indoor color temperature impacts on thermal sensitivity in a simulated residential environment. Two experiments were conducted in a test room. In Experiment 1, 36 participants experienced Red, White, and Blue lighting orders at fixed temperatures (21 – 23 °C). In Experiment 2, 24 participants were divided into preferred and non-preferred color conditions at the same temperatures. Thermal sensitivity was evaluated after each condition using ANOVA. Results of Experiment 1 supported the hue-heat hypothesis under Blue lighting, aligning with sensory evaluation. However, the hypothesis was not supported under Red and White conditions. Thus, blue illumination enhanced residential coolness perception. In contrast, participants preferred Red and White colors, diverging from hue-heat predictions. Overall, this study provides nuanced evidence for hue-heat effects in residential contexts, suggesting complex interactions between color preferences, lighting, and thermal perception.

Keywords

• indoor color temperature
• occupants
• public health
• residential environment
• thermal sensitivity
• winter