Influence of indoor environmental quality and dwelling satisfaction aspects on overall satisfaction: Findings from a Swedish national survey

Abstract

The objective of this study is to contribute to the discussion on the impact of dwelling satisfaction aspects (size, standard, layout, appearance/aesthetics, well-being, cost and area/neighbourhood) and perceived indoor environmental quality (thermal comfort, air quality, satisfaction with daylight and acoustic comfort) on occupants’ overall satisfaction. This article uses data from the Swedish National Survey, BETSI (2007/08). The results are representative of adults living in multi-family and single-family buildings (1597 responses/955 buildings). Linear regression models are developed with overall satisfaction as the dependent variable and independent variables: seven satisfaction aspects, four indoor environmental quality factors and all combined (eleven). An all-model explained 54.7% of the results (best performed). All the retained variables (except satisfaction with daylight) are statistically significant predictors. Satisfaction with well-being (b = 0.286) and satisfaction with dwellings’ standard (b = 0.188) have the greatest effect on overall satisfaction. The model with the IEQ aspects explained only 35.5% of the results. Reliability statistics (Cronbach’s alpha) and confirmatory factor analysis have been implemented in the dataset. The responses can be categorized into two clusters. The two clusters were significantly different across living duration, dwelling type, age category and tenure status.