Indoor Design Conditions

Office Buildings, Commercial Facilities

Office Buildings, Commercial Facilities	Cooling		Heating
Office Buildings, Commercial Facilities	Temperature ºF Dry Bulb	Humidity %RH	Temperature ºF Dry Bulb	Humidity %RH
Offices	75	50	70	–
Conference Rooms, Meeting Rooms, Classrooms, Training Rooms	75	50	70	–
Reception Areas, Lobbies, Corridors	75	50	70	–
Network Computer Rooms	72 ± 2	–	72 ± 2	–
Telecommunication Areas/Data Entry	75	50	70	–

General Spaces

General Spaces	Cooling		Heating
General Spaces	Temperature ºF Dry Bulb	Humidity %RH	Temperature ºF Dry Bulb	Humidity %RH
Mechanical/Electrical/Equip. Rooms	85–90	–	60	–
Elevator Machine Rooms	85–90	–	65	–
Telecommunication Rooms	72 ± 2	–	72 ± 2	–
Toilet Rooms, Locker Rooms, Shower Rooms	78	50	70	–
Janitor Closets, Housekeeping	85	–	60	–
Lobbies, Corridors, Elevator Lobbies, Atriums	75	50	70	–
Vestibules, Entrances, Stairs	–	–	60	–
Stairs on Perimeter of Building or w/Glass	80	–	60	–
Storage	78	50	70	–
Garages—Open	–	–	–	–
Garages—Enclosed	–	–	50 (9)	–

Educational Facilities

Educational Facilities	Cooling		Heating
Educational Facilities	Temperature ºF Dry Bulb	Humidity %RH	Temperature ºF Dry Bulb	Humidity %RH
Auditoriums, Gymnasiums, Multipurpose Rooms	75	50	70	–
Classrooms, Lecture Halls	75	50	70	–
Laboratories—High School (4)	75	50	70	–
Laboratories—College or University (4)	75 ± 2	45 ± 5	72 ± 2	45 ± 5
Libraries	75	50	70	–
Music Rooms, Art Rooms	75	50	70	–
Training Shops	75	50	70	–

Food and Beverage Service

Food and Beverage Service	Cooling		Heating
Food and Beverage Service	Temperature ºF Dry Bulb	Humidity %RH	Temperature ºF Dry Bulb	Humidity %RH
Restaurants, Dining Rooms, Bars, Lounges, Cocktail Lounges	75	50	70	–
Cafeteria, Fast Food	75	50	70	–
Kitchens, Dishwashing	80	–	68	–

Hotels, Motels, Resorts, and Dormitories

Hotels, Motels, Resorts, and Dormitories	Cooling		Heating
Hotels, Motels, Resorts, and Dormitories	Temperature ºF Dry Bulb	Humidity %RH	Temperature ºF Dry Bulb	Humidity %RH
Conference Rooms, Meeting Rooms, Ball rooms	75	50	70	–
Bedrooms, Bathrooms	75	50	70	–
Dormitory Sleeping Areas	75	50	70	–
Living Rooms, Dining Rooms	75	50	70	–
Gambling Casinos, Gaming Rooms	75	50	70	–
Prison Cells	75	50	70	–
Dining Halls, Day Rooms	75	50	70	–
Guard Stations	75	50	70	–

Correctional Facilities

Correctional Facilities	Cooling		Heating
Correctional Facilities	Temperature ºF Dry Bulb	Humidity %RH	Temperature ºF Dry Bulb	Humidity %RH
Prison Cells	75	50	70	–
Dining Halls, Day Rooms	75	50	70	–
Guard Stations	75	50	70	–

Retail Stores and Specialty Shops

Retail Stores and Specialty Shops	Cooling		Heating
Retail Stores and Specialty Shops	Temperature ºF Dry Bulb	Humidity %RH	Temperature ºF Dry Bulb	Humidity %RH
Malls and Arcades	75	50	70
Department Stores, Supermarkets, Showroom Floors, Clothiers, Furniture	75	50	70
Dressing Rooms	75	50	70
Shipping and Receiving	–	–	60
Storage Rooms	78	50	70	–
Warehouses (7)	78	50	70	–
Barber Shop, Beauty Shop, Nail Salons	75	50	70	–
Hardware, Drug Stores, Fabric Stores, Specialty Stores	75	50	70	–
Pet Stores	75	50	70	–
Automobile Showrooms	75	50	70	–

Theaters

Theaters	Cooling		Heating
Theaters	Temperature ºF Dry Bulb	Humidity %RH	Temperature ºF Dry Bulb	Humidity %RH
Auditoriums, Concert Halls, Performing Arts Centers—Seating Area (5)	75	50	70	–
Stages, Performing Arts Studios— Performance Areas (5)	72 ± 2	40 ± 5	72 ± 2	40 ± 5
3D Theaters (6)	72	50	70	–
Lobbies, Ticket Booths, On-Call Windows	75	50	70	–

Sports and Entertainment

Sports and Entertainment	Cooling		Heating
Sports and Entertainment	Temperature ºF Dry Bulb	Humidity %RH	Temperature ºF Dry Bulb	Humidity %RH
Ballrooms, Disco, Dance Establishments	75	50	70	–
Bowling Alleys, Game Rooms, Arcades	75	50	70	–
Firing Ranges	75	50	70	–
Gymnasiums, Playing Floors	75	50	65	–
Swimming Pools, Natatoriums	75	50	70	–
Spectator Areas	75	50	70	–

Transportation

Transportation	Cooling		Heating
Transportation	Temperature ºF Dry Bulb	Humidity %RH	Temperature ºF Dry Bulb	Humidity %RH
Bus Stations, Airports	75	50	70	–
Waiting Areas	75	50	70	–

Storage Facilities

Storage Facilities	Cooling		Heating
Storage Facilities	Temperature ºF Dry Bulb	Humidity %RH	Temperature ºF Dry Bulb	Humidity %RH
Repair Garages (8)	–	–	65	–
Warehouses (7)	78	50	70	–

Workrooms

Workrooms	Cooling		Heating
Workrooms	Temperature ºF Dry Bulb	Humidity %RH	Temperature ºF Dry Bulb	Humidity %RH
Bank Vaults	75	50	70	–
Darkrooms	75	50	70	–
Duplicating, Printing	75	50	70	–
Pharmacy	75	50	70	–
Photo Studios	75	50	70	–

Private Dwelling—Single and Multiple

Private Dwelling—Single and Multiple	Cooling		Heating
Private Dwelling—Single and Multiple	Temperature ºF Dry Bulb	Humidity %RH	Temperature ºF Dry Bulb	Humidity %RH
Living Rooms, Dining Rooms, Bedrooms, Kitchens	75	50	70	–
Toilet Rooms, Bathrooms	78	50	70	–
Garages	–	–	50 (9)	–

Laboratories, Computer Facilities, High-Tech Industrial, Special Facilities

Laboratories, Computer Facilities, High-Tech Industrial, Special Facilities (4)	Cooling		Heating
	Temperature ºF Dry Bulb	Humidity %RH	Temperature ºF Dry Bulb	Humidity %RH
Laboratories—Research	72 ± 2	45 ± 5	72 ± 2	45 ± 5
Computer Rooms, Data Centers, Internet Host Sites, Server Rooms, Demarc Rooms	70 ± 2	45 ± 5	70 ± 2	45 ± 5
High Tech	68 ± 2	45 ± 5	68 ± 2	45 ± 5
High Tech (low humidity)	68 ± 2	35 ± 5	68 ± 2	35 ± 5
Animal Research Rooms	68–84 ± 2	40–70 ± 5	68–84 ± 2	40–70 ± 5
Museums, Galleries, Rare Document Libraries, Archives	72 ± 2	40 ± 5	72 ± 2	40 ± 5

Hospital Nursing Units

Hospital Nursing Units (2)	Cooling		Heating
Hospital Nursing Units (2)	Temperature ºF Dry Bulb	Humidity %RH	Temperature ºF Dry Bulb	Humidity %RH
Patient Rooms	75	50	70	–
Toilet Rooms	75	50	70	–
Newborn Nursery Suite	75	50	72	30
Protective Environment Room (PER)	75	50	70	–
PER Alcove or Anterooms	75	50	70	–
Isolation Room (IR)	75	50	70	–
(IR) Alcove or Anterooms	75	50	70	–
Patient Corridor	75	50	70	–

Obstetrical Facilities

Obstetrical Facilities (2)	Cooling		Heating
Obstetrical Facilities (2)	Temperature ºF Dry Bulb	Humidity %RH	Temperature ºF Dry Bulb	Humidity %RH
Delivery Rooms	72	50	72	30
Labor/Delivery/Recovery	75	50	70	–
Labor/Delivery/Recovery/Postpartum	75	50	70	–

Emergency, Surgery, and Critical Care

Emergency, Surgery, and Critical Care (2)	Cooling		Heating
Emergency, Surgery, and Critical Care (2)	Temperature ºF Dry Bulb	Humidity %RH	Temperature ºF Dry Bulb	Humidity %RH
Operating/Surgical/Cystoscopic Rooms	72 72 ± 2	50 45% ± 5	72 72 ± 2	30 45 ± 5
Cardiac Operating Rooms (3)	72 50	50 50	72 50	30 30
Recovery Rooms	75	50	72	30
Critical and Intensive Care	75 75 ± 2	50 45% ± 5	72 72 ± 2	30 45 ± 5
Intermediate Care	75	50	72	30
Newborn Intensive Care	75 75 ± 2	50 45% ± 5	72 72 ± 2	30 45 ± 5
Treatment Rooms	75	50	70	–
Trauma Rooms	75	50	72	30
Bronchoscopy	72	50	72	30
Triage	75	50	70	–
ER Waiting Rooms	75	50	70	–
Procedure Rooms	75	50	72	30
Laser Eye Rooms	75	50	72	30
X-Ray (Surgical/Critical Care and Catheterization)	75	50	72	30
Anesthesia Gas Storage	75	50	72	–

Hospital Facility Support Areas

Hospital Facility Support Areas (2)	Cooling		Heating
Hospital Facility Support Areas (2)	Temperature ºF Dry Bulb	Humidity %RH	Temperature ºF Dry Bulb	Humidity %RH
Medication Rooms	75	50	72	–
Clean Workrooms or Clean Holding	75	50	72	–
Soiled Workrooms or Soiled Holding	75	50	72	–

Diagnostic and Treatment Areas

Diagnostic and Treatment Areas (2)	Cooling		Heating
Diagnostic and Treatment Areas (2)	Temperature ºF Dry Bulb	Humidity %RH	Temperature ºF Dry Bulb	Humidity %RH
Examination Rooms	75	50	72	–
Treatment Rooms	75	50	72	–
Physical Therapy and Hydrotherapy	75	50	72	–
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Rooms	72	50	72	30
Endoscopic Instrument Processing Rooms	75	50	72	–
Imaging: X-Ray (Diagnostic and Treatment)	75	50	75	–
Imaging: Darkrooms	75	50	72	–
Imaging: Waiting Rooms	75	50	72	–
Laboratory: General	75	50	75	–
Laboratory: Biochemistry	75	50	75	–
Laboratory: Cytology	75	50	75	–
Laboratory: Glass Washing	75	50	72	–
Laboratory: Histology	75	50	75	–
Laboratory: Microbiology	75	50	75	–
Laboratory: Nuclear Medicine	75	50	75	–
Laboratory: Pathology	75	50	75	–
Laboratory: Serology	75	50	75	–
Laboratory: Sterilizing	75	50	72	–
Autopsy Rooms	75	50	72	–
Nonrefrigerated Body-Holding Rooms	70	50	70	–

Hospital Service Areas

Hospital Service Areas (2)	Cooling		Heating
Hospital Service Areas (2)	Temperature ºF Dry Bulb	Humidity %RH	Temperature ºF Dry Bulb	Humidity %RH
Pharmacy	70	50	70	–
Food Preparation Center	70	50	70	–
Warewashing	70	50	70	–
Dietary Day Storage	70	50	70	–
Laundry, General	70	50	70	–
Soiled Linen (Sorting and Storage)	70	50	70	–
Clean Linen Storage	70	50	70	–
Soiled Linen and Trash Chute Rooms	70	50	70	–
Bedpan Rooms	70	50	70	–
Bathrooms	75	50	75	–
Housekeeping Rooms	70	50	70	–

Sterilizing and Supply

Sterilizing and Supply (2)	Cooling		Heating
Sterilizing and Supply (2)	Temperature ºF Dry Bulb	Humidity %RH	Temperature ºF Dry Bulb	Humidity %RH
ETO Sterilizer Rooms	75	50	75	30
Sterilizer Equipment Rooms	70	50	70	–
Central Medical & Surgical Supply: Soiled or Decontamination Rooms	72	50	72	–
Central Medical and Surgical Supply: Clean Workrooms	75	50	75	30
Central Medical and Surgical Supply: Sterile Storage	70	50	70	–

Notes

1. Indoor design conditions are recommendations that may be used when owners of the facility used have no specific criteria. When codes, processes, or other criteria require different design conditions than those listed here, they should be used for design purposes.

2. 2006 Guidelines for Design and Construction of Health Care Facilities — AIA Committee on Architecture for Health and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides ranges for some of the spaces. The temperatures listed in the table fall within the ranges established in the guidelines or they are design temperatures required for human comfort when not provided by the guideline. some specialty procedures may require special temperatures and relative humidity levels. The hospital staff should be consulted to determine any special requirements.

3. Cardiac OR may require reduced temperatures for operating as low as 50 °F.

4. With laboratories, computer facilities, high-tech industrial, special facilities, museums, and other spaces requiring critical temperature and relative humidity control, the owners and their staff should be consulted to verify the specific requirements. Requirements provided here are for general guidance only.

5. Some performances will require strict temperature and humidity control during the performance. Careful consideration must be given to the types of performances and their requirements when designing these facilities.

6. 3D type theaters (IMAX and OMNIMAX) should be maintained at temperatures at or below 72

°F because the incidents of motion sickness increase considerable above these temperatures.

7. Warehouse temperature and humidity requirements can vary considerably depending on the materials being stored.

8. Repair garages are generally not air conditioned. If air conditioning is desired, the cooling design temperature recommendation would be 80 to 85 °F.

9. Heating parking garages is not recommended because minimum-code-required ventilation rates require heating of the makeup air for the heating to become effective.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the primary factors that influence indoor design conditions for office buildings and commercial facilities?

The primary factors that influence indoor design conditions for office buildings and commercial facilities include occupant density, activity level, and equipment heat gains. For example, a densely occupied office space with many computers and printers will require a different indoor design condition than a lightly occupied commercial facility with minimal equipment. Other factors such as outdoor climate, building orientation, and window size also play a role in determining the indoor design conditions.

How do indoor design conditions vary between different types of educational facilities?

Indoor design conditions can vary significantly between different types of educational facilities, such as classrooms, laboratories, and auditoriums. Classrooms typically require a temperature range of 68-72°F (20-22°C) and a relative humidity of 30-60%, while laboratories may require more stringent conditions due to the presence of sensitive equipment and experiments. Auditoriums, on the other hand, may require a wider temperature range to accommodate varying occupancy levels and activities.

What are the key considerations for indoor design conditions in healthcare facilities?

Healthcare facilities, such as hospitals and clinics, require careful consideration of indoor design conditions to ensure patient comfort, safety, and recovery. Key considerations include maintaining a temperature range of 68-72°F (20-22°C), controlling humidity to prevent the growth of bacteria and viruses, and minimizing air movement to reduce the spread of airborne pathogens. Additionally, specific areas such as operating rooms, ICUs, and isolation rooms may require more stringent conditions.

How do indoor design conditions impact energy consumption and HVAC system design?

Indoor design conditions have a significant impact on energy consumption and HVAC system design. For example, a building with a higher indoor design temperature will require more cooling energy, while a building with a lower indoor design temperature will require more heating energy. Additionally, the HVAC system must be designed to maintain the desired indoor design conditions, taking into account factors such as outdoor climate, building envelope, and internal heat gains.

What are the implications of indoor design conditions on indoor air quality?

Indoor design conditions can have a significant impact on indoor air quality (IAQ). For example, a building with poor ventilation and high indoor temperatures can lead to the buildup of pollutants and moisture, resulting in poor IAQ. On the other hand, a building with good ventilation and controlled humidity can maintain good IAQ and reduce the risk of indoor air pollution.

How do indoor design conditions vary between different types of residential buildings?

Indoor design conditions can vary between different types of residential buildings, such as single-family homes, apartments, and dormitories. For example, single-family homes may require a temperature range of 68-72°F (20-22°C) and a relative humidity of 30-60%, while apartments may require a slightly wider temperature range due to varying occupancy levels and activities. Dormitories, on the other hand, may require more stringent conditions due to the high density of occupants and the need to maintain a comfortable sleeping environment.

What are the benefits of using ASHRAE standards for indoor design conditions?

Using ASHRAE standards for indoor design conditions provides several benefits, including ensuring occupant comfort and health, reducing energy consumption, and improving HVAC system design and operation. ASHRAE standards provide a widely accepted and scientifically-based framework for determining indoor design conditions, taking into account factors such as climate, occupant activity, and building type. By following ASHRAE standards, designers and engineers can ensure that buildings are designed and operated to provide a comfortable and healthy indoor environment while minimizing energy consumption and environmental impact.