The potential for domestic thermal insulation retrofits on the South African Highveld

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DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17159/2410-972X/2019/v29n1a1

Keywords:

Low-income, human indoor thermal comfort, ambient temperature, indoor temperature, solid fuels, retrofits, thermal insulation, inadequate housing

Abstract

The South African Highveld is a portion on the inland plateau characterized by low winter ambient temperatures. Studies done in several climatic regions around the world have found a positive relationship between inadequate housing and low indoor temperatures during the winter season. Prolonged exposure to low indoor temperature is a threat to human physical health. This study characterizes indoor human thermal comfort conditions in typical low-income residential dwellings during the winter season. Mapping indoor human thermal comfort can assist in exploring the potential for domestic thermal insulation retrofits interventions. In-situ temperature measurements were done in 2014, 2016 and 2017 across three Highveld settlements of kwaZamokuhle, kwaDela, and Jouberton. The sample included a mixture of old (pre-1994), post 1994 Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) as well as non-RDP structures. Findings were that 88% of sampled dwellings in Jouberton 2016, 86% in Jouberton 2017, 62% in kwaDela and 58% in kwaZamokuhle had daily mean temperatures below the WHO guideline of 18°C. These low indoor temperatures indicate poor insulation in these sampled dwellings. Across all settlements, insulated dwellings had higher daily mean indoor temperatures than non-insulated dwellings. These findings indicate the potential to use thermal insulation retrofits in improving indoor thermal conditions as the majority of dwellings are non-insulated thereby exposing occupants to low indoor temperatures.

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Published

2019-06-03

How to Cite

Matandirotya, N. R., Cilliers, D. P., Burger, R. P., Language, B., Pauw, C., & Piketh, S. J. (2019). The potential for domestic thermal insulation retrofits on the South African Highveld. Clean Air Journal, 29(1). https://doi.org/10.17159/2410-972X/2019/v29n1a1

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Section

Research Article

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