The 2001 ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) Handbook, Fundamentals, points out that for typical comfort conditions, 5 percent of occupants will be dissatisfied. Research reported in ASHRAE Transactions finds that complaints occur even with perfect temperature control. If individual occupant control is not provided, it's unrealistic to expect every occupant to be satisfied with the same conditions.

Here are six key steps to help you investigate temperature complaints:

1.     Define and validate the complaint.

2.     Test the zone for good and stable temperature control.

3.     Review draft problems.

4.     Measure the temperature, humidity and % of outside air to verify it is below the ASHRAE Standard 55. (Thermal

        Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy)

5.     Review zoning conflicts.

6.     Calculate the building space loads and verify that there is sufficient capacity.

Air quality test instruments are designed todeliver accurate and verifiable performance data, both to ensure precise and reliable air quality diagnosis, and to provide credible answers if results or procedures are questioned. The facility's reputation depends on the quality and performance of the test tools in use, as well as on the user's understanding of instrument specifications, technologies, applications and maintenance.

Indoor air quality test tools such as air meters and temperature/humidity meters can allow you to diagnose and help correct facility comfort issues more reliably and efficiently allowing facilities managers to focus on other issues.