Evaluating Thermal Comfort Standards of Residential Housing in Tropical Climates: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Thermal comfort is a fundamental determinant of health, productivity, and well-being within residential buildings. However, prevailing international thermal comfort standards (such as ASHRAE 55 and ISO 7730) are largely derived from temperate climate research and office-based contexts, limiting their relevance to tropical residential environments. This systematic review critically evaluates the applicability and effectiveness of these standards in residential buildings located in tropical climates. Guided by PRISMA protocols, the study analyzed 13 peer-reviewed field studies published between 2020 and 2025, selected through a comprehensive Google Scholar search. Included studies involved in-situ measurements and subjective occupant assessments in naturally ventilated and mixed-mode tropical dwellings. Findings reveal a consistent mismatch between predicted comfort conditions based on standard PMV/PPD models and actual occupant thermal sensation and preference, particularly in warm and humid settings. Occupants in tropical climates often express comfort at higher indoor temperatures (27–30°C) than standard upper limits, with air movement and adaptive behaviors playing a critical role in achieving satisfaction. The review identifies significant gaps in standard frameworks, including their inadequate consideration of adaptive opportunities, socio-cultural context, and non-steady-state environmental conditions common in residential settings. It concludes that a one-size-fits-all application of current standards may inadvertently drive unsustainable cooling demand and misrepresent user comfort. The study recommends the development of context-specific guidelines grounded in empirical data and adaptive comfort models tailored to tropical climates.