Abstract
Floor heating systems have been recently become popular in Japanese houses. Many researchers have conducted their researches on floor heating from the viewpoint of creating a comfortable living environment in winter. They have gotten valuable information for architects, engineers and occupants. The objective of this paper is to review the previous studies on the effect of floor heating systems on human thermal comfort in Japan. Aims and findings of each research group are summarized based on research papers presented from 1975 to 1997 in Japan. Comfort zones, recommended conditions and limit conditions for humans using the floor heating system proposed by each researcher were illustrated in the charts consisting of air temperature and floor surface temperature. This review will contribute to the progress of future floor heating research.
