Resident-oriented energy-saving measures: performance assessment of a warm room for apartment buildings

This study quantifies the energy-saving potential of the warm room strategy, focusing renovation efforts on the living room of an apartment building. The warm room strategy proved most beneficial for corner apartments on the top floor, reducing heating loads by up to 41%, depending on residents’ setpoint preferences. Results confirm that the warm room strategy can be viable when aligned with residents' heating practices, despite its effectiveness being often dismissed when decisions rely on standard occupancy. Future research could explore the impact of lower indoor temperatures on unheated rooms and assess residents' receptiveness to the warm room concept to expand its potential application in renovation projects.