Ambient temperature
The ambient temperature is the average air temperature surrounding something (such as a person) whether inside or outside. In relation to weather, the ambient temperature is the same as the current air temperature at any one location. Strong wind, and other factors such as surface temperatures may make it feel warmer or colder, but the ambient temperature only relates to the air temperature.
Ambient temperature can also be used to describe the state of objects. For instance, in electronics, the ambient temperature is the air temperature surrounding an object such as an LED. This is a very important parameter that allows equipment such as computers and other electronic devices to operate at peak efficiency.
Ambient temperature is usually expressed in degrees Centigrade (°C) or degrees Fahrenheit (°F).
Services engineers need to establish what the ambient temperature is likely to be at any one time before they can design a heating and cooling system that will create the best possible conditions for people to work in.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Air temperature.
- Building engineering physics.
- BREEAM Thermal comfort.
- Cold stress.
- Comfort.
- Heat stress.
- Heating degree days.
- Maximum and minimum workplace temperatures.
- Mean radiant temperature.
- Operative temperature.
- Overheating.
- Predicted mean vote.
- Psychometric charts.
- Radiant temperature.
- Sling psychrometer.
- Temperature.
- Thermal comfort.
- Thermal environment.
- Thermal indices.
Featured articles and news
Change of use legislation breaths new life into buildings
A run down on Class MA of the General Permitted Development Order.
Solar generation in the historic environment
Success requires understanding each site in detail.
Level 6 Design, Construction and Management BSc
CIOB launches first-ever degree programme to develop the next generation of construction leaders.
Open for business as of April, with its 2026 prospectus and new pipeline of housing schemes.
The operational value of workforce health
Keeping projects moving. Incorporating unplanned absence and the importance of health, in operations.
A carbon case for indigenous slate
UK slate can offer clear embodied carbon advantages.
Costs and insolvencies mount for SMEs, despite growth
Construction sector under insolvency and wage bill pressure in part linked to National Insurance, says report.
The place for vitrified clay pipes in modern infrastructure
Why vitrified clay pipes are reclaiming their role in built projects.
Research by construction PR consultancy LMC published.
Roles and responsibilities of domestic clients
ACA Safety in Construction guide for domestic clients.
Fire door compliance in UK commercial buildings
Architect and manufacturer gives their low down.
The new towns and strategic environmental assessments
12 locations of the New Towns Taskforce reduced to 7 within the new towns draft programme and open consultation.
Buildings that changed the future of architecture. Book review.