PMV is designed to predict thermal sensation; a value closest to which of the following is typically targeted for comfort?

• A. Zero thermal sensation (0)
• B. Slightly cool (-1)
• C. Moderately warm (1)
• D. Very hot (3)

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is that true comfort in a space comes from neutral thermal sensation. PMV (Predicted Mean Vote) estimates how people would feel overall given factors like air temperature, humidity, air movement, mean radiant temperature, metabolic rate, and clothing. On its scale, 0 means neutral—neither cool nor warm.

For comfort, designers aim for PMV near 0 because that corresponds to neutral sensation for the majority of occupants. A PMV of 0 means the environment isn’t pushing people toward feeling chilly or hot, which generally yields the highest comfort across typical activities and clothing.

Choosing a value that is slightly cool or moderately warm would shift occupants toward those sensations, which many people will find uncomfortable, especially if activity levels or clothing vary. A very hot PMV would be clearly uncomfortable for almost everyone. So the closest target for comfort is neutral sensation, represented by 0.