What primarily affects the heat load from people in a room?

The heat load from people in a room is primarily affected by the activity of the people. When individuals engage in physical activities, they generate more body heat due to increased metabolic processes. For instance, a room filled with people exercising will have a higher heat load compared to one where people are sitting still. This is because active individuals exert energy, which converts to heat, increasing the overall temperature within the space.

While the number of people present does contribute to the total heat load, the level of activity each person is engaged in plays a more critical role in determining how much heat is generated. The temperature of the room and its size can influence overall comfort and air circulation, but they do not directly measure the heat output from the individuals themselves. Thus, understanding the types of activities taking place is key to accurately assessing the heat load in any given environment.