“Never doubt that a small group of concerned citizens can change the world.
Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
. . . Margaret Mead

One of the purposes of the U.S.federal government is to provide uniform standards in the areas of health, safety and the environment that can be used by all 50 states. The federal government has failed to provide federal standards for the minimum heating temperature requirements of homes and apartments. The following are the minimum heating temperature (degrees Fahrenheit) standards for four states:

The minimum daytime temperature, 68°F, is the same for these four states. There is no agreement on minimum nighttime temperature. The 55°F NY requirement is probably the outside, not inside, temperature. The average minimum nighttime temperatures for California and Illinois, 65°F, is the same as the NJ requirements.

The “Psychometric Chart”, used in the design of heating and air conditioning equipment, contains “Comfort Zones” for both the winter and summer seasons. ..The four corners of each zone are defined by the dry and wet bulb temperatures, degrees Fahrenheit, and % Relative Humidity as follows: Points 1 and 2 are the minimum and 3 and 4 the maximum points for each season  

The 68°F minimum winter comfort zone temperature corresponds with a 78% relative humidity which indicates that humidifiers are required during the heating season. This proves the 68°F minimum daytime temperature is correct. All minimum required nighttime temperatures are less than the “Comfort Zone” however during sleeping hours blankets insulate the body and a 65°F degree minimum nighttime temperature is reasonable. The proposed Voices of Safety International (VOSI) national standard, V50.8, will be the same minimum daytime and nighttime temperatures as the N.J. state law.

Heating should be required whenever the indoor temperature is less than 65°F. This typically occurs in the Northeast between September 15 and June 1, the same 8 ½ months in the Illinoislaw.

A Voices of Safety International (VOSI) “Public Health” standard, V50.8, will be written using the preceding minimum day and nighttime temperatures and heating season. www.voicesofsafety.com ….”Public Health”

In addition, the standards will include recommendations for saving energy during the summer months from June 1 to September 15. Nighttime savings are obtained by opening windows whenever the outside temperature is (*) 73°F, 77% relative humidity.

WINTER REQUIREMENTS

1. Set thermostat at 65°F for minimum heating cost.
2. Use Portable (Forced) Air Heater (PAR), or equivalent, for zone heating up to 1400 square feet. www.technicalproductsco.com/products/par/
3. Use humidifier to increase low humidity air for health and heating cost savings.
4. Use programmable 24 hr. plug-in electric timer to heat occupied zones prior to arising.
5. Open shades and draperies to utilize sun for heating.
6. Close vents uninhabited rooms

SUMMER RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Set thermostat at 78°F for minimum cooling cost. Air conditioner will dehumidify air.
2. Open all windows at night when the outdoor temperature and humidity is less than 73°F and 77% relative humidity (*).
3. Use “Kool Shield” (or equivalent) fans at nighttime to circulate the outside cool air.
4. Close window shades and draperies to block sun.
5. Close vents uninhabited rooms

This month’s, “The Sovereign”, first page sidebar article, “Get Cracking! Stop Fracking!” describes the PAR Portable (Forced) Air Radiator with the “Kool Shield” fans. The “Kool Shield fan assembly” is lifted off the radiator and placed near an open window during nighttime cooling of an entire home.

Heating is required whenever the indoor temperature is less than 65°F (minimum required nighttime temperature).

Cooling is recommended whenever the indoor temperature is greater than 78°F.

The proposed standard will be sent to the health officials of all states for their review and comments prior to final approval by all VOSI and Liaison committee members.

Adoption of the standard by all states will be the proof as to whether the “United” States are in fact United for the good of all citizens.