22VAC40-73-880: Heating, ventilation, and cooling

A. At least one movable thermometer shall be available in each building for measuring temperatures in individual rooms that do not have a fixed thermostat that shows the temperature in the room.

B. Heating.

1. Heat shall be supplied from a central heating plant or an electrical heating system in accordance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (13VAC5-63).

2. Provided their installation or operation has been approved by the state or local building or fire authorities, space heaters, such as but not limited to, wood burning stoves, coal burning stoves, and oil heaters, or portable heating units either vented or unvented, may be used only to provide or supplement heat in the event of a power failure or similar emergency. These appliances shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

3. A temperature of at least 72°F shall be maintained in all areas used by residents during hours when residents are normally awake. During night hours, when residents are asleep, a temperature of at least 68°F shall be maintained. This standard applies unless otherwise mandated by federal or state authorities.

Exception: The facility may allow the temperature in a bedroom in which only one resident resides, which has a thermostat in the room, to be controlled by the resident as long as the temperature does not endanger the health, safety, or welfare of the resident.

C. Cooling.

1. The facility shall provide in all buildings an air conditioning system for all areas used by residents, including residents' bedrooms and common areas. Temperatures in all areas used by residents shall not exceed 80°F.

Exception: The facility may allow the temperature in a bedroom in which only one resident resides, which has a thermostat in the room, to be controlled by the resident as long as the temperature does not endanger the health, safety, or welfare of the resident.

2. Any electric fans shall be screened and placed for the protection of the residents.

D. The facility shall develop and implement a plan to protect residents from heat-related and cold-related illnesses in the event of loss of air-conditioning or heat due to emergency situations or malfunctioning or broken equipment.