For reasons not quite clear, ASHRAE's Standard Project Liaison Subcommittee (SPLS) has tabled the release of the proposed residential IAQ standard, scheduled for public review this month.

Sources say that Standard 62.2P, Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Low-Rise Residential Buildings, was well on its way to public review before a SPLS meeting in late November. IE Connections contacted Anthony Giometti, ASHRAE's public relations manager, who would only state that the subcommittee "reconfirmed" their vote on the proposed draft. A news release on the standard is expected from ASHRAE early this month.

Standard 62.2P recommends whole-house mechanical ventilation systems for all residential buildings of three and fewer stories.

The intent of the proposed standard is to set guidelines that will improve the quality of residential buildings by providing minimum acceptable IAQ.

In other ASHRAE Standard news, the public review has passed for comments on new addenda defining how ASHRAE Standard 62, Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality, applies to new and existing buildings and in areas where smoking is allowed have been approved for public review.

By changing the standard's scope, Addendum 62b would limit the standard to new buildings, additions and changes to existing buildings specifically identified in the standard. "This change is being proposed because many of the requirements in the standard were developed primarily with new buildings in mind," said Andy Persily, chairman of ASHRAE SSPC 62.1

For more information on the standards and the processs, go to ASHRAE Online at www.ashrae.org/STANDARDS/.