Jails Across U.S. In Need of Air Conditioning Upgrades

Replacing central air conditioning equipment, especially components that are more than 15 years old, can result in significant energy savings. When it comes to jails across the United States, many of these correctional facilities are still using old or even faulty air conditioners, making living conditions far worse than they can be. Thankfully, there are projects in place to replace and upgrade AC units across U.S. jails.

According to the Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette, the Benton County Jail is currently without two air conditioning units, but officials have found a temporary solution to keep inmates and employees cool until the units are replaced.

Meyer Gilbert, chief deputy of the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, told justices of the peace that the jail would have major health concerns if the AC units aren’t fixed. The Benton County Quorum Court allowed the county judge permission to purchase the replacement units.

The jail was able to attach two large blowers to their cooling system and are maintaining a more comfortable 73 degrees.

“They are not going without air conditioning,” said Sgt. Shannon Jenkins, the public information deputy for the Sheriff’s Office. “It’s well within jail standards.”

The areas that are impacted by the lack of AC units are the two largest pods inside the facility and house between 400 and 450 inmates.

Jenkins expects that the two new AC units will likely be installed after a little more than two months.

Additionally, according to the Jones County News, a new $3.5 million jail expansion was just approved by the Jones County Commission, providing a new 20-ton air conditioning unit.

“We believe this is an added value to the community,” said Joseph Phillips, Navicent Health District Manager Collins Hanson and Air Evan Lifeteam Director.

The 20-ton air conditioning unit, costing $21,552, will replace a 43-year-old handler at the Government Center.