Arizona prison officials are facing renewed calls to expand air conditioning across the state prison system after records showed that about 20 housing units still rely on swamp coolers instead of HVAC systems.
The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry (ADCRR) said it has made significant progress in upgrading prison cooling systems but acknowledged that several planned HVAC conversion projects remain pending because they depend on future state funding.
Cooling Systems
According to ADCRR’s Facilities HVAC Conversion Plan, dated June 8, 2026, approximately 20 prison units across Arizona continue to use swamp coolers.
Among them are several housing units at Lewis Prison, where three HVAC conversion projects are still awaiting funding. The department said additional upgrades will move forward as funding becomes available through future state budgets.
Family Concerns
As Arizona experiences high summer temperatures, families of incarcerated individuals say they remain concerned about heat conditions inside some prison housing units.
Candilicious Gaffney, whose husband is incarcerated at Lewis Prison, said she has heard reports of inmates feeling sick because of the heat.
She said she worries that prolonged exposure to high temperatures could pose serious health risks for people living in facilities without full air conditioning.
Advocacy Groups
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Arizona said it has also received complaints in recent weeks regarding temperatures inside state prisons.
Lauren Beall, Senior Staff Attorney for the ACLU of Arizona, said she has visited detention units and believes the heat conditions are unacceptable. She described seeing everyday items affected by the high temperatures, saying the conditions highlight the challenges faced by people housed in those units.
The organization continues to call for improved cooling throughout the prison system.
Department Response
ADCRR said it is aware of concerns regarding heat conditions and emphasized that it has not experienced any significant long-term or multi-day failures involving HVAC or cooling systems.
According to the department, recent cooling issues have primarily involved short-term maintenance and repairs that are typical during Arizona’s summer months.
Officials also stated that heat mitigation measures have been implemented throughout the prison system.
Heat Mitigation
The department said its 2026 Extreme Heat Safety and Relief Strategy includes several measures designed to reduce heat exposure for staff, visitors, and incarcerated individuals.
These efforts include upgraded air conditioning systems where available, cooling rooms, misting systems, additional shade structures, increased access to ice, and continuous access to drinking water.
ADCRR also said prison leadership reviews heat-related reports daily and that multiple divisions work together to respond to any heat-related concerns as quickly as possible.
Funding Remains Key
While the department says its modernization efforts have expanded significantly since 2023, officials acknowledged that completing the remaining HVAC conversion projects depends on future appropriations from the Arizona Legislature.
Until additional funding is approved, some prison housing units will continue relying on swamp coolers during Arizona’s hottest months.
FAQs
How many Arizona prison units still lack HVAC?
About 20 housing units still rely on swamp coolers.
Which prison still has pending HVAC projects?
Lewis Prison has units awaiting HVAC funding.
Why haven’t all units been upgraded?
Remaining projects depend on future state funding.
What heat relief measures are in place?
Cooling rooms, misting systems, ice, shade and water access.
Has ADCRR reported major HVAC failures?
No. The department says no major long-term failures exist.
