Department of Public Health Monitoring Facility With Malfunctioning HVAC
The South Carolina Department of Public Health is monitoring an assisted living facility in Mount Pleasant after reports of repeated air conditioning problems left some residents in excessively warm conditions.
The facility has undergone two unannounced inspections over the past two months. During a June 11 inspection, room temperatures ranged from 72 to 78 degrees, meeting state requirements. However, a follow-up inspection on July 8 found temperatures as high as 86 degrees in some rooms.
A couple who lives in Kansas has a 98-year-old relative who lives at the facility. They were frustrated by the recurring HVAC issues and felt powerless because they live outside of the state.
They said this was not the first time the facility’s cooling system had malfunctioned. Although temporary measures were put in place for their family member, they remain concerned about the health and comfort of other residents. They claim the high temperatures inside the facility are “too hot for older people.”
An emergency physician with a local hospital system stated that heat-related illnesses are common during South Carolina’s hot, humid summers and can be especially dangerous for older adults with chronic medical conditions. The physician warned that prolonged exposure to excessive heat can quickly become a medical emergency for elderly individuals if left unaddressed.
In a statement, the management company for the facility said resident safety and comfort remain its top priorities. The company said all apartments currently have air conditioning after a mechanical failure affecting the community’s cooling system was addressed.
While repairs and replacement of cooling system components continue, the company said a contractor remains on-site around the clock to respond to any issues and maintain resident comfort.
The management company also said it immediately notified the Department of Public Health about the mechanical failure and continues to work closely with state officials to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and guidance.
Unfortunately, HVAC problems are a recurring issue in nursing homes and assisted living facilities across the United States. Aging infrastructure, deferred maintenance, power outages, and extreme weather can all contribute to HVAC failures and cause harm to residents.
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Source:
live5news.com/2026/07/23/sc-health-officials-monitoring-mount-pleasant-assisted-living-facility-over-hvac-failures/
