By admin 
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – For some Tucson small businesses, summer heat comes with an expensive trade-off.
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Owners of older buildings said keeping customers comfortable can mean high utility bills at a time when business is already slow.
“If it’s 105, it’s almost impossible for us to get down to 80 – even with AC,” said Jessica Badowski, owner of ReArt Craft & Art Thrift Store.
Badowski said that as she struggles to keep her business cool, she’s seeing fewer customers because of it during what is already her slowest time of year.
“We turn that up every night when we leave; we turn it down when we’re here, and in between we have fans all around,” Badowski said.
Badowski’s building has less insulation and older equipment. She said it’s a balancing act between keeping the AC running and being able to afford her utility bills, which are at an all-time high.
She said she’s had to get creative with ways to stay cool.
“We have ice packs because sometimes you’re just so warm you grab an ice pack and just, you know, put it on your wrist or wherever to stay cool,” Badowski said.
The owners of Crescent Moon Mercantile took to social media recently, saying “it’s hot out, and it gets in,” adding that their store has “stayed between 75 to 80 degrees on hot days.”
The post prompted hundreds of likes, dozens of shares, and almost 90 comments from fellow business owners, including Badowski, saying they’re going through the same thing.
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“I think if we can tap into that loyal customer, that community base, stores support each other wherever we can, I feel like that makes a huge difference,” Badowski said.
Brandon Hughes, with Rite Way Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, said some small things business owners can do might make a difference.
“Whoever gets in the earliest, I would start pre-cooling the buildings, help take some of that load off with the least amount of people inside,” Hughes said.
Hughes said maintenance is key.
“Cleanliness of the coils, blower cables, and outdoor condenser coils is gonna be key on top of the filter changes,” Hughes said.
Hughes said much of that upkeep, like filter changes, can be done on your own, but he recommends calling a licensed professional, such as Rite Way, for maintenance needs.
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