“Businesses propping doors open with the AC blasting”

“Dear PoPville,

I was walking in the Union Market area today (Sunday, July 24, high temperature of 98 degrees) and came across 2 businesses with propped doors and AC blasting. So I decided to go in and talk to them. I started off by saying how much I enjoy all the businesses in the area and root for their success. I then asked them if they would consider closing their door while the AC is running.

One business flat out refused and tried to explain that their electric bill was very low (completely ignoring the environmental impact) and the other genuinely asked me why. So I ran through the obvious of climate destruction, the fragility of our electric grid, and lastly that it is a bad look which will cause people not to come in. How is it that in 2022 any business would consider this practice?”

DOEE’s website says:

“Shut the Front Door DC

In 2016, the Council of the District of Columbia amended the law requiring commercial Properties to keep their windows and doors closed when running the air conditioner.

ENFORCEMENT SUSPENDED DURING SUMMER 2020 DUE TO COVID-19

DOES THE LAW APPLY TO ME?

All commercial properties must keep their doors and windows closed when the air conditioning is running. Restaurants are excluded.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

HVAC systems work harder to achieve and maintain set temperatures when doors and windows are open. During high heat days this can cause high demands on the electrical grid which, when multiplied or concentrated, may lead to brownouts. A brownout causes a reduction in voltage, which can damage your appliances. Lights may go dim and electronic devices – especially computers – can be damaged.”