Energy isn’t free

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman J. Paul Croxon
  • 319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  The base is striving to reduce energy consumption by 15 percent this year and by 30 percent over the next three years in response to rising fuel costs, according to a memorandum sent out by Col. Diane Hull, 319th Air Refueling Wing commander.

A recent notice requiring agencies to turn off all computers and unused office equipment at the end of the duty day, except Tuesdays for network patches, addresses the on-duty energy conservation initiative. Additionally, turning off lights in offices and bathrooms when not in use can save considerable amounts of energy.

Housing residents play an even more vital role in accomplishing the 15 percent target reduction in energy costs. Taking these simple steps can have dramatic results in the amount of energy used:

- Close windows and doors during heating and cooling periods, otherwise, set thermostats to "off" when windows are open for fresh air.

- Turn off interior lights during daylight hours and maximize the use of natural light.

- Ensure exterior lights are turned off during daylight hours and replace all higher wattage bulbs with bulbs rated 60 watts or less to save energy.

- Maximize the use of energy-efficient fluorescent bulbs inside the home; they use 2/3 less energy.

- Set air conditioning temperature to no lower than 75 degrees and heating temperature to no higher than 68 degrees. You can immediately realize a three to five percent decrease in energy cost for every degree you adjust the thermostat above or below your normal settings.

- Ensure all home electronics are turned off when not in use.

- During unoccupied hours, set heating temperatures to a minimum level of 55 degrees to keep pipes from freezing and turn off air conditioning units.

- Ensure furniture or other items do not obstruct ventilation or heating ducts.

- Do not leave garage doors open during heating seasons.

- Use block heaters no longer than two hours prior to starting a vehicle.

By following these simple guidelines, housing residents can make considerable contributions to the wing's goal of 15 percent energy reduction this fiscal year.