Energy Action Month – A display of Hybrid/Electric vehicles Published Oct. 18, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Mariah Tolbert 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- October is Energy Awareness Month. The 4th Civil Engineer Squadron has provided many tips and suggestions on how to conserve more energy, from weather proofing a home to making a vehicle more fuel efficient. The motto this year for Energy Action Month is "Power the Force - Fuel the Flight," and on October 15, the base energy office set up an information booth at the Exchange here to inform Airmen of just that. The energy office discussed Seymour Johnson's energy program, ways to weatherize a home, what changes to make in a house (light bulbs, energy strips) to decrease energy bills and answered questions about new automotive technology. "Weatherizing your home or facility can save 25-40 percent on heating and cooling bills," said Matthew Latham, 4 CES Installation Energy Manager. "The good news is that weatherization is cheap and highly effective at reducing energy costs." However, the issue that many are focusing on, especially this time of year, is the rising costs of fuel and making a car more fuel efficient or finding a vehicle that runs off alternate energy sources. "The reason we [4 CES] are holding this event is because we want to facilitate a cultural change toward a more energy efficient lifestyle," Latham said. "We opened the door to all local dealerships and focused on all qualities of the vehicles." Local dealerships had the opportunity to display fuel efficient hybrids and electric vehicles. Over the past week, there were five cars on display, which included the Chevrolet Volt, Toyota Prius, Nissan Leaf, Lincoln MK-Z and Ford Fusion. Since these cars are newer, they cost more than a used car. However, over the years they can also save money. Whether it is a $7,500 Federal tax credit or paying about $1,000 a year in gas, the new hybrid and electric cars are well worth the upfront price. On average, these cars save the average person about $7,600 over five years in fuel costs alone. Not looking for a new car right now? Latham, along with the local dealerships, also discussed other ways to conserve energy on the road. Fuel saving tips that were suggested during this event included obeying the speed limit, replacing the air filter which can improve mileage by 10 percent and engine tune-ups can improve mileage by four percent. Carrying less weight around also contributes, for every extra 100 pounds of weight, a vehicle loses one to two percent in fuel efficiency. In addition, the 4 CES is sponsoring a Youth Center presentation on Oct. 19. The presentation is meant to win over the hearts and minds of children and getting the youth on board with energy conservation. "Letting the kids know that they can make a difference and save energy so that we can help Mom and Dad complete the mission down range," Latham said. Seymour Johnson is committed to reducing energy consumption in compliance with Executive Order 13423, Energy and Water Reduction Requirements. This means that Airmen hold responsibility not only in their own life but also at work to reduce the use of energy. It is up to everyone to make Seymour Johnson a more energy efficient base. For more information about energy saving ideas and suggestions, contact the base energy office at 722-7443 or 4CESENERGY@seymourjohnson.af.mil.