October is energy action month

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Mathew Nicholson
  • 4th Civil Engineer Squadron
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, NC --  It's always a good time to conserve energy.  Conservation will not only help the environment, but also help save money on utility bills. 

During the month of October, special emphasis will be placed on how conservation ideas are put into action.  This month, you will see booths set up around the base, along with presentations at the Child Development Center to give helpful energy saving ideas and other activities. There will be comprehensive energy saving plans available at these times. 

"Energy management is an important part of everyone's job in the Air Force, whether they recognize it or not," said Maj. Gen. Timothy Green, Air Force Director of Civil Engineers. "We achieve mission assurance through energy assurance, which makes it our communal responsibility to get this right."

Why should energy conservation around the base matter so much to us? We must do our part to increase savings while enhancing mission readiness. Every dollar we save on our energy costs is a dollar used to support the Air Force's mission. Seymour Johnson Air Force Base continues to do its part to reduce its energy intensity by reducing the demand by 54 percent since 2003.

This past year, the Air Force made waves in the DOD with its energy program. Every year, installations from across the DOD compete in the Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) awards. This year, the Air Force took 10 awards, including Seymour Johnson AFB winning the overall 2015 FEMP Award.

This Energy Action Month, we will work to reduce our energy demand for the 12th year in a row.

Here are some quick tips to help you save money around your home or building:
Weatherization - Plugging and sealing air leaks can save you up to 40 percent on your heating and cooling bills. Weatherization is cheap and highly effective at reducing energy costs.

Clean Air Filters -Clean air filters not only improve the quality of air you breathe, but also improve heating and cooling in your home.  Heating and air conditioning systems rely on air to pass through the air filter and across heating or cooling coils. It is then distributed throughout the building.  When air filters get clogged, the system runs longer and harder.  As heating and cooling coils become coated with dust and lint, the dirty coils restrict air circulation through the building.  Changing air filters every month will help keep the coils clean, the system's efficiency up, and costs down. 

Thermostat Control - On warm days, the recommended temperature setting is 76 degrees.  On cold days, the recommended temperature setting is 69 degrees.  By using these recommendations, more energy can be saved and costs can be lowered.  Also, when buildings are unoccupied for longer periods in colder weather, the temperature can be reduced to 55 degrees.  On warm days, unoccupied buildings can be set to 84 degrees.

Dress Accordingly - With temperatures getting colder, the first instinct is to turn up the heater. Keeping the temperature low and putting on an additional article of clothing can help keep the energy bill low.

Seymour Johnson AFB is committed to reducing energy consumption in compliance with Executive Order 13423 Energy and Water Reduction Requirements.  Take action and reduce energy consumption. Please call 4th Civil Engineer Squadron operations services at 919-722-5139 for assistance with energy saving maintenance questions. For military family housing energy saving questions, please contact Corvias Military Living at 866-639-4552.

The Air Force as a whole encourages Airmen to submit ideas of innovative new ways to reduce energy usage and help the Air Force stay the most effective weapon in the armed forces. These ideas can be submitted on the Air Force portal at the API (Airmen Powered by Innovation) link.