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Springfield-Beckley ANG Base Saves Energy

To reduce energy consumption, the Base has been changing thermostats, cutting back operation time on heating units, eliminating 50% of the light bulbs where possible, removing refrigerators, space heaters and some inefficient water heaters. Further energy initiatives are being developed, and will be implemented upon approval by the base Energy Management Steering Group.

Civil Engineers have established an annual transition period where buildings are changed over from air conditioning to heating. Each year, depending upon the weather projections, this period is scheduled to begin in mid- to late September, and continues through October in the fall months, and April through May in the spring. This short period provides Civil Engineers time to transition building systems from heating to cooling.

Shutting down air conditioning systems and allowing building temperatures to fluctuate a few degrees with outside conditions creates the possibility of significant coal and electric energy savings. This program prevents buildings from using heat overnight, then running air conditioning during duty hours.

During this transition period, mission critical work centers and any 24-hour operations will be the top priority when ensuring systems operational. Other facilities will be turned on when outside temperatures make it sensible to do so, and all facilities will have outside air brought in to eliminate indoor air quality issues.

The transition period to bring heating systems up and functioning properly in the 24 occupied base facilities does take time. Therefore, when the transition period begins, expect some chilly mornings and dress appropriately. Similarly, as the season progresses, expect and dress for predicted weather. These simple actions go a long way toward personal comfort, and help to reduce the base’s energy costs.

For more details, please contact Senior Master Sgt. Bret Retherford at ext. 2176 or e-mail at bret.retherford@ohspri.ang.af.mil.