Save energy, save the Air Force

  • Published
  • By Lori Burling Alves
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Conserving energy is a topic making headlines throughout the world. At a glance, it seems too big of a problem to solve, but a closer look proves that individuals can make a difference -- starting at Incirlik Air Base.

With budget cuts Air Force- and USAFE-wide, conserving energy has moved to the top of the list to help make up for the money woes. This month, Col. "Tip" Stinnette, 39th Air Base Wing commander, is launching a new energy conservation program, Better Stewards of Energy, While Saving Us Money -- "us" meaning, Air Force personnel. 

"There are many things we, military members and their families, can do at Incirlik to conserve energy. The money saved will improve the overall quality of the Air Force," said Colonel Stinnette. 

Lt. Col. Scott Warner, commander of the 39th Civil Engineer Squadron, is at the forefront of finding ways to conserve energy here. He and his team are taking two approaches for the program -- encouraging Incirlik residents to conserve energy in their homes and mandating several projects in working buildings on base. 

"This is a time of rebuilding the Air Force and we need to do our part to help. The money we save can build the next tanker or bomber," said Colonel Warner. "Every dollar we save by turning out lights, we can use to recapitalize our inventory." 

Conserving energy starts with residents living in the Incirlik housing area and the dormitories. If residents here cut their energy usage by only two percent, Incirlik would save more than $200,000 by Sept. 30, according to Tom Carneal, 39th CE deputy director. 

"Humans are the most important factor in conserving energy," said Mr. Carneal, who writes the checks for the utility bills used at Incirlik. "It's simple things such as monitoring your thermostat or turning off lights when you're not using them. It can lead to thousands in savings." 

The engineering team encourages residents to turn off lights when they are not in use and to use energy efficient light bulbs. Although energy efficient bulbs are more expensive, according to prices at the BX, they last longer -- sometimes up to 2,000 hours -- while using less energy. 

"If the price of the energy efficient bulbs is too much, then try replacing only the lights you use most frequently. For instance, if you have a child who sleeps with a night-light, buy an energy efficient bulb for that lamp. Even a small change can conserve a large amount of energy," said Lt. Col. Warner. 

Colonel Warner also advises residents to at least decrease the wattage of bulb being used if purchasing energy efficient bulbs is too expensive. 

"If you're using 100-watt bulbs right now, try switching to a 75- or 60-watt bulb. Every bit helps," he said. 

Thermostats are a large problem at Incirlik, but can be a huge energy saver. The team advises to first make certain your thermostat is working correctly, and second, keep it set on a reasonable setting. It is recommended to set thermostats for dormitories and houses at 70 degrees for heating and 78 degrees for air conditioning. For summer days when temperatures can reach 100 F degrees in Turkey, the energy team advises residents to keep the AC set at 78, but also use a fan to circulate the air. 

"It gets the house cooler, and still uses less energy than cranking up the AC," said Mr. Carneal. 

Also, while using the air conditioner or heater, residents should make sure that all windows and doors are shut tightly. Disposable filters, which are free at Incirlik's Self Help store, should also be cleaned (with water) monthly and changed regularly as well. The conditioned air you breathe will be healthier, and a lot of energy will be saved with this housekeeping practice, said Mr. Carneal. 

"Turkish weather is really beautiful most of the year and we should take advantage of that," he said. "During the spring and fall months, open the windows and turn off the AC and heat. Let in the fresh air." 

The amount of water being used in houses and dormitories on base should also be monitored. Wait to wash and dry clothes until you have a full load. Also, when using the dishwasher, make sure you add the Calgonit salt to the machine; it saves energy, and is available at no cost at the Self Help store. Taking showers rather than baths also saves on the amount of water being used. 

"We could save a lot of water if everyone simply cut their shower time by a few minutes," Mr. Carneal said. 

Residents should also advise their gardeners to water lawns and wash cars half as often. They should water lawns during the cooler times of the day -- early morning and late afternoon. 

"We need residents to be energized about saving energy at Incirlik," said Colonel Warner. "There are many reasons the Air Force is taking cuts in their budgets--but conserving energy is something we can control to make up for some of that money and improve our Air Force."