U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- October is energy action month across the Defense Department and the Air Force Academy is happy to participate. Here’s a few useful tips to help our staff, faculty and cadets do our part to conserve energy.
The ‘right lights’
We can cut our energy costs by as much as 40 percent just by using the right lights. Turn off the office lights when you don’t need them, and take advantage of daylight to reduce our electricity costs. Let’s be honest: who doesn’t prefer working in daylight instead of office lighting?
The ‘right temperature’
Every degree counts in balancing our energy use, especially during the colder months. Switch off the thermostat at the end of the duty day and avoid using space heaters. Consolidate those personal appliances in your break room.
Clean those vents
Blocked hearting-ventilation-and air condition units expend more energy. We can knock off as much as 25 percent off our office energy cost if we clear the vents. Bottom line? Clogged vents and dirty filters slow air flow, waste energy and contribute to unhealthy air.
Power down those computers
Computers in the office account for the most energy use, so turn them off at the end of the day. Call the 10th Communication Squadron Help Desk at 333-4357 if your computer doesn’t have the automatic sleep function.
Share Equipment
Consolidate your equipment and consider using a network printer, especially if every workstation in your office has its own printer. You’ll reduce your office’s energy use and cut down on paper waste. Turn off the printers at the end of the day.
Common Areas
Energy-saving tips work everywhere at the Academy. By switching off the lights in empty rooms and making sure the thermostat stays at a moderate but comfortable level in kitchens, conference rooms, restrooms and printer areas, we can make a big dent in our collective energy cost.
Visit www.usafa.af.mil/News/Article/1976480/air-force-recognizes-energy-action-month-2019 and www.usafa.af.mil/News/Article/1975861/energy-action-month-saving-energy-on-the-road for more information.