HORSHAM AIR GUARD STATION, Pa. -- While the 111th Attack Wing commander isn’t going to chastise members for turning up the thermostat, he might suggest putting on another layer.
As temperatures drop in the area, historically energy costs rise. In order to combat that increase, Horsham AGS Facilities Manager Chief Master Sgt. Chris Haas, is overseeing Federal Energy Management Program energy conservation efforts recommended for military installations.
According to FEMP website www.energy.gov, energy conservation measures include:
-Educating employees on building systems and energy efficiency measures;
-Lowering thermostat settings during the winter months;
-Matching heating and cooling schedules to occupancy schedules;
-Using solar energy;
-Installing energy-efficient lighting and occupancy sensors and light-emitting diode exit signs;
-Conducting boiler efficiency tests.
Many of these energy-saving actions are in effect throughout the year thanks to Haas and base civil engineering.
“We’re currently installing interior LED panel lights across the base,” said Haas. “They have an energy savings of 50% per fixture.”
But the Air Guard station isn’t just jumping on an ecological bandwagon, Haas explained that conservation has been an ongoing trend. And unlike many trends – like the return of 1990’s fashion – this one can be popular while also leaving more money in the defense wallet.
“Last year we installed solar-powered area lights, solar-powered street lights, high-efficient boilers and air conditioning units.”
The installation spends upwards of $600,000 annually; but, members here can reduce that cost with merely the flick of a switch.
“We all can conserve by turning out lights and keeping our thermostats tempered,” Haas explained. “In addition, keep the doors and windows closed during heating and cooling and report building deficiencies to base civil engineering.”
Energy awareness is more than the right thing to do for the environment. It assists the DOD in saving money, money that can be spent to better prepare our warfighting and humanitarian missions.
“We all need to be conserving energy,” said Haas. “It’s our tax dollars.”
For more information on energy conservation, visit www.energy.gov.
Jim Secrease, maintenance repairmen, replaces a conventional florescent bulb with an energy-efficient light in building 310 at Horsham Air Guard Station, Pennsylvania, Oct. 22nd, 2019. The repair is part of a base-wide effort to employ Federal Energy Management Program energy conservation recommendations for military installations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Wil Acosta)