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It's time for a power nap!

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Tyler Wenzel
  • 92nd Maintenance Squadron
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  $2,142,979.

That's the amount Fairchild spent last year to power the installation.

In light of this, let's take a stand--or maybe a nap! This month is Energy Action Month across the federal government and the Air Force leverages this opportunity to encourage Airmen to save energy while performing the mission.

"Energy Action Month is about creating a culture of energy savings and conservation, and it starts with each individual," said Col. Brian McDaniel, the 92nd Air Refueling Wing commander. "We can make a difference each day by changing the way we work, live and interact with our surroundings."

To help reduce energy usage and promote awareness, Fairchild is promoting the "Power Nap" campaign. Every day throughout the month of October, between 1 and 4 p.m., whether at home or at work, everyone is encouraged to take part.

"I ask each of you to take part in our "Power Nap" initiative this month, and help reduce Team Fairchild's energy footprint," McDaniel said. "Energy conservation truly begins on the individual level, and your efforts have impacts beyond Team Fairchild."

Reducing the amount of energy the base uses annually by just 3 percent saves Fairchild more than $64,000 each year. Simple measures can be taken to reduce Fairchild's energy consumption. What can Team Fairchild's members do to help?

· Wash and dry laundry in the morning or evening hours.
· Keep doors and windows closed when running air conditioning.
· Open curtains and utilize natural light whenever possible.
· Make sure outside lights are turned off during the day.
· Water lawns before sunrise or after sunset.
· Unplug appliances when not in use and use energy efficient light bulbs and appliances. Energy Star labeled appliances use 30 to 65 percent less energy than standard appliances.
· Turn off lights during the day and night when not needed.
· Use programmable thermostats to reduce heating and cooling when out. Thermostat settings of 69 degrees (winter) and 76 degrees (summer) increases energy costs by 2 percent for each one degree beyond those temperature settings.
· Use power strips for electronics that do not need to be on standby mode and turn off power strips at the end of the day; electronics in standby mode still draws several watts of extra power.
· Turn off computer screens instead of using a screen saver.

Energy reduction officials recommend taking a break from the office, getting out and spending some quality face time with the Airmen and remember to shut off computers and lights in the office. If getting out of the office is too hard, try dimming the lights and working with one monitor.

Take these tips and apply them year-round in everyday life. With every member of Team Fairchild's help, this base can reduce energy and help save the government some much needed money, thus improving energy efficiency to power the force and fuel the fight.

"Help us move forward toward a brighter future by conserving power and creating a culture of savings," said McDaniel.

Visit the Energy Action Month website at http://energy.gov/eere/femp/energy-action-month for more information.