Don’t freeze the thermostat

Published Dec. 17, 2010
By Brandice J. Armstrong
Tinker Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Tinker has made significant energy conservation strides since October 2009, but one challenge -- a yearly struggle -- is quickly approaching. Historically the week of Christmas has been one of the worst weeks of the year for natural gas usage for Tinker, officials said.

Not only do officials encourage personnel to make a change here on base, but they offer tips for saving energy at home.

"We use a lot of natural gas that week, because when people leave, they don't adjust the thermostats, they just leave," said Britton Young, Tinker's Energy Team point of contact. "Plus, all the people who help manage the facilities are gone."

At Tinker, the answer is simple. Turn thermostats down. Don't turn them off as temperatures might drop below freezing and could cause the pipes to freeze. But, Ms. Young said she recommends administrative and shop spaces be set at 55 degrees, and warehouses should be set at 40 degrees.

"We don't want Christmas week to be our No. 1 week," Ms. Young said. "It shouldn't be. It just doesn't make sense for that to be the week we use the most energy; there's hardly anyone here."

But, saving energy isn't limited to Tinker.

Ms. Young said while the Christmas season tends to be costly, there are several ways Tinker personnel can save money and energy at home.

Light-emitting diode, or LED, Christmas lights use 90 percent less energy per bulb than traditional Christmas lights and will last up to 20 years. Additionally, Ms. Young said they don't have be left on all night long.

"Six hours is a pretty good estimate of how much time to have them on each day," she said. "If you can't remember to unplug them before you go to bed or just don't want to get out into the cold, go to a hardware store and buy a timer for really cheap. They'll come on and go off on their own."

Other tips include taking advantage of Christmas tree lights and fireplaces to light up a room, turning down the thermostat when hosting gatherings as people will generate their own heat. Also, when picking out the menu, consider the number of people that will eat. Don't make more dishes than what's necessary.

When purchasing gifts consider "energy star" electronics; they are more efficient and will cost less in the long run.

"'Energy star' products use up to 60 percent less energy than their counterparts," Ms. Young said.

Lastly, practice the "How Low Can We Go" energy conservation program at home. Turn down the thermostat and turn off non-essential equipment and appliances before leaving for the night or an extended period of time.