Saving energy saves money

  • Published
  • By Glynn Batla
  • 82nd Civil Engineering Squadron
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  It's just early June and Sheppard has hit the 90 degree mark several times already this year. It won't be long before the temperatures hit triple digits. Soon the Sheppard community will be tasking the local electric grid with high demand usage patterns.

Now is the time to switch energy-intensive home tasks to off-peak hours, and use energy more efficiently to avoid soaring summer electricity bills.

There are some steps that can take approximately 30 percent off electric bills this summer and promote energy conservation at Sheppard Air Force Base.

Shift laundry and dishwashing tasks to off-peak hours such as nights, mornings and weekends. Those are the times when the strain on the power grid from business, industry and homes operating air conditioning simultaneously reduced.

Using full loads of laundry in washers and dryers help get the most out of energy dollars.
Cooling puts the greatest stress on the power grid and increases summer energy bills. Maintaining air conditioning equipment with a professional "tune-up" will save the cost and inconvenience of a breakdown during the hottest days. Clean or replace filters monthly and consider increasing the temperature by just three degrees to decrease energy bills, or use a fan to circulate air to increase the temperature comfortably.

Some appliances can help save water and energy simultaneously. Using an energy-efficient clothes washer cuts both water and energy usage while getting clothes just as clean with less wear and tear. Also research other energy-efficient appliances including dishwashers with soil sensors to shorten the washing cycle and clothes dryers with moisture sensors.

A refrigerator runs 24 hours a day and accounts for about 10 percent of the total home electricity bill. By keeping the coils clean, it will reduce energy bills and extend the life of the appliance. The coils are located behind or under the fridge.

If all of the nation's households used the most efficient refrigerators, electricity savings would eliminate the need for about 20-30 power plants!

Forgetful? A programmable thermostat automatically coordinates indoor climates with daily and weekend patterns, reducing cooling bills by up to 10 percent, and people don't have to "remember" to turn the air conditioning off when they leave their homes.

Be sure to plug energy "leaks" with appropriate insulation, weather stripping, caulking and spectrally selective windows, glass doors and skylights. Make sure the attic and the rest of the house is well insulated.

Replacing four 75-watt incandescent bulbs with 23-watt fluorescent bulbs, that use about two-thirds less energy and last up to 10 times longer, saves $190 over the life of the bulbs. If all of the nation's households did the same, America would save as much energy as is consumed by approximately 38 million cars in one year.

Families can also improve their home's security, and still avoid wasting money and energy when they're out, by putting timers on a few lights or installing motion detectors on exterior floodlights.

Conserving energy knows no rank. It is the responsibility of every individual of Team Sheppard whether they live in a dorm, officer quarters or base housing.