Misawa cuts heat

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jessica Lockoski
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  With the warmer temperatures the past several days, Airmen from the 35th Civil Engineering Squadron began turning off heat throughout the base May 4, in an effort to conserve energy and save money.

"Turning the heat off in the industrial and administrative areas alone will save about $22,000 each day in fuel costs and about 1.5 to 2 million gallons of water per month, which is used to generate steam," said Master Sgt. James Onder, 35th CES Heating Ventilation and Air conditioning flight NCO in charge. "We spend about $17 million each year on fuel consumption for heating here, so any little bit we can save helps."

Airmen will cut off the heat in industrial buildings before moving on to administrative facilities, added Sergeant Onder. Some of the larger industrial buildings on base, such as the Potter Fitness Center, base exchange and the collocated club require a great amount of energy to be heated.

Before shutting off the heat, the weather must be warm enough, said Sergeant Onder.

"Once the weather passes 50 degrees Fahrenheit for three consecutive days, we look at future forecasts and make a decision with base leadership's help to turn the heat off," said Sergeant Onder.

The Airmen anticipate turning heat off in about 500 facilities across the base within the next few days.

"It will take three to five days with approximately 12 Airmen and their Japanese counterparts working side-by-side to close valves and isolate the steam systems from facilities," said Sergeant Onder.

In a few weeks if the weather surpasses 60 degrees, Airmen will shut off the heat in base housing, dorms and lodging areas. However, if temperatures drop, the heat will not be turned back on, he added.

"Once the heating systems are turned off, we begin summer maintenance," said Sergeant Onder. "We tear things apart and start getting ready for the next season." With each day the heating system is turned off equates to money and energy being saved, said Maj. Christopher Leonard, the 35th CES Operations Flight commander. This is one of many ways the 35th CES looks to save taxpayer money.

"Energy savings are critical to Misawa and the Air Force because every dollar saved is a dollar available to support operational requirements," said Major Leonard. "This includes support to our underfunded facility and infrastructure."