‘No heat, No cool’ season plants the seeds for Incirlik’s Energy Action Month

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Eric Summers Jr.
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
Twice a year the weather presents an opportunity to help save energy while still being comfortable at Incirlik AB.

The "No heat, No cool" season, which typically occurs during the spring and fall, is a precursor to Incirlik's Energy Action Month in May.

The period covers the time frame where it is not warm enough for air conditioning or cold enough for heating. Incirlik is one of only four bases in United States Air Forces Europe that is authorized air conditioning making the season a rare saving opportunity.

Senior Master Sgt. Mark Thomas, 39th Civil Engineer Squadron operations flight chief, said the "No heat, No cool" season affects all base occupants that are in an office or facility that does not require equipment cooling.

"During these seasons the base is estimated to save $300,000 per year," said Artemiz Avci, 39th CES base energy manager.

While the season makes an excellent energy saving occasion, it also presents another opportunity as well.

"This season allows the 39th CES heating, ventilation, air conditioning shop perform preventative maintenance on the equipment and prepare for the upcoming heating or cooling season," Thomas said. "This also saves in electrical costs to the base by keeping the equipment off before it is actually needed."

The 39th CES is also encouraging people who stay in base housing to open windows and doors for free cool air as well. As a way to increase the knowledge of energy use to the residents the squadron is also carrying out the Resident Energy Efficiency Program.

"We purchased 400 wireless energy monitoring devices to install in renovated base housing units," Avci said. "These devices will give the housing occupants instant readings of electricity they are currently using to increase the awareness of people about energy consumption."