Energy Awareness Month Published Oct. 22, 2008 By Damian Rueda 355 CES/CEAO DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- October is Energy Awareness Month! The Air Force theme for 2008 is "Secure Today's Energy: Fuel Tomorrow's Mission." This is the perfect opportunity to evaluate how we do things in order to conserve our precious resources. As winter approaches, it is imperative we continue to be vigilant about our energy use. Surprisingly, DM uses more energy during the winter (December - February) than it uses during the summer (June - August). One major reason for this is shorter days. When days shorten and we require lights to be on longer, we must keep an eye out for unnecessary lighting. Turning off lights to offices, conference rooms, break rooms, etc. when not in use is the best way you can have an impact. Task lights also greatly reduce lighting loads. Another reason for more energy use in the winter is that many large buildings require both heating and cooling for occupant comfort. Making sure doors between areas of heating and cooling are closed and wearing appropriate clothing will help minimize heating and cooling loads, and it will help you keep comfortable regardless of where you are in a building. Of course, the largest energy requirement in the winter is heating. Wearing winter attire is best. Long-sleeved shirts/blouses, coats, full-length pants/skirts/dresses, and closed-toe shoes will help keep you comfortable even in cooler areas. As a reminder, the DM standard is to set thermostats at 69oF for heating. This month is a great time to start thinking of how we can reduce our energy use. Other simple actions you can take to help DM include shutting down computers and peripherals at the end of the workday and unplugging electronic equipment that is not in use. If every Airman does a little bit, we will "Secure Today's Energy: Fuel Tomorrow's Mission."