NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. — The winter and spring seasons are coming to a close, which means temperatures are going to start rising along with your electric bill, $200 a month bills are common for Las Vegas valley residents.

If you think you pay a lot for energy, imagine paying Nellis’ and Creech’s combined bills of approximately $7.5 million dollars per year! It’s money that could be spent on our Airmen, their readiness, or our weapons systems.

Here are some valuable energy tips that can keep you ahead of the inevitable rising temperatures both at home and at your place of work.
Maintain Space Temperature Standards

• During cooling season set your thermostat temperature no lower than 76 degrees Fahrenheit.
• During heating season set your thermostat temperature no higher than 69 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Use ceiling fans to cool off for less. Ceiling fans use no more electricity than a standard light bulb. However, be sure to turn fans off when you leave — they only cool people, not rooms.
• Close your exterior doors and windows tightly when the air conditioner is on. Save even more by turning off kitchen and bath exhaust fans.
• Block the sun from overheating your home! Inside, use shades, blinds and drapes. Outside, use awnings, trees and shrubs.
• Close unused air vents. If you have central AC you can close air vent in rooms you’re not using so you’re not paying to cool them.
Lighting Opportunities:
• Turn off interior lights at the end of the work day or when they are not needed.
• Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs or LED bulbs.
• Report any base exterior lighting left on during daylight hours to 99th CE customer service at
702 652-2303.
Appliances/Equipment
• Turn off computer monitors, printers, scanners, and other office equipment at the end of the work day. Desktop computers connected to the network must remain on for security updates.
• Use of personal appliances, such as coffee makers, refrigerators and microwaves, should be minimized to the fullest extent and consolidated to break rooms only.
• Dust your fridge the next time you dust your house. Check the coils behind/under the refrigerator and clean them off to keep costs down.
• Get a clothes drying rack which works great in the dry Las Vegas air and uses zero energy.
• Always wash with cold water, laundry detergent works just as well, and you’ll save 40 cents per load.
• Reduce your water heater temperature setting from 140 degrees Fahrenheit to 120 degrees Fahrenheit it will save you money while keeping water hot enough for showers and cleaning dishes.

Each of us has an important part to play in conserving energy. Make energy a consideration in all we do.

If you have energy conservation questions, comments, or suggestions, contact your Jeffrey Blazi at 702-652-7790 or Ed Sidenstricker at 702-652-7786.