Energy Action Month – every dollar counts Published Oct. 16, 2013 VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- "We need the continued commitment of every Airman and family member to help us continue to drive innovation, and ensure we efficiently use every gallon of jet fuel, every watt of electricity and every drop of gasoline," stated Acting Secretary of the Air Force Eric Fanning, U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James A. Cody, in a joint letter to all Airmen "During these challenging economic times, every dollar counts and your every action can count towards reducing costs and supporting mission effectiveness," they added. October is Energy Action Month and "I Am Air Force Energy" is the program's theme. It means each Airman is a stakeholder in ensuring the Air Force has an energy advantage in air, space and cyberspace. The acronym, ACTION, is a guide to helping the Air Force meet its energy and water reduction goals. ACTION stands for Appliance reduction, Computer log off, Temperature control, Inform facility managers, Outdoor conservation and No waste. Appliance reduction -- Look around your workspace. Do you have a refrigerator or coffee maker? How many personal appliances can be removed or consolidated in common areas like the break room? Reducing energy usage by reducing the number of appliances and machines you use can yield significant energy savings. Computer log off -- Since personnel at many installations are advised not to turn off computers, it's important to log off. This ensures that computers will enter energy-saving sleep mode. Before you pull your ID card and go home for the day, remember to log off and turn off your monitor. The Air Force Information Technology Power Management Team estimates this action alone can save more than $10 million a year. Temperature control -- Climate control set points can have a major impact on energy use. Vance temperature settings are 68 degrees in the winter and 76 degrees in the summer. Space heaters increase energy demands and are also a fire hazard, and are prohibited at Vance. Dress appropriately for the temperature in your facility. If your building is too cool in the summer or too hot in the winter, the Air Force could be wasting energy. Inform your facility manager -- Report incorrect temperature set points, leaky faucets, blocked air vents, cracked windows and other problems to your facility manager or Civil Engineering customer service, 213-7555. No waste -- Don't turn a blind eye to problems. If you see something that doesn't need to be on, turn it off. If you see a problem, report it.