Nellis reactivates "NoHeat/No Cool" policy Published Oct. 16, 2008 By Michelle Price 99th Civil Engineer Squadron NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Nellis and Creech Air Force Bases have recently implemented the basewide "No Heat/No Cool" period for the fall of 2008. Between Oct. 17 and approximately Nov. 10 for Nellis and Oct. 10 and approximately Nov. 11 for Creech, no facilities will be allowed to operate air-conditioning or heating systems unless deemed exempt by the respective vice wing commander. This program is part of the bases' continuing effort to conserve energy and has proven in the past to dramatically reduce utility costs. Below are some common myths that some might have heard regarding this policy. Myth: All buildings with high-ranking individuals have an exception to policy. Fact: Wing Commanders are aggressive supporters in the effort to conserve energy. Wing Commanders' facilities are some of the first to go on No Heat/No Cool. Myth: The Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Shop enjoys time off during No Heat/No Cool periods. Fact: This is one of the biggest myths. The No Heat/No Cool period is the busiest time of the year for the HVAC shop. The HVAC shop spends that time performing large equipment repairs and replacements that will help keep your system running during the summer and winter months without breaks. Myth: Policy was made to give the HVAC shop a break from all the work they did in the summer months. Fact: No Heat/No Cool was made as an energy conservation method. In previous seasons, No Heat/No Cool was very successful in helping the HVAC shop conduct major repairs Myth: If my air conditioning is not broken, then what is the HVAC shop doing? Fact: Without constant maintenance, HVAC units would break down during the peak winter months and a backlog of work would be created. This period is great to make sure the majority of preventive maintenance is accomplished. Myth: The base doesn't really save that much money. Fact: Most malfunctions are caused by dirt and dust. The HVAC shop needs to perform preventive maintenance to keep the units in peak performance. Clean systems restore capacity and lessen running time, thereby saving the Air Force money. On service and replacement of the unit, the policy can also save Nellis between $150,000 and $200,000 per year in energy costs. Myth: When the weather changes, the Civil Engineers (CE) always gets hooked up first. Fact: CE facilities are always the first facilities to be turned off and the last to get turned on, and frequently the hottest temperatures on base are found in CE facilities. Myth: All the energy conservation methods don't mean anything in the big picture. Fact: Nellis has won numerous awards for continuing to conserve energy and has many initiatives that have been sighted as best management practices by the Air Force. Myth: Creech AFB doesn't participate in the No Heat/No Cool policy. Fact: Just like Nellis AFB, Creech AFB participates in No Heat/No Cool and has the same exemption rules. Because Creech AFB has different temperatures then Nellis, they may start and end on different dates. Myth: My work center is manned 24/7 and we should be exempt. Fact: Any organization requiring an exemption must submit a request to their wing energy monitor and have it approved by the wing vice commander. Areas previously approved are exempt, but just because a facility is 24/7 doesn't make it exempt. Myth: Even if it's 95 degrees outside, you'll still start No Heat/No Cool. Fact: The temperature data is evaluated on a daily basis, and unseasonably warm weather would cause a delay of No Heat/No Cool until temperatures drops to the mid 80's. For more information, contact 99th Civil engineer Squadron representatives at 702-652-3059.
