No Heat No Cool Season Begins Published April 2, 2010 By 1st Lt. Kyle Bergren 43d Civil Engineering Squadron POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Spring is here and members of the 43rd Civil Engineer Squadron heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration section are in the process of preparing for the upcoming cooling season. The HVAC/R shop will start turning off chillers and heat pumps April 5. A cool down period is required for some systems because they share the same heating and cooling water pipes. After completing these steps, an intensive preventative maintenance program will be performed. "System maintenance is a periodic requirement that takes priority over routine repairs," said Don Hodson, 43rd CES. "Without our recurring maintenance program, some systems would deteriorate to the point of catastrophic failure," Hodson added. "We look forward to the change-over period between heating and cooling to accomplish the majority of our maintenance." During the no-heat/no-cool period, 43rd CES will complete the third step of preparing all buildings to switch over to cooling. The no heat/no cool period will last until May10, weather permitting. According to the Pope Energy conservation policy, during spring season, the no-cool period can be suspended if the outdoor air exceeds a combination 156˚ Fahrenheit for five consecutive days. In the winter season, the no-heat period can be suspended if the outdoor air temperature falls below 55 degrees Fahrenheit for five consecutive days. Civil Engineers program the appropriate temperatures for buildings with Direct Digital Controls. The base wide Energy Management Control system will control these buildings from a central location. "The base averages around $300,000 in utility bills per month," said Maj. Scot Berrian, 43rd CES Operations Flight Commander. "A very large portion of Pope's energy usage is related to heating, ventilation and air conditioning. Taking advantage of mild weather is an excellent opportunity to save money and energy." Major Berrian added. By turning off the HVAC systems, Pope can achieve a 30 percent reduction in energy use, which is vital to meet reduction goals mandated by Executive Order 13423. "The overall plan is to save energy for the base," said Robert Logan, 43d CES. "In addition to reducing how long we leave things on, we are installing more efficient equipment to help save energy." Dormitories and billeting are the priority for switching to cooling, followed by training facilities, then remaining administrative facilities and the industrial facilities. The facility managers are the first point of contact for any building and equipment problems. For more information, call Pope Public Affairs at 394-4183.