MHAFB goes green Published April 7, 2011 By Airman Samuel Anderson 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- More than 900 offices across base received timed light sensors in the past month to better manage and reduce the energy consumption. Joseph Armstrong, 366th Civil Engineer Squadron base energy manager, explained why this needed to be done. "Occupancy sensors are used to cycle lamps and lower maintenance costs. An additional benefit comes from reducing the cooling load," he said. "Sensors currently being installed can be adjusted and are passive infrared which means they sense both movement and sound. The anticipated savings is $150,000 per year in electricity." There are many ways people can reduce the amount of energy they use. Some examples of this are: adjusting your thermostat up by two degrees in the summer and down by two in the winter, not leaving the water running when brushing your teeth, purchasing an automatic coffee pot, and by turning off the radio off and using headphones on your computer. Also, carpool when possible to save even more. Doing any or all of these can reduce one's total energy bill anywhere from 15 to 35 percent. Installation of light sensors is just one way that the base is trying to reduce its energy consumption. Some other ways that a person can reduce their energy by is by reducing the use in the following: Air conditioner - $300 per month Coffee maker - $5.40 per month Clock radio - $10.36 per month Brushing teeth - $4.75 per month Driving to work - $120 per month Based on these costs, the average monthly rate for all these services is more than $400 a month.