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It’s that time of the year … nice summer weather with temperatures on the rise. As the temperature goes up, so do the number of questions regarding air conditioning for facilities in the KMC.
The No. 1 question is “Why isn’t air conditioning allowed in KMC facilities?”
The KMC follows Air Force guidelines in determining which facilities are authorized air conditioning yearly. Generally, the Air Force supports capital investments in air conditioning for mission facilities, family housing and dormitories in regions experiencing over 350 hours per year with outside temperatures of more than 80 F. Except for bases in Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota and Alaska, most bases in the continental United States fall within this standard.
The KMC has a 30-year average of 181 hours per year of outside temperatures over 80 F, so it does not meet the minimum requirements for investment in air-conditioning systems.
The 435th Civil Engineer Group commander can waive the criteria for mission-critical equipment requirements or for a limited number of medical conditions. Waivers are not authorized for comfort cooling in administrative, housing and dormitory facilities.
Before people spend a lot of money on air-conditioning units for Air Force facilities, we recommend they cross check with facility managers or housing building leaders to ensure the equipment has been authorized according to KMC Instruction 32-1001.
For more information, view KMCI 32-1001 in the publication section of the 435th Air Base Wing home page or call 480-6573. (Courtesy of 435th Civil Engineer Squadron)
Follow cool tips to beat heat in military family housing
• Remember it cools off at night. During the hottest months over the past several years, the average daily low temperature was 55 F.
• Open all windows at night to let in cool air. Close the windows and the blinds in the morning when the temperatures start to rise. These measures will keep your home cool until evening, when the outside temperature goes down.
• Install ceiling fans or use portable fans to increase air flow. Air movement makes a big difference in comfort level.
• Use portable fans to exhaust hot air through open windows at night. The cool night air will flow in naturally to replace inside air.
• Reduce heat generated inside. Turn off unneeded lights, computers, printers, coffee makers and other equipment not being used.
• Avoid using your oven. Cook food that requires only a burner.
• Use area lights instead of overhead lights. Most offices with windows have plenty of daylight to work making the heat generating overhead lights unnecessary.
• If the temperature is hot in the summer and cold in the winter, check for insulation above the attic or ceiling. If houses don’t have insulation above the ceiling, call the 735th CES. Insulation can be installed as part of an energy-saving project.
For more information, call the 735th Civil Engineer Squadron at 480-6573 to help find a solution.
