VICENZA -- Summer and hot weather means air conditioning becomes a "hot topic" and a reason for many service calls to the Vicenza Department of Public Works.
Before those working and living on military installations call in, they should be aware of the local policy.
The Director of DPW is responsible for implementing both Army regulations and the US Army Garrison Italy Heating and Cooling Policy. The minimum thermostat setpoint for air conditioning is no lower than 24˚C/75˚F. In many of our buildings with local thermostat controls, this means not only switching the control from heat to AC, but adjusting the temperature to 24˚C (or higher). In some cases, that also means setting the fan speed or entering a time schedule on a programmable thermostat.
Community members are also encouraged to take advantage of the cooler night air by ventilating the building at night or early morning, with the AC shut off. All split system air conditioners need to be turned off at night and on the weekends because it only takes a few minutes to cool an office down in the morning.
Garrison monthly electric bills during the summer range from $1 to 1.3 million, compared to the low-cost month of April at $700,000. As seen in that price jump, air conditioning costs a great deal of money.
Remember, anyone can be "green" by practicing good energy and water conservation and recycling. Plus, if community members see energy waste or a need for repair, they are asked to please call the DPW service order desk at DSN 637-8100, comm. 0444-61-8100.
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