YOKOSUKA, Japan — On March 16, Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) Public Works Department (PWD) began a multi-week Heat, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) change-over plan, beginning the transition of systems from heating to cooling across the installation.
The change-over period happens twice a year onboard the installation when temperatures are mild. The change-over will start with a sequential deactivation of heating systems, followed by required inspections and preventative maintenance to ensure system reliability during the peak heat of Yokosuka’s hot, humid months.
PWD will complete the changeover with a prioritized, four-tier activation sequence to turn on air conditioning, scheduled to begin April 20. Family housing, unaccompanied housing, Department of War Education Activity (DoWEA), and Child and Youth Program (CYP) cooling is scheduled to be turned on no later than April 30.
“The focus always starts with our families, children, and Sailors,” said Cmdr. Andy Cotherman, CFAY Public Works Officer. “So, the schools, daycare facilities, base housing, and then, of course, Unaccompanied Housing, the gyms and our recreation centers where our Sailors live and relax are prioritized.”
He continued saying technicians expect all facilities to have cool air running throughout their buildings by the middle of May.
Once cooling is activated, residents and employees must follow established temperature set points to comply with energy conservation mandates. Standard installation facilities are required to keep thermostats no lower than 78°F or 25.5°C.
Family and Unaccompanied Housing tenants are allowed to set the cooling to 76°F or 24.5°C. Tenants must keep windows and doors closed when using the equipment to maintain the cooling boundary.
If a facility becomes uncomfortably warm during the changeover period, PWD recommends that occupants turn thermostats to the "off" position and use passive cooling methods, such as closing blinds or operating fans.