Key Points
- Hotels spend, on average, about $2,200 a year on energy costs for each available room.
- Space conditioning, water heating and lighting are the largest energy users in lodging facilities.
- Save energy with guest room energy controls, programmable thermostats and low-flow fixtures.
Energy costs can really fill up your operating budget. Hotels spend, on average, about $2,200 per available room on energy costs, according to ENERGY STAR®. What's more, space conditioning, water heating and lighting make up 83% of that energy consumption. By targeting efficiency upgrades in these areas, you can ensure guest comfort and boost your bottom line with lower operating costs.
Space conditioning
Space conditioning is critical for guest comfort, but it uses the most energy in lodging facilities. These measures will provide some cool savings while keeping your indoor environment comfortable:
- Guest room energy management. Guest room energy controls determine when a room is unoccupied and adjust temperature settings to save energy. When guests return, the system adjusts settings to meet their comfort requirements. Control options include occupancy sensors, key cards and door switches. Controls can be installed in existing buildings without significantly altering wiring configurations or disrupting operations.
- Programmable thermostats. Adjusting temperatures based on occupancy in guest rooms, conference rooms, kitchens and other work areas can save significantly on heating and cooling costs. Programmable thermostats optimize savings and add convenience by automating the process. New 'smart' thermostats provide advanced features, such as remote control and data collection about guest comfort needs and system performance.
- System upgrade. If your system is more than 15 years old, or in need of repair, consider upgrading. A new high-efficiency system can significantly reduce your operating costs and improve indoor comfort. Also, make sure your system is regularly inspected and maintained by a qualified professional.
Water heating and conservation
Hot water is a critical resource throughout your facility in guest rooms, food service facilities, pools and spas. Here are some energy saving measures:
- Water-efficient fixtures. Install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators in guest rooms and public restrooms to conserve water and reduce water heating costs.
- Pool and spa covers. For pools and spas, the largest source of heat and energy loss is evaporation. Covering the pool when it's not being used is the most effective way to lower heating costs. Savings of up to 70% are possible, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
- Variable frequency drives. Depending on pool size and other hydraulic factors, installing these drives on pool pumps can save up to 90% in energy use compared to a single-speed pump running 12 hours a day.
- Boiler tune-up. Boilers are commonly used in lodging facilities for water heating. Have your boiler properly tuned by a qualified technician on a regular basis. The tune-up should include inspection and cleaning of burners and heat transfer surfaces, air-to-fuel ratio adjustment, as well as testing of boiler controls.
Lighting
Lighting makes your facility shine, but the cost can be significant. These upgrades will help keep your budget in the black:
- Install occupancy or vacancy sensors in rest rooms, conference rooms, storage rooms and other areas with varying occupancy. You'll save energy by ensuring lights are turned on only when they're needed.
- Upgrade to LED lighting in guest rooms and other areas. ENERGY STAR® certified LED lights last much longer than conventional incandescent bulbs and use 75% less energy. Also replace conventional exit signs with high-performance, longer-lasting LEDs.
Earn the ENERGY STAR rating
Join leading hotels around the country and become an ENERGY STAR rated facility. It's a great way to focus your energy management practices and demonstrate your commitment to saving energy and improving the environment.
Visit ngrid.com/smallbusiness or call 800-332-3333 for more information about available incentives and rebates.