We’re hot on the heels of the 2nd warmest August on record in Texas

And based on current climate data, we’re only getting hotter every year. 

We understand the important environmental reasons to save energy, but if you haven’t already, it’s time to consider the many cost-saving solutions. 

Many hotels employ smart technology and we’ve outlined some of the most effective energy-saving solutions that also save money and improve hotel efficiency, including Smart HVAC, LED Lighting, Solar Panel Technology, and Intelligent Sensors.

Don’t sweat this smart stuff. 

Smart HVAC Systems

According to Facilityexecutive.com and Hotelmanagement.net, implementing smart heat, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems is the most effective strategy to help hotels save significantly on energy consumption and costs. 

Smart HVAC systems usually include smart thermostats and smart sensors. These allow for more control over your hotel environment and provide an efficient approach to heating, cooling and lighting for hotel guests. 

Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats can be programmed to learn daily occupancy needs. They calculate habits and routines and develop programs that accommodate your guest’s specific requirements, or sense non-occupied rooms and make adjustments in the most energy-efficient way.

Also, guests can control these devices with a web app and make their own adjustments to their room creating a more comfortable stay.

Smart Sensors

Smart HVAC systems employ smart sensors to detect real-time fluctuations in the system’s inner workings. The system immediately notifies hotel staff of any issues or necessity for repairs or maintenance needs. Predictive monitoring alerts staff with solutions to optimize consumption, identify wasteful or hazardous practices, and prevent potential failures before they escalate into costly repairs. 

Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs)

Hotelmanagement.net details the science behind how ASHPs work, including the principles of vapor compression refrigeration and its ability to absorb heat from one place and release it to another. 

ASHPs make very efficient space heaters or coolers and eliminate the danger of overloading the central HVAC system while accommodating the needs of smaller spaces in the hotel building. 

Smart LED Lighting

19% of energy use in the world is used for lighting, according to this article on Wikipedia.com.

Smart lighting increases energy efficiency while bringing aesthetic enhancements to your hotel.

Some major features of smart lighting control include:

• the ability to make adjustments through a smartphone app or a smart device with voice assistants (Siri, Alexa, Cortana, etc.)
• some smart lighting applications allow hotel employees and guests to change the brightness and, in some cases, the type of color being displayed.
• providing hoteliers activity tracking data to help improve efficiencies
• environmental and occupancy sensors that adjust room lights based on the room’s natural lighting

Solar Panel Technology

Hotelmanagement.net states that “some companies have managed to cut energy costs by 75 percent and improved productivity by 20 percent by converting to a smart LED lighting system.” 

Many hotels are embracing solar power technology to reduce energy costs. Solar panel tech is fast-becoming a cost-effective, efficient and reliable investment.

As an added bonus, by installing solar panels hotels will receive the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). According to Recsolar.com, “the full 30% tax credit for commercial solar installations has been extended through 2019. Then, it will ramp down to 26% in 2020, 22% in 2021, and to 10% in 2022 for commercial solar installations.” So, act now if you haven’t already. 

Don’t forget, many appliances continue draining power after they’ve been turned off. These include lights, clocks, televisions, and anything with an LCD panel. 

Automatic Shutdown Sockets

Automatic shutdown sockets are smart power outlets that use infrared sensors or timers to cut power to any connected device when the device is not in use, or when the room is unoccupied. 

Don’t Sweat the Smart Stuff

Carefully assess your hotel’s energy usage and costs. Then consider investing in smart technology solutions, LED lighting, solar power and air source upgrades that will provide comfort and convenience for your guests and long term control and cost savings for your hotel. 

Reference URLs:

• https://www.shipleyenergy.com/energy-101-guides/guide/2016/02/24/energy-efficiency-for-hotels
• https://reliablewater247.com/energy-saving-solutions-for-hotels/
• https://www.hotelmanagement.net/tech/7-energy-management-saving-tips-for-hotels
• https://facilityexecutive.com/2017/01/staying-cool-with-intelligent-hvac-systems/
• https://recsolar.com/blogs/congress-extends-solar-investment-tax-credit-for-five-years/