How to Reduce Hotel and Motel Air Conditioning Costs

HVAC

For many hotel and motel owners, heating and cooling costs are out of control and eating into profits more each passing year as utility rates rise. There are some easy ways to reduce these costs by following simple preventive maintenance techniques. Motel and hotel owners are in a unique position to make an environmental impact by taking these steps. A holistic approach to reducing heating and cooling costs can help save both money and the planet.

Things You'll Need

• HVAC certified technician

Instructions

1. Have an HVAC contractor check each window unit or central unit for proper refrigerant levels, filter cleanliness and leaks in duct work. Have him make necessary repairs or replacements of defective HVAC units.

2. Hire a certified RESNET (Residential Energy Services Network energy auditor) or commercial energy auditor to do an evaluation of your entire property and identify areas where you can cut heating and cooling costs.

3. Place notices on the door of each room, asking guests to please turn off the air-conditioner or heater before they leave. Include "earth friendly" logos to convey that you are not just being cheap but that their actions will benefit the environment.

4. Meet with your landscaper or grounds maintenance personnel, and plan a tree-planting program that will shade all rooms that are exposed to south and west sun. Keep sun off motel windows and doors to reduce the amount of time your air-conditioning units run.

5. Meet with all your staff, including housekeeping, and state your goals. With everyone's help, such as housekeeping turning off the HVAC unit in rooms after guests have checked out, you can cut costs.

Resources

• Energy Star Program