The primary reason hoteliers invest in occupancy-based technology is to save energy — about 25-40% on their energy bills per guest room.
But there are other reasons to look at occupancy-based technology, beyond energy savings.
Increased Guest Delight
Occupancy-based controls in hospitality environments can actually add to guest comfort if implemented correctly.
- Use occupancy sensors to dehumidify the air while the room is unoccupied. That way guests don’t have to experience the temperature changes and humming HVAC systems during dehumidification cycles. And guest rooms will not have that musty, stale air odor.
- Avoid the awkward moment when housekeeping enters a room when a guest is still present. With occupancy sensing, housekeeping can visit only those unoccupied rooms, and return to the others later.
- Welcome scene: when the EMS is integrated with a property management system, a front desk check-in event can trigger the HVAC to begin adjusting the room temperature, so the room is comfortable by the time the guest enters. They may also be greeted with a welcome message displayed on the TV screen or surprised with their favorite music playing.
Increased Operational Efficiency
Prevent Misuse of Vacant Rooms
Some occupancy-based EMS systems can identify unrented rooms that are nevertheless occupied, which can alert hotel management of misuse of unrented rooms.
Prolong Life of HVAC Systems
In terms of occupancy sensing, the biggest operational efficiency is the ability to reduce equipment usage, whether HVAC or lighting. By reducing the usage of this equipment, benefits emerge such as:
- prolonged life of the equipment
- reduced maintenance
- reduced equipment replacements
Creative Energy Savings
Some systems can even distinguish between guests and staff to save energy during cleaning or maintenance.
Hotel rooms are frequently unoccupied during afternoon hours when electricity demand is highest. Occupancy sensing can help intelligently and automatically reducing peak loads. Utility demand charges are also reduced
Occupancy Detection Variety
Occupancy sensors come in many forms, including smart thermostats, key cards, window/patio door switches, PIR sensing devices and bathroom lighting, to name a few. Learn more about the different forms of occupancy sensors in our white paper, Occupancy Sensors in Hospitality).
Bottom Line
Occupancy sensing has gone way beyond controlling lighting. Hotels and other facilities have discovered ways to use occupancy detection to delight guests, streamline facility maintenance and prolong HVAC equipment. Plus, save 20-40% per guestroom on their energy bills.
