Cutting HVAC Energy Costs in UK Hotels and Restaurants

In UK hospitality, energy costs are a major concern. HVAC systems account for the largest portion of operational expenses in hotels and restaurants. With high energy prices and increasing pressure to meet sustainability goals, optimising existing HVAC systems is crucial. This not only leads to cost savings but also promotes environmental responsibility. Below, we identify the top strategies for cutting HVAC energy costs in UK hotels and restaurants. These strategies ensure guest comfort while boosting efficiency.

1. Implement Smart Thermostats and Building Management Systems

Smart thermostats are remotely accessible. They enable hotel management and facilities teams to control HVAC operations effectively. These systems can automatically switch on or off and adjust temperatures based on occupancy, weather, and time of day. In hotels, where rooms may be unoccupied for hours, smart thermostats can significantly reduce heating or cooling.

Restaurants can also benefit by tailoring HVAC settings to peak dining hours. Integrating a remote IoT AI Building Management System (BMS) allows for centralised monitoring and control. This optimises energy use across multiple zones, enhancing efficiency.

2. Regular Maintenance and System Upgrades

Routine maintenance is often overlooked but is essential. Regularly cleaning filters and servicing HVAC units prevents inefficiencies that increase energy costs. In older hotels, retrofitting or upgrading outdated HVAC systems with modern, energy-efficient units can lead to substantial savings. For example, replacing a 15-year-old system with a high-efficiency unit can reduce energy consumption by 30-40%. Scheduling professional inspections twice a year ensures optimal performance.

3. Utilise Zoning for Targeted Heating and Cooling

Hotels and restaurants often have diverse spaces—guest rooms, dining areas, kitchens, and lobbies—each with unique HVAC needs. Zoning systems allow independent temperature control for different areas, avoiding energy waste in low-traffic zones.

For instance, a restaurant can shut down kitchen extraction outside of food service hours. Similarly, the restaurant HVAC can be zoned while maintaining comfort in the dining area. Zoning is particularly effective in historic UK hotels, where maintaining comfort without excessive energy use is crucial.

4. Leverage Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV)

Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV) systems capture and reuse energy from the ventilation exhaust air. This preconditions incoming fresh air, which is especially useful in restaurants. Kitchens require constant ventilation to manage heat and odours. ERV systems can reduce HVAC energy use by up to 25% by minimising the need to heat or cool incoming air. This offers a cost-effective way to comply with regulations while saving energy.

5. Optimise HVAC Scheduling for Occupancy Patterns

Aligning HVAC operations with varying occupancy patterns is a simple yet effective strategy. In hotels, HVAC systems can be programmed to reduce or switch off units in unoccupied rooms. This is particularly beneficial during low-occupancy seasons, such as midweek in winter. Adding low-cost IoT remote monitoring to control radiators, heaters, and A/C systems makes an instant impact. Energy savings can be monitored in real-time on a dashboard. Additionally, these systems can report CO2 and carbon usage instantly.

Restaurants can adjust settings based on booking schedules, reducing energy use during quieter hours. Using occupancy sensors ensures systems activate only when needed.

6. Insulate and Seal to Prevent Energy Loss

Many older hotels and restaurants suffer from poor insulation and air leaks. This forces HVAC systems to work harder. Adding insulation to walls, roofs, uninsulated pipes, and sealing windows and doors can significantly reduce energy waste.

For example, a Grade II listed hotel in London reduced its heating costs by 10% after upgrading insulation while preserving its historic façade. A specialist building fabric audit can help identify and reduce leaks, ensuring long-term efficiency.

7. Integrate Renewable Energy Sources

Where possible, pairing HVAC systems with renewable energy sources can lower reliance on grid electricity. Options include solar PV, battery energy storage, or air-source heat pumps. Many innovative suppliers now offer solar as a service or heat as a service.

Government incentives like the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) make this a viable option for hospitality businesses. For instance, Cote restaurant in Manchester recently installed air-source heat pumps, cutting HVAC energy costs by 25% while reducing its carbon footprint.

8. Train Staff for Energy-Conscious Operations

Staff training in energy reduction measures is often overlooked but is crucial for savings. Regularly educating employees on best practices is essential. This includes closing windows and doors to prevent heating or cooling the outdoors, reporting maintenance issues promptly, and using HVAC controls effectively. Simple IoT window and door sensors can switch off systems if they are left open.

Conclusion

Reducing HVAC energy costs in UK hotels and restaurants requires a combination of smart technology, regular maintenance, and strategic planning. By implementing these strategies, hospitality businesses can achieve significant savings, enhance guest comfort, and align with their ESG and net-zero ambitions. As energy prices remain high, investing in HVAC optimisation is not just a cost-saving measure but a competitive advantage in the hospitality sector.

Smart Future Tech works with Enviro-Logik, Sensgreen, and Auditel to provide the best solutions. We offer energy audits, remote monitoring, and energy management/reductions, as well as full decarbonisation through HVAC energy equipment upgrades and replacements.

Get in touch at chris@smartfuturetech.co.uk.