Summer AC tips for hotels

The Bellmore Inn located in Delaware has made some simple adjustments to reduce the waste of air conditioning units by guests which use on average "470-1260" kilo watts of energy per year. With lighter blankets and ceiling fans that spin counterclockwise to pull up the cool air they are able to set the AC units at 75 which is 2 degrees higher than what most guests previously chose. The recommended setting by Delmarva power is 78 degrees.

"As general manager of the Bellmoor Inn and Spa in Rehoboth Beach, he knew his business was especially vulnerable to the increased costs. Hotel patrons crank up air conditioners, one of the biggest users of electricity.

So about a year ago, the Delaware Energy Office helped him figure out some ways to save. The hotel switched from heavy down comforters to lighter-weight blankets in the summer. Air conditioner thermostats were set at 75, two degrees higher than what most guests use, he said.

And ceiling fans were kept running to circulate air.

"If they come in, and the room is cool and comfortable, they really don't adjust it too much," Moore said."

http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070618/BUSINESS/706180316/1003/RSS01