Power down, profit up: energy savings for hotels or B&Bs

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning

• Set different temperatures for rooms based on occupancy to save energy.
• Upgrade windows and seal doors to reduce heat loss in common areas.
• Regularly check and clean air vents to ensure efficient airflow and reduce strain on the heating system.
• Control heating in different hotel areas to avoid wasting energy in unused spaces. For example, the dining room may be empty after breakfast service until dinner.
• Have your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system checked once a year to prevent issues or breakdowns.
• Remind guests to turn off heating when leaving their rooms.
• Set heating to lower temperatures during off-peak hours and increase warmth during high-traffic times.
• Use blinds to block out sunlight during summer and help keep rooms cooler, reducing the need for air conditioning.
• Set thermostats to a comfortable yet energy-efficient temperature. The recommended temp group during winter for healthy adults is 18°C to 21°C
• Ensure doors and windows are tightly closed when air conditioning is on to avoid energy loss.
• Regularly clean or replace air filters to maintain efficiency and air quality.
• Program air conditioning systems to turn off during unoccupied hours to conserve energy.
• Implement zoning systems to cool only occupied areas.
• Keep curtains or blinds closed during the day to prevent heat gain and reduce the load on the air conditioning system.

Refrigeration in hotels

• The Food Standards Agency advises that fridges and chilled display equipment legally need to run at 8°C or below. For extra peace of mind and better energy efficiency, aim for 5°C or lower.
• Defrost and clean fridges regularly to prevent ice build up and ensure efficient operation.
• Inspect the seals on cold rooms and fridges to ensure they are intact, preventing cool air from leaking out and causing the system to work harder.
• Avoid overloading fridges to ensure proper airflow and reduce energy consumption.
• Place fridges away from heat sources like ovens or sunlight to minimise extra energy use.

Washing and Cooking 

• Wash at lower temperatures to reduce hot water usage and energy costs. Many modern detergents are formulated to remove stains effectively at 30°C or lower.
• Use eco or quick  wash settings and run full loads to maximise efficiency and reduce water and energy waste.
• Schedule laundry during off-peak hours, especially if you have solar panels and battery storage to take advantage of stored energy.
• Cook in batches to minimise repeated heating and reduce appliance use.
• Use induction hobs for faster, more efficient cooking. Ideal for pairing with solar-powered daytime energy.

Empowering your guests

• Encourage guests to reuse towels during their stay rather than requesting daily washes, this simple step helps conserve water and energy.
• Offer guests the option to have the mini bar switched on before arrival only if they plan to use it, reducing unnecessary energy use.
• Remind guests to turn off the air conditioning when windows are open to prevent energy waste and maintain room comfort efficiently.
• Add an EV pod charger to offer guests easy on-site charging and create a handy extra income stream for your B&B.

We spoke to Gillian, a small B&B owner in a coastal town and an EDF customer, about her experience with energy-saving upgrades. Here’s what she shared:

I have installed energy efficient showers, but I don't shout about them as guests think it will be a low-pressure shower, when in actual fact it is better! I have to be sneaky.

Consider installing solar panels and battery storage to help lower your energy bills and make better use of the power your business generates. 

Cutting energy costs doesn’t have to mean reducing the level of service your guests experience. Actually, reducing your carbon footprint can attract new customers who are sustainability focused. 

Another way you could save your hotel or B&B money is making sure you're on the right tariff. Firstly understand the right tariff type for your business, read our blog on how to compare tariffs, then you can get a no obligation quote in just 60 seconds here. Remember with EDF you get our cheapest prices direct!