NIANTIC, CONN.—HEI Hotels & Resorts, a rapidly growing hotel ownership and operating company, has invested more than $4 million in an aggressive energy conservation program designed to improve profitability across its 29 hotels. Of that investment, $1.2 million has been spent replacing existing HVAC control systems with the e4 Smart Digital Thermostat from INNCOM international Inc.
Approximately 3,600 of HEI’s 7,900 guestrooms were equipped with INNCOM’s e4 energy-management system last year. As a result, the company expects to add $400,000 to the bottom line this year, with a return on the total INNCOM investment achieved in less than three years. Lighting upgrades, window film installations, new boiler controls and variable-frequency-drive upgrades are also part of HEI’s energy-savings program.
“INNCOM was one of three hotel thermostat suppliers we considered for this aspect of our energy initiative,” said Bob Holesko, HEI v.p. of facilities. “As an approved vendor for Marriott, Starwood and Hilton brands, a lot of the homework on INNCOM’s e4 Smart Digital Thermostat already was done for us. We then talked with several hotels using each of the three solutions we were considering, and by far INNCOM received the most favorable feedback. Primarily, anyone working with INNCOM said that in addition to providing a superior product that delivered immediate results, the after-the-sale support was phenomenal. Today, I can honestly say I agree with those hoteliers 100 percent. INNCOM’s support is outstanding.”
INNCOM’s e4 Smart Digital Thermostat is designed to control virtually any fan coil unit or packaged terminal air conditioner (PTAC) found in hotel guestrooms. It comes standard with an illuminated Digital Display, selectable Fahrenheit/Celsius control, one-touch temperature selection, and off/auto, fan and display buttons. Property-programmable parameters and precision DDC temperature control make it a cost-cutting tool and guest-service amenity. Additional features include five relays, optional onboard infrared (IR) transceiver and passive infrared occupancy sensor (PIR).
Myriad Energy Control Options
When coupled with INNCOM’s wireless magnetic door switch, the e4 becomes the brain of a low-cost, highly effective guestroom energy management system. When connected to INNCOM’s network with a pair of low-voltage wires, an even more powerful centrally controlled energy management system is created. Additionally, the e4 is readily expandable to include functionality such as humidity control, outside temperature display, minibar access reporting, occupancy reporting to housekeeping, and automatic control of lights and drapes.
“Everyone at HEI believes strongly in the benefits of a well-run energy management system—from the top executive team on down,” Holesko said. “Ted Darnall, our chief operating officer, and Glenn Tuckman, our senior v.p. of operations and asset management, are big energy conservation advocates—especially if the system delivers a three-year or less payback.”
“We’d like to thank INNCOM’s Matt Fagan, v.p. sales, Northeast region, for his outstanding efforts in working with HEI,” he added. “The installation process and after-the-sale service is outstanding. Our energy-conservation program is on track, thanks in large part to INNCOM and Matt’s support. The actual savings are meeting or beating our projections. Likewise, the outstanding service that INNCOM provides has exceeded our expectations.”
Rick Quirino, INNCOM president, said he is proud that HEI Hotels & Resorts has become a valued INNCOM customer. He also is proud of INNCOM’s support and installation teams for going the extra mile and providing immediate and resolute service to their customers.
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