Wireless energy management systems are gaining traction in the hospitality industry due to their capability to effectively reduce guest room utility costs without compromising guest comfort and convenience. Z-Wave has emerged as the favored protocol of many notable hotels because of its ease of use and installation, intelligence, and efficiency.
Given the increasing need for the hospitality industry to bring down overhead costs and adopt a more sustainable approach to operations, more and more hotels are integrating energy management systems into their properties. However, traditional systems pose many challenges for hotels, as installing these typically causes interruptions in operations due to renovations. These leave hotels with many rooms unavailable for booking at a given time, and also cause disturbance to guests who are already checked in.
Using wireless technology enables hotels to successfully integrate an energy management system without disrupting operations. However, the range of many wireless systems out on the market today is limited. For such ventures, Z-Wave technology offers the ideal solution. This protocol uses a low-power radio frequency that is easily transmitted through walls and floors, and can also secure a virtually unlimited signal range, providing wider coverage and higher reliability. It can be embedded or retrofitted into a wide spectrum of devices, including lighting fixtures, thermostats, and even drapery and shades.
Because it is an open protocol, Z-Wave grants wireless energy management systems providers the ability to tailor solutions to suit the specific needs of hotels. Z-Wave is easily installed in minutes, and is scalable according to the hotel’s needs, and hotels can easily add devices to their existing system as they see fit. Hotels can also have as little or as much control as they require. In addition, devices that are connected through Z-Wave are able to communicate efficiently with one another, allowing for the seamless operation of various room functions.
An effective Z-Wave energy management system can provide 30 to 50 percent savings on guest room utility costs, and ROI in as soon as two years. When used in combination with back-office software for enhanced monitoring and control, hotels can manage their energy consumption more easily. This leads to not just cost savings, but reduced environmental impact as well.
Going beyond these considerations, however, such a system enables hotels to furnish their guests with utmost comfort and convenience. Guests can easily manipulate various room functions to suit their needs and preferences. Meanwhile, hotel staff can have a room tailored to a guest’s specifications.
