Feds look to make hotels more energy efficient

The Department of Energy could soon level new efficiency regulations on the air conditioning and heating units found in hotels and motels.

The Energy Department’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy announced Monday it is considering new efficiency standards for packaged terminal air conditioners and heat pumps, which are used throughout the hospitality industry.

{mosads}The proposed rules for these temperature-control systems could save consumers millions of dollars and reduce emissions over the next 30 years, the agency said in the Federal Register.

The Energy Department estimates the new rules would cost manufacturers just $700,000 to comply with, but could save consumers as much as $69 million.

“In addition, the proposed standards would have significant environmental benefits,” the agency notes.

The Energy Department says the standards would substantially reduce emissions of carbon, methane, sulfur and nitrogen.