Green Your Hotel Stay: Monitor the Thermostat

Vacations can be wonderful – but some check out of their eco-values as soon as they check into a hotel. Whether your shelter for the night is a Ritz-Carlton or a Motel 6, this week’s tips should help you keep your hotel stay green.

Tip #2: Monitor the Thermostat

Many hotels keep their guestrooms so frigid that entering them feels like stepping onto the tundra. To prevent some of this energy waste, readjust the thermostat as soon as you take ownership of your room. The DOE and Energy Star suggest setting air-conditioning temps to no lower than 78 degrees when you're there, and higher when you’re sleeping or out. (While you’re at it, turn off every light whenever you leave your room.)

Tell us: How do you save energy at hotels?