Optimizing air conditioning based on room conditions in hotels and resorts.

NGÀY ĐĂNG 21/04/2026

Tiên Võ

In theory, optimizing air conditioning based on room status sounds simple:

• Guest present → turn on AC
• No guest → turn off AC

However, in real hotel operations, things don’t work with such simple “on/off” logic.

And here is a reality that many overlook:

20–30% of hotel rooms still consume air conditioning energy even when unoccupied.

→ This is one of the largest sources of energy waste in hotel operations today.

Common Mistake: Believing Key Cards Can Control Air Conditioning

Most hotels use key cards to control power in rooms:

• Remove card → power off → AC off
• Seems like an effective energy-saving method

But in reality:

• Guests insert other cards (credit cards, plastic cards, etc.)
• Guests intentionally leave the card to keep the room cool
• The AC continues running even when no one is in the room

→ Result:

• Air conditioning runs unnecessarily for hours
• HVAC capacity is wasted
• Energy costs increase significantly as the hotel scales

»» Key cards do not reflect the “actual occupancy status” of the room - only whether a card is present.

Occupancy-based Control

Instead of relying on guest behavior, modern systems use EMS (Energy Management System) combined with GRMS (Guest Room Management System) to determine the actual room status.

An effective system typically operates on three logic layers:

1. True Occupancy Detection (instead of relying on key cards)

The system uses multiple data sources:

• Motion sensors
• Door sensors
• Check-in/check-out data from PMS (Property Management System)

→ Accurately distinguishes:

• Room occupied (guest resting/sleeping)
• Guest has just left
• Completely unoccupied room

2. AC is not turned off - it is optimized

This is a critical point to ensure guest experience is not affected.

Instead of turning off the AC:

• Increase setpoint to 26-28°C
• Reduce cooling capacity
• Reduce airflow

→ Benefits:

• Significant energy savings
• No thermal shock when guests return
• Guest experience remains unaffected

3. Adaptive Response Based on Guest Behavior

The system doesn’t just “detect” - it reacts in real time:

• No motion for 10-15 minutes → confirm room is empty
• AC automatically switches to energy-saving mode

When the guest returns and opens the door:

• Restore previous temperature settings
• Increase cooling capacity immediately

→ Guests hardly notice any change, but energy is optimized.

Practical Challenge: Not Every System Can Do This

In theory, this model seems straightforward.

But in practice, many projects face challenges:

• Lack of synchronization between HVAC, room systems, and PMS
• Controllers not powerful enough to handle complex logic
• No open BMS/EMS platform for integration
• Systems operate in silos

→ This is why many hotels have the equipment but still fail to save energy.

KPS - Integrated EMS Implementation for Hotels

In hotel energy optimization, the problem is not the lack of equipment - it is:

Fragmented systems, insufficient data, and lack of decision-making capability

KPS Approach: From Data to Operation Optimization

KPS delivers EMS solutions through a fully integrated approach, rather than deploying isolated systems.

1. EMS - Energy Data Platform

• Collect data from all building systems
• Analyze in real time
• Provide transparent consumption by area/device

→ Not just knowing how much energy is used, but where and why

2. BMS - Central Control Brain

• Connect HVAC, room systems, and electrical devices
• Execute occupancy-based control strategies
• Automatically adjust loads based on real conditions

→ Transition from manual operation → data-driven operation

3. HVAC - The Optimized Target

In KPS’s model, HVAC no longer operates independently:

• Chiller / AHU / FCU are controlled based on occupancy
• Capacity is adjusted according to actual demand
• Eliminates unnecessary full-load operation

→ This is where the greatest energy savings are achieved

Technology Platform & KPS Ecosystem

KPS’s key differentiator lies in its ability to integrate multi-system, multi-vendor solutions on an open architecture.

Control & Automation Platforms

• ABB - Automation & energy management solutions
• Legrand - Electrical infrastructure & smart building
• Johnson Controls - BMS platform & control systems

Integrated Ecosystem

KPS integrates multiple critical building systems:

• Security: Bosch, i-PRO, CNB
• Access Control: MAG, Kumahira
• Fire Protection: GST, Janus Fire System, Simplex, Bosch
• Integration Platform: Genetec

With over 16 years of experience and partnerships with leading global brands, KPS delivers a flexible solution:

• No vendor lock-in
• Easy integration with existing systems
• Suitable for both new projects and retrofits

Implementation Experience

• 800+ projects nationwide
• 70+ high-rise buildings
• 600+ residential projects
• 140+ factories & industrial zones
• Numerous hotels and resorts

Beyond Implementation - Long-term Optimization

KPS supports the entire project lifecycle:

• Consulting & design
• System deployment & integration
• Operation, maintenance & long-term optimization

→ Ensuring the system not only works, but delivers real operational efficiency

Contact KPS to receive consultation and a tailored EMS solution proposal for your hotel.