Rebates, smart controls and a conscientious staff contribute to energy savings. So can a regular maintenance schedule. One sure way to save money on energy is to keep equipment in top shape. That's the goal of the preventive maintenance program at the Marriott Quorum Dallas.

Lucio Vasta, director of engineering for the Texas hotel, says he has used preventive maintenance software for two years. It saves the hotel money by telling Vasta how the equipment is running and what the various pieces of equipment might need. He and his staff use a handheld device loaded with PM software. The device scans the bar codes on the equipment to register its condition and indicate what the piece might need to function at its most efficient. When an engineer scans a bar code on a piece of equipment, step-by-step PM instructions appear on the handheld. Once the PM has been done, the bar code is scanned again.

“Everything the engineer does or does not do is identified by the bar code,” says a spokesman for the PM software company. The software ensures maintenance is being done, and reporting capabilities allow management to know the state of equipment maintenance and asset protection, thus reducing labor costs.

“Any mechanical system running properly is also going to use less energy,” says Ed Walker, chief engineer at the Calgary Marriott, Alberta, Canada. “Where there is reduced friction between parts, reduced leakage of steam, and clean filters, there is definitely going to be energy savings.” Reading meters on a regular basis can lead to energy savings. So can checking of electrical connections; cleaning of condenser coils; changing filters; cleaning lint sheets; properly calibrating equipment; checking belts; proper lubrication; and regular air duct cleaning.

For more info, check out these firms and circle numbers: Amana (55); Constellation Energy (56); Energy Eye (57); INNCOM International (58); Lodging Technology (58); Mintek (59); PSG Controls (60).