The Marriott in Winston-Salem, N.C., has always operated with the comfort of its guests as a priority. But one aspect of guestroom comfort that the hotel’s managers couldn’t fully control was the blazing summer sun streaming into the building’s windows.
May 7, 2012 - Windows & Exterior Walls
The Marriott in Winston-Salem, N.C., has always operated with the comfort of its guests as a priority. But one aspect of guestroom comfort that the hotel’s managers couldn’t fully control was the blazing summer sun streaming into the building’s windows. Even operating at full capacity, the building’s HVAC systems could sometimes only cool the sunniest rooms down to 78 F, and more than a few guests indicated this was too warm.
A solution was found in Enerlogic 35 window insulating film. Its low-E capabilities help keep solar heat from entering rooms in hot weather and help prevent radiant warmth from escaping during cold weather. The net result is more constant interior temperatures plus energy savings, UV protection, and reduced glare — all without a dark, tinted appearance.
The film’s quick installation time made it easy for crews to service rooms between check-out and check-in. As a result, nearly 800 windows were covered in about 10 days without disruptions to bookings.
From an HVAC standpoint, the hotel’s same mechanical systems can now achieve an interior cooling temperature of 72 F, even in rooms that were once the hottest. The once frequent temperature complaints from guests are now gone.
The project’s primary goal was to enhance guestroom comfort; however, the hotel also expects the additional benefit of energy savings. Annual heating and cooling costs are expected to drop 5 percent. The projected payback for the project is just more than three years.
Ultimately, EnerLogic film proved to be an excellent alternative to replacement windows, providing a comparable enhancement in performance, but with cleaner installation and more rapid payback.
