Answers to Our Client’s Most Frequently Asked Questions
Q:How much guest room electricity does EYEPOWER™ save?
A: By automatically setting back the thermostat to a more energy-conserving temperature while guests are out, the EYEPOWER Solution is tested, certified and guaranteed to reduce guestroom HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) energy consumption by 15% to 35%. In the field this equates to anywhere from a 25% to 70% reduction in HVAC runtime. This is the highest certified and independently tested energy savings rate of any solution on the market.
Q: How much does the EYEPOWER Solution cost?
A: Investment in the EYEPOWER Wireless Solution is equivalent to 3 hours of HVAC operation per day. Imagine how many more hours your guests leave their HVAC running per day! The EYEPOWER solution is a sounder investment than other competitors systems, as it is the ONLY solution on the market that comes with an audited savings guarantee that is insured by a third party. It is also the only independently-tested, platinum-certified product on the market, and it has achieved the highest rating possible in both the “savings” and “comfort” scales. The EYEPOWER solution is so easy to use that hotels with qualified engineering staff can also become certified self installers, which can reduce overall costs by up to $100 per room.
* Actual price depends on room configuration, property construction and necessary components, HVAC type, local labor laws, local wage standards and permitting.
Q: Does the EYEPOWER Solution qualify for rebates?
A: In over 95% of cases to date, the EYEPOWER Solution has earned customized rebates of the maximum 50% of the total project costs.
Because of its superior performance the EYEPOWER Solution has been approved for higher customized utility rebates than any other solution in the industry. EYEPOWER Solutions are qualified for and have earned higher customized utility rebates than other competitive solutions. The EYEPOWER solution also qualifies for prescriptive rebate incentives that are issued by utilities, if the products have been tested and savings are verified by their auditors.
Q:Can I get financing for the EYEPOWER Solution?
A: We can help you obtain financing for any EYEPOWER Solution at competitive rates through our hospitality financing partners. For any amount under $100,000, financing can be secured with minimal documentation and you can be approved in as little as 48 hours for the purchase of an EYEPOWER Solution.
Q:Will the EYEPOWER Solution turn my HVAC system off on my guests when they’re sleeping?
A: No. The EYEPOWER Solution uses a unique combination of entry door monitors and wireless radio frequency motion sensors to determine occupancy. Without these, a system must take a lengthy period of time to determine if a room is unoccupied, or it risks the occupant’s comfort while they sleep. Only the EYEPOWER solution gives you maximum efficiency, with the absolute assurance of guest comfort while sleeping.
Q: How can I ensure that my guests will be comfortable?
A: The EYEPOWER Solution uses a unique control algorithm weighing both pre-selected minimum and maximum setback temperatures and HVAC duty cycle runtime, whether the HVAC will operate with the guestroom door open, and much more. This unique patent pending control method does not set the unoccupied temperature at a “fixed” limit like other systems. It sets an “absolute” limit and operates the HVAC within that range depending on the level of savings desired. You can even set the system for variable setback time delays in 5-minute intervals up to 30-minutes, allowing for normal guest actions before taking control of the HVAC unit.
Q: What are the terms of your warranty?
A: Energy Eye offers an industry leading standard two-year warranty against all manufacture defects on the EYEPOWER Solution. Energy Eye is not a contract installer and therefore does not offer a warranty on installation directly, but does offer coverage through its sub-contracted licensed installers.
Q: Where is your system being used currently?
A: The EYEPOWER Solution is currently being successfully used by hotels and resorts ranging from under 30 rooms to over 600 rooms, across the U.S., as well as in Mexico, the Caribbean, Australia, Asia and the Middle East. The EYEPOWER solution has been installed in limited service, extended stay, luxury boutiques, four star resorts and one of the world’s foremost luxury hotels.
Q: Does it matter how many rooms I have?
A: No. The EYEPOWER Solution is self-contained within each room regardless of property size. The EYEPOWER Solution for each room has its own unique identity and will not interfere with another room solution, regardless of proximity.
Q: How long does it take to install?
A: Installation generally takes 20 to 30 minutes per room, about the same time it takes for housekeeping to service the room. Your rooms can be rented throughout the installation period. You can install the EYEPOWER Solution even if your occupancy is high—there’s no need to wait for a seasonal lull to start saving on your energy bills.
Q: Who maintains the system?
A: Your maintenance personnel can easily maintain the system. The EYEPOWER Solution works with any HVAC unit and is simple to maintain by non-technical personnel. It requires no complicated re-programming and has a power-safe, non-volatile memory.
Q: On your wireless system, how often do I have to change batteries and what do those cost?
A: The standard EYEPOWER Wireless Solution requires a total of four (4) low-cost batteries for complete operation. Batteries are calculated to last over 3 years with nominal use, however we recommend changing your batteries annually as you would with any fire safety or door lock device. Battery life may be affected by use and climate and will vary by installation. The solution comes with LED battery indicators which allow hotel staff to know when battery levels drop below acceptable levels. The EYEPOWER hardwired solution does not require any batteries to operate.
Q:Is there a hardwired system available?
A: Yes, a hardwired EYEPOWER Solution is currently available. Hardwired systems are typically used during the new construction phase of property development, as installation of additional components is incremental to the total project cost and construction financing usually covers the cost of an energy management system. The hardwired solution also includes lighting control options not affected by HVAC operation.
Q:Can you control my balcony or lanai doors with this system?
A: The standard EYEPOWER Solution is expandable to operate with up to four (4) additional wireless or hardwired balcony or lanai door sensors. These can also be hardwired in series to offer control of multiple doors on one transmitter and as many as 12 windows and doors have been controlled in luxury villa applications. Energy Eye is the only hotel guestroom energy controls company that offers a stand-alone balcony door solution that can be used to wirelessly monitor balcony doors.
If you have a problem with people leaving their balcony doors open while keeping the HVAC operating, the EYEPOWER Solution can be used as a retrofit “balcony door monitor” control. EYEPOWER is the only solution on the market that can later be upgraded to a fully operational, occupancy-based setback energy management system.
