The Green Benefits of Installing Energy-Efficient Windows at Your Tourist Accommodation

May 30

Consumers are increasingly looking for ways to reduce energy consumption to have a direct impact on conservation of resources. While large-scale initiatives involving significant investments in green energy or energy-efficient infrastructure are impressive, meaningful impact can also be made through smaller, more accessible efforts. A collective impact of small energy-saving strategies when added with others, creates a wider, beneficial effect.

Have you ever wondered how installing energy-efficient windows in short-term residential rentals and larger tourist properties can save energy and add immediately to an owner’s bottom line now and in the future? This article is for you.

Why Old Windows Are a Problem

Guests interested in “green benefits” for their own day-to-day living can look to the tourist accommodations they stay in during travel or vacation for inspiration. However, older hotels, motels, and Airbnb or VRBO-style properties were not all built to current standards for vinyl energy-efficient windows. Many properties are constructed with the most economically available materials, only to find, 10 to 15 years later, that their windows are poorly insulated and energy inefficient.

You’ve probably noticed this before: foggy or hazy windows with a rainbow sheen in national chain hotels. Most of these have outdated aluminum frames, which are notorious for poor insulation and condensation issues.

When Green Initiatives Fall Short

Recently on a trip, I stayed at a 4-star hotel under a major national brand. The windows in the rooms were aluminum and clearly suffering from insulated glass failure, along with moisture build-up on the inside.

Let’s be honest—we crank the A/C in hotel rooms to cool ourselves in hot climates (and someone else is footing the utility bill). Combine that with humidity and poor windows, and you’re inviting mold. In this case, black mold was visible on the walls and the drapery around the window. Not ideal for anyone, and certainly not part of a luxurious or eco-conscious experience.

The Benefits of Energy Efficient Windows

Replacing old, energy-wasting windows isn’t just about appearances, it’s a preventive step that can save thousands in long-term repairs and enhance guest satisfaction. Here are key benefits for property owners and guests alike:

Lower Energy Bills
Installing energy-efficient windows means your HVAC doesn’t have to work nearly as hard. The result? Lower utility bills that add up month after month.
Noise Reduction
Thicker, insulated windows help cut down on outside noise. That means a quieter, more relaxing space whether you're near a busy road or a lively pool area.
Reduced Condensation
Newer window designs help prevent the fogging and moisture build-up that older aluminum frames are known for. Less water means fewer problems with mold and mildew.
Eco-Friendly Impact
Energy-saving windows are a practical upgrade that actually supports green living—not just the sticker kind. It’s a small change with a bigger ripple effect.
Increased Home Value
This is one of those upgrades that not only saves you money now but can also help your property appraise higher later.
UV Protection
These windows help block harmful UV rays, which can fade furniture, curtains, and even flooring over time. A small detail that protects your investment.
Improve the Look of Your Property
Replacing those foggy, tired-looking windows instantly refreshes the whole look of your building—inside and out.
Extend HVAC System Life
When windows help maintain indoor temps, your HVAC doesn’t have to cycle as often. That means less wear and fewer maintenance calls.
Improved Guest Comfort
When a room feels just right, no one thinks about the windows—but the moment it doesn’t, they’re one of the first thing guests notice

Types of Energy-Efficient Windows and Their Impact

Not all energy-efficient windows are created equal. Understanding your options can help you choose the right upgrade for your tourist property:

Low-E (Low Emissivity) Glass
These windows have a microscopically thin coating that reflects infrared heat while allowing visible light. In hot climates, it keeps indoor spaces cooler by reflecting sunlight; in cold climates, it helps trap indoor heat.
Double-Pane vs. Triple-Pane Glass
Double-pane windows contain two layers of glass with insulating gas (argon or krypton) between them. Triple-pane adds a third layer, offering better soundproofing and energy performance—ideal for properties in colder or high-noise areas.
Gas-Filled Windows
Inert gases like argon or krypton between panes reduce heat transfer and increase insulation. These are great for both hot and cold climates depending on the overall window configuration.
Vinyl, Wood, or Fiberglass Frames
Each frame type has thermal properties—vinyl is cost-effective and low maintenance, while fiberglass offers better insulation and durability for harsh climates.

How to Calculate Energy Savings from New Windows

Property owners can estimate savings by combining utility data with known window performance metrics. Here's a simple way to start:

Look at Energy Star Ratings for U-factor (heat loss) and SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient).
Check your annual energy costs, especially heating and cooling bills.
ENERGY STAR estimates that replacing single-pane windows can save 12%–33% on annual heating and cooling costs, depending on your climate zone and window type.

Multiply your annual heating/cooling spend by that percentage to estimate potential savings.

Example 1:

$2,000/year x 20% savings = $400 annual savings.

Example 2:
If a hotel spends $12,000/year on energy and efficient windows cut that by 20%, that’s $2,400/year saved, not including reduced HVAC maintenance or improved guest retention.

Best Window Types for Hot vs. Cold Climates

Hot Climate:

Low-E coating that reflects UV and infrared light
Windows with low SHGC values
Tinted or reflective glass
Vinyl or fiberglass frames

Cold Climate:

Triple-pane with low U-factors
Argon or krypton gas-filled windows
Wood or insulated fiberglass frames
Look for Energy Star windows designated for “Northern” zones

Government Incentives for Green Upgrades in Tourism

Several programs encourage hospitality providers to adopt energy-efficient upgrades:

Federal Tax Credits (U.S.):
Up to 30% of window replacement costs under the Inflation Reduction Act's Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit.
Local Utility Rebates:
Many utility companies offer rebates for Energy Star-rated window upgrades. Check your provider’s commercial energy programs.
State-Level Incentives:
Some states provide green building tax credits for hotels and rental properties that achieve LEED or ENERGY STAR compliance.
International Programs:
In the EU and Canada, similar sustainability rebates exist under programs like Canada Greener Homes or the EU’s Sustainable Tourism initiative.

Let’s Practice What We Preach

The hotel I stayed at encouraged me to reuse towels and turn off lights to “be green.” While those are fine asks, it struck me as incomplete. If a property is serious about environmental impact, then replacing outdated, inefficient windows should absolutely be part of the conversation.

New windows are an investment, but they come with long-term ROI: lower energy bills, happier guests, fewer repair headaches, and a clearer conscience for sustainable operations.

Sea Going Green is a sustainable tourism consultancy that collaborates with tourism accommodations to create cost-effective, energy-saving solutions. Interested in knowing more? Schedule a discovery call.