Many IHG owners are working toward energy management thermostats in every guest room by December 31, 2026. If that is on your list, the calendar is now the hardest part. This guide walks through what owners, GMs and management companies need in place, in the order it has to happen, so you protect both your date and any utility rebate you may qualify for.

Always confirm your property’s specific requirements and dates with your IHG brand contact. We map your property to them.

Why the deadline is about weeks, not days

Rebate pre-approval, equipment lead times and install crews all take time, and they have to happen in the right order. Most utilities want the rebate application approved before anything is installed. Crews book up as year-end gets closer. None of it is hard, but none of it can be skipped.

What you need before December 31: the owner checklist

1. Your brand requirement in writing. Get the current requirement and any approved-product guidance from your IHG brand contact, plus any PIP items that touch guest room controls.
2. A room-by-room survey. Every room type, its HVAC (PTAC, VTAC, fan coil or split), wiring, voltage and Wi-Fi coverage, before anything is ordered.
3. A specification for each room type. The thermostat or GRMS that fits your HVAC and your brand standard.
4. A rebate check and pre-approval. We verify which of our 74 verified utility rebate programs and more your address may qualify for, and file pre-approval before install where the program requires it.
5. Equipment ordered and install dates locked. Supply and labor scheduled together so nothing waits on the other.
6. An install plan around occupancy or your PIP. Floor by floor, so rooms come back into inventory quickly.
7. Commissioning and close-out. Every room tested, settings dialed in, staff trained, documentation handed over and the final rebate claim filed and followed up.

Working back from December 31

• Now: free assessment and rebate check.
• Next: spec each room type and file rebate pre-approval where required.
• Then: order equipment and lock install dates.
• Install: floor by floor around occupancy or your PIP.
• Close-out: commissioning, training, final rebate claim and follow-up until it is collected.

What we do for IHG properties

We are a full turnkey supply, install and integration provider. We supply the hardware, install it and integrate it. If you already have equipment or another partner, we also offer stand-alone installation and integration, and we act as an integrator for partners.

• Smart thermostats & energy controls fitted to your HVAC
• GRMS (guest room management systems)
• Brand-standard lighting
• Door lock integration
• We can perform BMS and PMS integrations
• Utility rebate filing, start to finish, paid to you or assigned to us where the program allows
• System management and support by our sister company, LiveXpert

On average, properties see 20–35% reductions in HVAC energy use with occupancy-based guest room controls, with a typical payback of 12–18 months, often sooner with rebates. Results vary.

We bring 7+ years in guestroom energy management and 150,000+ guestrooms of install and management experience. We are fully insured.

Frequently asked questions

Do all IHG hotels need energy management thermostats by December 31, 2026?

Many IHG owners are working toward that date. Requirements can differ by brand, property and agreement, so confirm yours with your IHG brand contact. We then map your property to the requirement.

How long does a project take?

It depends on room count, HVAC type, equipment lead times and your utility’s pre-approval timing. That is why we recommend starting with the survey and rebate check now, so the schedule works back from your date.

Will my utility help pay for it?

Many properties may qualify. We check your address against 74 verified utility rebate programs and more, then handle the application, inspections and follow-up. Amounts and approval are set by each utility. Where your utility allows it, you can assign the rebate to Lock-IT so it comes off what you pay up front, and some programs, including TVA EnergyRight and JCP&L, pay us directly. Or keep the check yourself. Your choice, and we handle the paperwork either way. Where your utility allows it, you can assign the rebate to Lock-IT so it comes off what you pay up front, and some programs, including TVA EnergyRight and JCP&L, pay us directly. Or keep the check yourself. Your choice, and we handle the paperwork either way.

Do I need to replace my PTACs?

Usually not. In most retrofits the controls change, not the units. The survey confirms what fits each room type.

Can you work with equipment we already bought or another vendor?

Yes. Besides full turnkey supply, install and integration, we offer stand-alone installation and integration and act as an integrator for partners.

Can the system connect to our PMS or BMS?

We can perform BMS and PMS integrations, scoped during the survey.

Will installation disrupt guests?

We plan floor by floor around occupancy or your PIP so rooms return to inventory quickly.

Talk to us directly

Call Freddy at (561) 762-9500 or reply to any of our emails or LinkedIn messages, and we will tell you honestly what your property needs and what it may qualify for. You can also see how we work and book a free assessment at lock-itservices.com.

Intelligence Through Integration.

Results vary. Energy savings of 20–35% and a 12–18 month payback are typical ranges, not guarantees; results vary by property, HVAC type, climate, occupancy and utility program. Rebate eligibility, amounts and timing are set by each utility and can change.