Anyone who’s stayed in hotels frequently can tell you that hotel thermostats can be stubborn. The devices are often programmed so guests can set the temperature only within a narrow range, which may fail to adequately cool or heat the room to your liking. While there’s a reason that hotels do this, there’s a simple hack that can help guests override the system. Here’s how.

Why Hotels Restrict Their Air Conditioners

There are two major reasons why hotels restrict their thermostats. The first is to minimize energy costs. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that U.S. hotels average $2,200 in energy costs per room annually, and according to Travel + Leisure, HVAC-related costs make up roughly 50% of an average hotel’s annual energy bill. Hotels can lower those costs by partially limiting the use of their AC units to a more narrow temperature range.

The other reason that hotels limit temperature settings is to protect the room against damage. If an HVAC unit produces too much condensation during the cooling process, it might cause mold or mildew to grow on the walls and in fabric. And in the wintertime, hotels may want to keep the rooms warm enough to help prevent any pipes from freezing due to frigid conditions outside.

How To Bypass Hotel AC Units

The specifics of this thermostat override hack vary depending on the exact thermostat brand. But the general idea has to do with accessing what’s known as VIP or LEN (limited energy) mode, which allows you to bypass the restrictions the hotel has set.

One of the most popular thermostat brands you’ll find in hotels is Honeywell. According to this helpful YouTube video, you can access its LEN mode through the following steps:

• Press and hold the “display,” “off/auto,” and upward-pointing temperature arrow buttons at the same time for three seconds. 
• Then, release the buttons, and you should see the letters “LEN” appear on the screen — this signifies the thermostat has entered limited energy mode. 
• Now, you can raise or lower the temperature to your liking without any prior restrictions the hotel may have implemented.

That’s just one example of the many thermostat brands used at hotels across the world. For others, you can search for the brand and info about how to access LEN mode.

Word to the wise: Always be careful when you’re adjusting the equipment in your room to avoid accidental damage, which could result in an added fine of several hundred dollars on your bill when you check out. Before trying this hack, you may just consider calling the front desk to see if there’s anything they can do to adjust the temperature in your room. 

Tips for Hotels Without AC Units

While in-room AC is standard in U.S. hotels, there are certain regions — including many parts of Europe — where hotel AC units are considered a rarity. If this is the case, there are a few ways to try to stay cool.

First, you may be able to request a standing fan from the hotel desk, if one is available. You can also consider bringing a battery-powered travel fan, which easily fits into any carry-on and can be placed anywhere in the room to help circulate air.

Otherwise, open up the windows if possible to get a cross-breeze going. And be sure to close the blinds when you leave the room; this helps keep the sun’s heat out while you’re gone so you don’t return to a sweltering situation. Lastly, be sure to stay hydrated.