Reducing heating costs by half can be a significant challenge, but with some strategic planning and investment, it is possible. Here are some measures that hotels can take to reduce heating costs by half in response to the recent increase in gas and electric prices:

1. Invest in energy-efficient technology: Upgrade your heating system to a more energy-efficient one, such as a condensing boiler or a heat pump, which can help reduce your energy consumption by up to 30%.
2. Install insulation: Improve your hotel's insulation by adding or upgrading insulation in walls, ceilings, floors, and doors. Proper insulation can help reduce heat loss and keep your hotel rooms warm, thus reducing the need for excessive heating.
3. Use smart thermostats: Install smart thermostats that can learn your heating preferences and automatically adjust the temperature to optimize heating efficiency. This can help reduce heating costs by up to 10-15%.
4. Monitor your energy consumption: Keep track of your energy consumption by regularly checking your bills and using energy monitoring systems. By identifying areas of high energy usage, you can identify and address inefficiencies, and make informed decisions about how to reduce energy consumption.
5. Use natural light: Make the most of natural light by opening curtains and blinds during the day to warm up your rooms naturally. This can help reduce the need for artificial heating during the day.
6. Encourage guests to be energy-conscious: Encourage guests to be energy-conscious by providing information about your energy-saving efforts and asking them to help conserve energy by turning off lights and heating when they leave their rooms.
7. Use energy-efficient lighting: Replace traditional light bulbs with energy-efficient ones, such as LED bulbs. This can help reduce your electricity bills by up to 90% and reduce your overall energy consumption.

By implementing these measures, hotels can reduce their heating costs by up to 50% in response to the recent increase in gas and electric prices. While these measures may require an initial investment, the long-term savings can make it well worth it.