Managing thermostats settings

[ISami0]

Hello,

My name is Sami and I am in CA.  I have been hosting for about 2.5 years and I own 3 homes and manage one for a family member.  I have couple of questions: my electric bills are killing me ($1,140 - $1,380) per month for one of the property.  Guests just never turn the cooling off even when they are not home.  What do you suggest? Second, guests are staining white linens and towels a lot even though clean instructions from me.  Just generally specking guests are damaging the personal items a lot.  I don't want to charge for everything but I feel like I must because my operating expenses are out of control.  Can't wait to see all of your feedback.  Thank you 

[Title updated by Community Manager for relevancy]

[Marie8425]

@Quincy 

[Quincy]

Hi @Marie8425, I saw you tagged me here, but there's no text. Just wondering if something went wrong perhaps? 😊 

[Marie8425]

@Quincy 

Don't worry that is from the spammer I didn't know how to report but you guys cleared up so well can't  tell he was here.  Haha

[Helen3]

1. Adjust your costing and invest in air con systems that turn off automatically when people are not in your homes 

2. if guests damage items charge through the Resolution Centre

@ISami0 

[ISami0]

Thank you @Helen3 ! I have smart thermostat installed but I don't have any restrictions on guests.  I was asking if I should decide for the guests and set temp and not let them change? I am sure they'll complain and give poor reviews.

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@ISami0 when fuel prices in the UK tripled post the Ukraine war we fitted covers to all our thermostats. We then accommodated requests for temperature changes (which we could do remotely) and didn't get a single complaint.

[Quincy]

Hi @ISami0,

Welcome to the Community! 🌟

I’ve tagged a few hosts who have previously discussed electricity bills and linens to see if they can share more insights.

@Andrea2460, @Maria-Rosa50, @Jennifer1897, @Leigh625, @Joan2709.

@Sally1079, @Angela3989, @Sheron10, @Adam759, @Ross869, @Mary1523 

While we wait for feedback from these fantastic hosts, you might find it helpful to explore some related discussions in the Community Center. There are great tips on controlling thermostats remotely using apps—check out one of those discussions here.  You might also be interested in this post on managing stained linens and another on choosing the best towel color for your space.

Quincy

[ISami0]

Thank you Quincy! I look forward to feedback from the other hosts.  I have app to control the temperature but so far I have avoided it since I feel guests will complain if they are not able to change the temperature at will.

[Bob297]

@ISami0 
I charge for water and electricity separately. I explain to guests that this system rewards those who are conscious of their energy usage, as mentioned in my advertisement and the confirmation letter. I also inform them about the average usage. Photos of the meter readings are taken and shared with the guests. A deposit is requested, which is refunded minus the cost of water and electricity used.
No complaints in 6 years.

[Quincy]

@Bob297  Have you discovered any effective strategies for encouraging guests to be mindful of their energy usage during their stay? For example, do you use any signage or provide tips in the space for guests to see?

[Bob297]

@Quincy 
I inform the guests that the air conditioning consumes the most energy. If the air conditioning is used only at night, the costs are approximately 14 USD per day. This usage is based on the average of three villas throughout 2023. The cost could be slightly lower with careful energy use, but we have had occasional cases where guests consumed up to 50 USD per day. These guests kept the air conditioning on all day with the doors open. They have (almost) no influence on the rest of the energy consumption and is common sense: switch off lights and fans when you leave the villa.

[Quincy]

@Bob297  

Have you considered @Mike-And-Jane0’s option of using fitted covers on all thermostats and accommodating requests for temperature changes to help prevent occasional surges in costs from overconsumption?

[Bob297]

@Quincy 
We have separate remote controls for the air conditioning in each room. The electricity costs are paid by the guests, making it their responsibility and in their best interest to use the air conditioning efficiently.

[Leigh625]

We're struggling with some electric bills as well and trying to figure out how to reduce cost. I don't have any answers at this time, but as soon as I find something out I will definitely post the solution.