AC usage

[Carly296]

Hello everyone! I have a question about AC usage. Im currently a host to one spare bedroom in my home but in the coming months I will be listening my whole house. I live in AZ and during the summer it's over 100 degrees every day and some days over 110 degrees. How do I stop guest from lowering the thermostat to the 60s? I understand people from other states are not used to the hot temperatures here but for my house the 70s is a reasonable temperature.  60s is not necessary. My electricity bill is already high and if guest are cranking the air too low it's going to be even more expensive. Should I say oh well and let it be or are there things I can do? Any ideas?

[Kitty-and-Creek0]

@Carly296 

Alas...

This is another version of a similar question most of us have about seasonal temperatures and guest comfort. What is comfortable to one guest is too hot or too cold for another. We cannot make that decision for them, and they are paying to stay with us. ("say 'oh well' and let it be"). 

Our winter heating bill is enormous because guests turn the heat up to summer temperatures. In summer, they usually  turn up the A/C to simulate the chill of winter.  I figure that whatever makes them happy is what is appropriate for us as hosts. In any business, I have learned,  we have to give our customers what they want, not what we think they should have. 

Alas.....!

[Matthew2014]

@Carly296 I would say that would be an extra charge. However, some people need it cold to help people sleep. They may just need to bring a fan or something to n keep the room full. There is something y'all can agree upon.

[Mayqualida0]

Hi @Carly296 ,

As we are in a small Island in the Caribbean, the electricty is very high compared to the USA, about 3 times higher per KWh.
What is generally uses in Airbnb’s Here, that either the Guest buys their electrcity as needed with a card at gasstations.. or they get allowed so much per day, if they go over, that have to pay the extra, we also have meters on the AC, so they pay for what they consume .
It is well accepted by guests, you do have to explain upfront though.

[Bhumika]

This is an interesting set up @Mayqualida0 !

How do you usually convey these electricity charges with guests? 

Have you specified about it in the listing description or let them know during their inquiry message? 

It'd be interesting to read how you deal with it 🌻

Regards,

[Michael8409]

@Carly296 The customer should have full

control on what temperature setting they require . If you  enforce your own standard it may fall short of what the customer expects .  You need to factor in that cost in with your pricing .

Alternatively if possible set up the electricity usage to be paid seperately on a meter and this would need to be clearly explained on your listing details and rules . 

The customers comfort should be the priority. Some hotels restrict the temperature your aircon can go down to . I don’t complain or attempt to remedy . However I never visit them again and consider it quite a nuisance . 

[Bhumika]

Hi @Michael8409 , thanks for sharing this suggestion with @Melissa2498 ! 

It also made me curious, how do you deal with heat usage during winters? Do you have a separate electricity meter for guests listing? 

Looking forward to learning more about it.

Regards,

[Melissa2498]

We use a SMART thermosat, we can control the temperature from our phone

[Bhumika]

Hi @Melissa2498 , thanks for sharing this tip! Do you use a specific brand or model of smart thermostat? 

Which one do you think has been the most effective option for your listing?

Looking forward to read your insights!

Regards,

[Mauritius-Rental0]

@Carly296 We totally understand.  We have a sign posted next to the thermostat that explains we are an energy efficient property and we have a Nest thermostat to adjust the temperature when guests set it to a ridiculous temp.  For example, we had a guest that set the heat to 80 degrees in the summer and closed all the vents.  We have no idea why, but we were able to adjust the temps.

[Bhumika]

Hi @Mauritius-Rental0 , this is great idea to signpost about the thermostat usage! Would you mind sharing what does the note say? 

How do your guests usually react to the sign-post? Are they usually okay about you adjusting the temperature if needed, or do they feel uncomfortable about it? 

We'd love to hear more about your experience!

Regards,

[Mauritius-Rental0]

We created a small laminated sign with a thermostat graphic that said: " This is an energy efficient home.  Please do not set cooler than 65 degrees or warmer than 78 degrees.  Let us know if you need assistance."  It's worked.

[Bhumika]

This is such a clear note @Mauritius-Rental0 ! it seems polite and assertive at the same time. Glad to hear it has worked with guests 😍 

Do you ever get requests to be able to change the temperature than you have suggested? How do you deal with such situations?

[Mauritius-Rental0]

Thanks.

Our guests usually change the temp as needed and we have no problem with it.  It's only when our they put it at a ridiculous temp do we change it remotely. We rarely get push back.  Our apps notify us when the temps are not in a good place (cost-wise).

[Bhumika]

This is great to hear @Mauritius-Rental0 ,

Please continue to share such tips with the community! They are indeed insightful and will help many hosts looking for similar solutions 🌻 Thanks!

Hi @Carly296 , Please let us know if there's anything hosts can clarify or help you with. All the best!

Regards,