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?

[Bhumika]

Hi @Carly296 , 

Many hosts have shared great insights below to manage the AC usage by guests. Have you had a chance to check out the comments to see what other hosts suggest? 

Have you thought of using a smart thermostat just like host @Melissa2498 suggested? 

Let us know! 

[Karen114]

@Carly296  This is the bane of my existence in the summer months in Florida.  We use Nest thermostats and they can't be lowered lower than 69 degrees.  My units are 850 sq feet one level with ceiling fans in every room.  We have guests arrive and want it to 65 which is crazy when it's 90-100 degrees out.  It would never reach that temp when it is that hot out and would just run all day long.

What I have done for this summer is every guest that books between June and September gets an instant message after booking letting them know what we do have controls on the AC and it can be set between 69-77.  If that doesn't sound like it will work for you, I can help you with getting your reservation cancelled.  We haven't had any cancelations yet and haven't had any complaints.

The electric bill is a factor but more importantly is the wear and tear on the system.  I have replaced 4 units at this location within the last couple of years and it's very expensive.  The funny thing is these guests probably don't turn their own ACs down to 65 and leave for the day at their own home. 

[Enri1804]

@Carly296 I had tried everything but guest want to do whatever they want. Instead of focusing on electricity cost or efficiency, I focus on the fact that they want/need AC. I explain that if the AC breaks down on them because it froze, or was running high (even70 degrees) for 24 hours, than they will be without AC while it gets repaired. 
I use this information to explain why we have a thermostat on a set conservative schedule and it’s usually between 72-76 degrees in the summer. *In heatwaves I also include the letter our power company sends us. He is one from this summer…

 

[Bhumika]

@Enri1804 , thanks for sharing these tips! 

Have you had instances where you had guests disagree with you on the pre-set temperature?

Regards,

[Enri1804]

In the past, they just ignored suggestions and were leaving it on high and leaving the home for 8 hours to go to the beach or out. So the smart thermostat I set and control now.  Only a few people have messaged me after the fact that it’s a bit too warm. When I suggest closing the sliding glass doors and turning on all the ceiling fans it’s usually taken care of. These folks are usually bringing in 6-8 people and having some beers warm them up ; ) Or I’ll see them on the camera in long pants and a sweater 🤦‍♀️

[Bhumika]

@Enri1804 , I have read many similar discussions where hosts agree on having a smart thermostat for the very reason! 

Which thermostats works the best for you? Do you have a specific brand in mind that's just the best for this purpose? 

Regards,