What do you all do about heating over Autumn/Winter?

[Alex10983]

This is my first year with Airbnb hosting and it's been great so far.

We're at the time of year when the heating has to go on and I wondered what all of you do in terms of programming.  I'm never sure the best way to programme it because everybody will use their accomodations differently, in that some may stay in all day and others may only be there early morning and evenings.

With this in mind I'm never sure how best to pre programme the heating. I usually have it on for a couple of hours in the morning and then again from early evening until bedtime. Here in the UK we never really have it on overnight.

So I just wondered what you all do, I wouldn't want to give free reign as I've had people leave heating on mistakenly 24/7.

Thanks 🙂

[Karen3815]

Hi Alex!

We had an electric wall heater in our first floor studio.  After a guest cost us more in heating than the reservation, we simply did not rent anymore in the coldest months!

[Molly99]

I do as you do, have it on for a few hours in the morning, and then early evening. Unless it is really bitterly cold and I can't bear it, but even then I try to keep the thermometer down to 21 or 22 C. I live in London and most guests come for sightseeing and are out all day. It would be very weird if they came to London and stayed in their room.

[Sophie2414]

I invested in a Nest, it's a remote thermostat that lets me set the temperature remotely. I set it on timer but the thermostat is at the house and the guests can increase or lower the temperature. When they leave I go on the app and lower the temperature until the next guest. The nest installation cost me about £290 if I remember correctly, it is linked to my boiler. I hope this helps! 

[Kristy239]

I set it to the lower end of comfortable before they come in and let them use the arrows to turn it up and down. We don't try to control it. We know they'll probably set the heat to 70 or above. When they leave we turn it back down between guests to save money.

[Diana2481]

We also turn our thermostat down to around 63 degrees to conserve energy when not occupied.  We provide instruction on how to adjust the temperature with the arrows and have a few nice throws available for them to use if too chilly.   Our property is under 600 sq feet and warms quickly.  

[Paul8671]

I have wifi thermostats through the house. That and wifi light switches as well. I can control everything from my phone and it tells me what what left on and what is not. Makes thing much easier. 

[James3814]

Consider investing in a programmable thermostat that allows guests to set the temperature within a reasonable range, or asking guests in advance about their heating preferences. This will allow them to control heating while preventing excessive energy consumption. Ultimately, find a balance that is fair to both parties while maintaining an environmentally friendly approach, and communicate the expectations to guests.

[Teri52]

yes, that works unless they do not get on the app like the majority dont( unless they need something)

[Paula]

Hello @Alex10983, What a great question you've brought to the Community Center! 😊

I've noticed that many Hosts have shared their opinions. After reading them, are you planning to change or modify your current heating strategy?

Please let us know when you get a chance to read our Hosts responses.

[Teri52]

Hi  Alex - we invested in a smart thermostat. It saves energy, detecting  guests coming in and out and sets temp accordingly. Also has option for self lock  controlled on our phone while  not bothering guests.  No complaints from guests this far, well worth it.

[Alex10983]

Just wanted to say thank you all for taking the time to reply.  I assumed after the first day that I'd had all the replies I was going to so I've actually only just seen all of these.  Thank you again for all your suggestions and experiences which have proved very interesting reading.

On a different note, I have just noticed that my property doesn't show up for searches of 2 nights when my minimum booking is 2 nights.  This seems to be a software issue with airbnb and I have just flagged it up with them but it may be worth you all checking that if you do offer 2 night stays that your property does actually show up for people.  If not then it'd be worth letting them know.

[Paula]

Hi @Alex10983, It's great to hear that you had the opportunity to read our Hosts' suggestions and found the conversation very insightful. That's precisely the purpose of our Community 😊

Regarding your property not showing up for 2-night stays, I suggest starting a new conversation on this topic to gain more visibility and receive additional advice from our Hosts. Here is the link where you can do that: https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/forums/postpage/choose-node/true

[Johanna652]

Hello Alex, we are in WI and our weather has ups and downs. Winter is extremely cold too. We put up a smart thermostat and just let our guests adjust the temperature as needed. I monitor through an app to make sure it's on before and after each guest.