Hi airbnbers! I've been a host for many years. I originally hosted in a house with an extra room and shared bathroom. I've graduated to having a separate space available and I'm working out the kinks. There is one thermostat for the entire house. The house is divided into a duplex. The available space is several degrees cooler than my section. I've noted in my house rules/house info that I keep the temperature at a moderate level (for obvious reasons that are not stated : cost of running AC almost year round, ability to offer affordable bnb lodging and not 5 star hotel accomodations, AND its texas where we use ceiling fans and spend a ton of time outside in the heat). I recommend that guests should please let me know if they would like temp adjusted. I've checked in with all of my guests about temperature repeatedly and noone has needed any adustments. I've been planning on having the thermostat moved so that guests can access it for convenience, but my current guest has made me rethink this.
In all my years of hosting, I have never had anyone request that the house be soooo cold! This particular guest is from NYC and she has not left the house once-- in almost 4 days! I was starting to wonder if she was ok but I heard some movement. So, this could be a one off, but I really don't want to run into this again. I'm freezing and wearing jackets in the house and using comforters to sleep and staying outside as much as possible.
Some possible fixes: Would love your suggestions-- I can take constructive criticism very well !!!
1) I purchase a free standing cooling unit and offer that as a "rental" for people who need to be cooler. Then, I keep the thermostat stable. So, just like renting a bike or a kayak from a host, rent the unit and hot people from cold places (they know who they are) could reserve it when they booked the space. I was thinking $15-20/day additional because my rates and the cleaning fee are really reasonable and utilities are not cheap here.
2) State clearly on my listing that this is texas and if you can't stand the heat...! but that might not go over so well, so I don't know if I should put up a disclaimer or not. People will think my house is hot 😕
3) Get a smart thermostat. I've heard mixed things about using the NEST or similar for this purpose. It ends up being battle of the thermostat. Maybe people have had different experiences?
4) Separate the Heating/cooling. This would be ideal, but it will cost about $5K and I can't afford it.
Thanks for your help! I want to enjoy my guests and coexist better so that everyone is happy and has a great experience 🙂