Electricity and air conditioning

[Rusty46]

I entered the unit with permission to grab a package and the air conditioning was set on 64 degrees.  The guest was not there all day.  It was so cold in the unit it was like stepping into a walk in refrigerator.  Not sure if I should say anything.  The guest has been very easy to host and is staying for three months, but I am not too happy about the air being set on 64 and what my electric bill is going to be for the next three months.  Advice?

Thanks!

Rusty

[Marie8425]

@Rusty46 

If you  don't have a  House  Rule  then  the guest hasn't   violated.    I get around stupid things like   that by trying this wording  first " I like to  keep  costs  down   by designating  a  target temperature of XX during my  utility company's peak  rates from  XX to   XX   and lowering the  designated  temperature to  XX  when the utility company   switches to off peak  pricing.."

Using designated and blaming  the Utility Company  then  they arenn''t  defending themselves and everyone is  fighting their  light company.

[Mike3326]

IN summer I have the condo set at 76. If they want to change it they can. I also have the cleaner make sure it is 76 when she leaves, Our condo is in Florida and I do not want mold etd if you have the temp at 84.   Mike

[Kimberly1171]

We use a Nest thermostat with a lock at 72, so it can’t be set any lower than that.  The Nest senses when no one is home and is programmed to return to 76 until someone returns home. This is all outlined in our lease. 

[Mike3323]

I run into this all the time. I replaced my main split/compressor with a brand new one for optimal energy savings in the living area. That was #1. Then being in Costa Rica, Nest, is not a great option so #2 I created some defaults on the remote. You "can" override them but most people don't due to the complexity of creating them in the first place. That keeps most people only using the dehumidifier or the aircon at 70º since it works great and is way more efficient than standard aircon. All the new units these days have some pretty fun features.

[Kristy269]

Mini splits default to 64, that is as cold as they will go. I have had this same problem and so I think I'm going to set them at 70,  remove the remote, and alert the guest when they move in. If they want it at 64 I will set it at 64. I think most of them just put it really really cold because it is hot (I live in FL) and then they don't think about it. 

[Kristy269]

Mike, I meant to reply to all.

[Mike3314]

I use a nest thermostat and have it set up with the Alexa that runs the house.  The guest can tell Alexa to set the temperature to whatever they would like, which makes them happy.  But, I also have routines set up that will automatically correct the temp to what I want it to be… this way it doesn’t stay low very long and I avoid elevated blood pressure!   They aren’t aware of the routines so they don’t get mad either. 

[Nasim20]

Hi @Rusty46 , 

I inform in my listing, and again in a message day of check in regarding the AC: 

"Please note that due to the excessive heat right now, our AC must remain at 73 or higher and windows/doors must remain closed. If not, this can lead to AC malfunction and will require an HVAC professional to come out to fix, which unfortunately isn’t guaranteed based on their schedule. Thank you for your understanding it is very much appreciated!"

[Kelly2282]

@Rusty46 I would talk to them and see if we can come to a better compromise. Then I would also for the future I would stipulate this issue in my house rules so it doesn't happen again.

[Nagaraja2]

Hi Managing utility costs for short-term rentals can be challenging, especially when guest consumption patterns are unpredictable. This often leads to hosts bearing unexpected expenses.

To address this, I’m working on a smart utility billing solution that integrates with Airbnb and other booking platforms. This approach not only helps hosts recover utility costs but also encourages responsible consumption—contributing to sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint.

Attached is a screenshot of an electricity bill example (water and gas can also be included). I’d love to hear your feedback on this solution, and I’d be happy to assist if you're interested in implementing it for your property.

Looking forward to your thoughts!

Best regards,

[Rose422]

Hey @Rusty46, 

Saw this in passing. No need to say anything. Especially that you are a super host. It would not be professional. If it is such an important matter that guests should not lower air con past a certain degree, make a note in your listing description, but it would not look right at all.

If you are renting out your place, guests have all the right to custom anything to their preferences during their stay. It doesnt matter how long they are staying. I restrict most my stays up to a week because that's how I like hosting. If you are renting long term, they can do whatever they like long term.  

A couple of days ago I had all my windows wide open, my guests arrived and I set my Toshiba air con at 69, outside was almost 80. They asked if they should close the windows, I told them they don't have to, it's the way they asked. They asked if they have to strip sheets etc when they check out. I told them not to, it's not their job. They said if they use dishes, they will make sure not to leave them in the sink, I told them they don't have to. I am actually shocked some hosts even expect guests to do part of their cleaning. Guests should be respectful, but we should not tell them what to do. If they do it, that's fine, if they don't, this is not professional.

In regards to the windows open with air con, I said "it is your space, do what you want", because when they arrived early, I was still airing out the place and usually leave windows wide open when it's not raining. Concentrate on what matters, maybe check on the guest halfway and ask if there is anything you can do to make their stay any better and they will tell you, otherwise no need to micromanage. 

Rose.