Tackling High Energy Bills in the Winter at your Airbnb.
Having a second home as a short term rental is supposed to be a profitable business move, so why are you throwing your money out the window this winter season? Below are a few tips to keep your home energy efficient and your heating bills low:
Automate it.
On average, the Nest Learning Thermostat saves 10% to 12% on heating and 15% on cooling – an average savings of $131 to $145 a year. Its price tag come in at $199 on Amazon, which means it will have paid for itself by the second year and will continue to lower heating and cooling costs.
Smart thermostats can be controlled from your phone and help actively detect hard-to-spot issues, remind you when it’s time for new filters, and more.
Seal it.
The average home loses over 25 percent of its heat due to drafts, here are a few things you can do to ensure your home is properly sealed up:
-Reapply caulking around doors and windows. Make sure they are properly shut for the winter.
-Replace any loose, damaged or hanging weatherstripping, A properly sealed door can eliminate drafty breezes.
-If your doors don’t already have them, Install door sweeps.
-Hang thick curtains over your windows to close at night. For added insulation, install thick drapes over your exterior doors as well.
-Have your basement and attic professionally sealed by a pest control company, dual benefits of keeping animals and cold out. Be sure to keep your eaves clear for ventilation in the attic!
-Ensure your outlet, switches and electrical boxes are sealed. Sometimes drafts can push through outlet receptacles, many major home stores sell outlet covers with foam insulation on the back.
(Source: https://makeitright.ca/holmes-advice/home-safety-maintenance/how-to-reduce-drafts-in-your-home-8-ways/)
Maintain it.
Scheduling yearly check ups on your HVAC systems may seem like too much money in the short run but property working machines are most efficient.
Your HVAC efficiency level might decline when it doesn't receive proper maintenance. What you don't know is your HVAC and its parts need a regular check-up, cleaning, or lubrication to work smoothly.
If you fail to do it, the system will work under excessive strain, causing a snowball effect to your energy consumption.
(Source: https://allweathertemp.com/heres-what-happens-when-you-dont-maintain-your-hvac-system/)
Track it.
Keep a log of the maintenance you do on your home, buy a notebook and keep it in an easily accessible place.
Sometimes holding a physical list can help you visualize what needs to be done.
Those are my tips to reduce your winter energy costs, would love to hear of any more ideas there are!
Yours in Hosting,
Jenny
