Heating Options For Your Airbnb
If your property is in the colder parts of the country then you need to provide adequate heating options during the winter and fall months. The guest’s vacation will be ruined if they are forced to wrap themselves up in blankets and huddle near a radiator. Most homes that need heating have those options built-in. You need to make sure they are working properly. In case there are any problems you can make up for them with other portable solutions. Let us look at them now.
Know what kind of system you have. Of the most common heating systems, it could be a forced-air system where the heat moves through the house through ducts or a hydronic system where the heat moves through radiators. Depending on the specific heating system in your property, your maintenance tasks may vary but it is a good idea to have your systems checked at least twice a year. This prevents small nuisances from turning into big problems later. Don’t attempt these repairs yourself, unless you exactly know what you are doing. Apart from the technician’s duties to maintain the heating system, you can do the following:
1. Check the air filters for dust deposits. If any of your guests have asthma, it could be very harmful to them.
2. Make sure the radiators are dusted. If they make noises when running then let your technician know that. Noisy radiators can be a nuisance to a good night’s sleep.
You can consider upgrading your thermostat. Newer thermostats are smart devices that can be controlled by apps over Wifi, giving you unprecedented control over your home’s heating. Look for thermostats with an intuitive interface so that they can be operated even by the less technically inclined guests. Check if they have a lock function. This can let you set a minimum and maximum temperature. This can prevent high electricity bills in case the guest tries to set the heating or cooling to an extreme. Here are some recommendations:
Emerson Sensi Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat: This one was named the best value thermostat of 2017, 18 and 19 by USA Today’s Reviewed.com. It should be compatible with most homes. It has energy-saving functionality. It is compatible with smart assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit. It comes with an app that has detailed installation and usage instructions. The app even lets you remotely control the thermostat from anywhere as long as you are connected to the internet.
Google Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Gen: This one is more expensive but it has a cool feature where it learns the temperatures you like and programs itself. It keeps an eye on the weather and compensates to get you the temperature you want. It automatically turns off when you’re away to avoid wasting heating or cooling on an empty home. It too can work with Amazon Alexa and google assistant. It takes about the week to learn your temperature preferences.
Space heaters can help make up for problems in the heating system. If one room of your house is exposed to the outside from many sides, it can get really cold in the winter. You can have a space heater in such a room for the guests that prefer a cozy temperature.
AmazonBasics 500-Watt Ceramic Small Space Personal Mini Heater: This one is inexpensive and small enough to be placed on a table. It heats up in seconds. It comes in 4 colors. It features tip-over protection for extra safety. It is perfect for small spaces. You can place it next to the bed in case your guests require it on cold nights.
AmazonBasics Portable Radiator Heater: This one runs on diathermic oil that is filled in 7 oil-filled fins. It never needs filling so it is maintenance-free. The heating elements are fully enclosed. It turns on or turns off automatically when the temperature drops or rises to a particular temperature to prevent freezing or overheating respectively. The biggest benefit here is that since it doesn’t have a fan, it is very quiet.
Lasko 754200 Ceramic Portable Space Heater: This one goes up to 1500 Watts. It has 3 settings for high heat, low heat and you can even use it as a fan only on hot days. It has an adjustable thermostat to help you find the correct setting. It has a carry handle to easily move around. It features overheat protection to ensure that it doesn’t cause a fire hazard even if left running for a long time. The heater is fully assembled and ready to use out the box.
If you want to give the guests an extra special experience, you can consider getting an electric blanket. From personal experience, it is very cozy and comfortable. It feels like heaven to wake up on a cold winter morning while still being wrapped in a warm comfortable layer. You should definitely consider this one for your guests 🙂
MaxKare Electric Blanket Heated Throw Flannel: This one heats up fast. It is large enough to fit most people. It has 3 heating levels and a 4-hour auto-off for safety assurance. It is really soft – one side has a silky flannel while the other has sherpa-shu velveteen. It is machine washable and easy to maintain. It also has a long cable to give you enough freedom to maneuver.
Precautions to take:
Find products with the most safety features. You want something that will shut off to prevent overheating. It is advisable to get them new. Used ones might have frayed cables or damaged electronics that could turn out to be hazards.
If you have a fireplace and it works, keep raw materials and equipment handy to make a fire. Nothing beats a snowy day indoors next to the fire. This won’t be a primary source of heat but a nice-to-have value add that will make your Airbnb more appealing.
Make sure you follow the safety essentials and keep a filled fire extinguisher on the property for the worst-case scenario. Let the guests know where it is placed when they check-in.
Love,
Scooch and Steve
