No one enjoys summers in Savannah more than the electric company when you have to pay your Airbnb electric bill. Temperatures skyrocket, and electric usage and abuse of air conditioning units are pushed to their breaking points. Owners, guests, and property managers alike cringe and grumble through the drama. Guests are never satisfied with the temperature of a home in the Savannah heat. Often, cranking down thermostats to 52 degrees and praying for relief. Owners pass by maxed-out units and beg for guests to be reprimanded and educated on not abusing their valuable investments. 
We Live in Savannah and We Understand Summer Heat
At Sid Was Here, we are waving the white flag. We already know the winning combination, but summer after summer, the implementation of it in the homes we manage goes by the wayside. It’s time to beg. We want cool, happy guests and wealthy, stress-free owners! Is that even possible? According to the U.S. Department of Energy, air conditioning accounts for about 19% of American homeowners’ electric bill. So what can we do? Read on to see how quickly these issues can be solved.
Program Your Thermostat to Reduce Your Airbnb Electric Bill
They say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. When summer temperatures rise, guests inappropriately assume that setting the thermostat to a lower temperature magically makes the house cooler. This is categorically untrue. In addition, it causes incredible stress on the system, making it run at full speed for hours on end. Air conditioning units are designed to start and stop; they should work and take breaks throughout the day. It’s also important to know that no matter what temperature the guest sets the thermostat to, an average house will not cool below 70 degrees on a hot day. Dropping the number on the thermostat stresses the system with very little added comfort. Knowing these two facts, owners must employ the services of a licensed technician. For a nominal fee, a technician can program a thermostat to stop at any level. For my short-term rentals, I have the thermostats set to stop at 70 degrees at the lowest and 78 degrees at the highest. A guest can push the down button for as long as they want, but the thermostat will not go below 70 degrees in one of my houses.
Have Your HVAC Unit Maintenance Regularly
Get your HVAC unit on a maintenance plan. HVAC units are as expensive as a new roof. Maintaining them is not very costly compared to replacement. Having a technician visit twice per year not only keeps the filters refreshed but also ensures that systems remain clean and run smoothly. It’s much easier for a technician to spot a part that’s failing and address the issue during a regular service appointment. You can also make sure to have your air filter changed every season to ensure your air conditioning unit is able to work efficiently. This can save the owner of the unit from expensive emergency calls, not to mention refunds to guests.
Insulation Tips to Lower Your Airbnb Electric Bill
Upgrade your home’s insulation. Newly built homes are frequently spray-foamed in all walls. For cities like Savannah, with many older homes, the best an owner can typically do is update the insulation in the attic and under the house if there is a crawl space. Keep in mind that not all insulation is the same. Spray foam is definitely the most expensive but offers the highest amount of savings. Spray foam insulation is relatively affordable to install at $1 to $4.50 per square foot. Typically, spray foam typically boasts a 20-30% reduction in the electric bill. So, if the owner plans to hold the home for a long time while also paying the utility bill, this is a strong investment. The added bonus of spray foam is its ability to insulate against outside noise, which is crucial for multifamily properties and reduces drama with noise complaints.
Improve Window Treatments In Your Rental Property
Use effective window coverings in your rental property. Nothing heats up a home faster than direct sun. For windows with heavy exposure, there are several excellent film products that can be applied to reflect rays out without letting them in. Additionally, using both blinds and heavy curtains can help defy heat rays. In addition, you may want to consider window films that block the UV rays from entering into your rental property. Often, this will improve the energy value of your windows and leave the view unobstructed. You can also make sure that your windows are caulked from the inside to ensure your cool air is not escaping your rental unit.
Work With Your Utility Provider to Cut Your Airbnb Electric Bill
Partner with the power company. Most power companies offer programs where they average out your annual usage and divide the total by twelve. Homeowners needing relief from fluctuating bills can easily set up to pay the same amount each month.
Educate Your Guests
Guest education matters for your Airbnb electric bill too — not all your guests are from the South. Many are not acclimated to our Savannah weather. Help to educate your guests by telling them honestly that when it’s hot outside, the home will also be on the warmer side. They can help keep it cool by closing the window treatments, turning on the ceiling fans, and keeping the doors closed. I have been amazed at how compliant guests can be when they become part of the solution and stop complaining. You can even leave instructions for your guests to explain the best practices for your property. With a small amount of education, guests will typically comply in hopes that these small changes will keep the home cooler for them.
The Sid Was Here Commitment to Premier Rental Property Management
Sid Was Here is committed to providing top-notch stays for our guests, controlling your Airbnb electric bill, and bringing incredible value to our owners. Follow Sid Was Here on all channels to hear more tips and tricks for maximizing your short-term rental. I hope these tips help you maximize profits on your short-term rental. Not only do they help save air conditioning units, but they also contribute to reducing the effects of our growth on climate change. Contact Us today to learn more about Sid Was Here.
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