Having a vacation rental house, whether in the mountains or on the beach, is advantageous for various reasons. To begin with, vacation houses may be a wonderful source of extra income, allowing you to grow wealth and save for retirement. Furthermore, it allows you to take affordable family and group trips when it is most convenient for you. The additional home maintenance expenditures that come with owning or managing a vacation rental, on the other hand, may frequently be budget busters for many people.
1. Unplug all electronics in between stays
Switching off consumer devices isn't enough because most of them include an "Instant On" option. When you turn off your surround sound system, phone chargers, DVD players, clocks, or TV, this function continues to consume energy. The only method to eliminate this hidden energy waste is disconnecting all equipment between stays.
While this may be more challenging during peak season, you may conserve energy by taking advantage of low seasons. Do the same with humidifiers, space heaters, hot tub warmers, and any other plugged-in equipment. Turn off the water heater at the power panel while you're at it!
2. Turn down the thermostat and go "smart"
Many vacation rental homes across the country are under-insulated, which results in higher electricity bills. Invest in better insulation, new windows, and modern electric heating and cooling systems to reduce your electric bills. If your home is already well-insulated, consider turning down the thermostat a few degrees.
Adding a "smart" thermostat can help tremendously, as they are programmed to automatically adjust the temperature according to your pre-set comfort level. Even better, you can remotely control the temperature from a cell phone. To save even more money, consider shutting off the furnace during unoccupied periods, especially at night, as this saves up to 30 percent in heating costs.
3. Have a regular maintenance plan
Keeping up with regular maintenance and repairs can go a long way in keeping your vacation rental home in the best possible shape for guests. You'll want to consider hiring an experienced professional for this job or at least make sure to follow your owner's manual to make sure you're doing everything correctly.
4. Invest in solar
If you're planning on keeping your vacation rental home for a long time, and in the same location, you may want to invest in solar panels. While the upfront costs may seem high, in the long run, they will end up saving you significant amounts of money and will be a great selling point for potential buyers.
5. Replace air filters
Clogged or unclean air filters reduce the effectiveness of your second home's HVAC system, causing it to overwork. They also pollute interior air quality, so the air purifying system works hard but achieves little; allergies and poisons persist. You squander energy while creating an unpleasant environment for your guests.
If your holiday rental allows pets, you must replace your air filters every 60 days. Filters should be replaced every 90 days if there is a no-pet policy.
Conclusion
While vacation rental homes can be a great way to earn extra income, these extra costs should not be underestimated. Take action to prevent this from happening and make sure your holiday rental home is clean, comfortable, and energy-efficient so that your guests have a positive experience.
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