In light of the ongoing energy bill crisis, UK homeowners have been looking for smarter ways to manage their energy use and find more sustainable energy sources.
The cost of living crisis has posed a serious threat to small, short-let businesses across the UK, but there are steps you can take as a holiday let owner to ensure your properties energy use is as efficient as possible.
Read on to find out how to improve energy efficiency in your short-let and to learn more about eco-friendly alternatives:
Understanding energy efficiency for Airbnb properties
As an Airbnb host, understanding the concept of energy efficiency is crucial for managing your property’s energy consumption and reducing your operating costs.
Energy efficiency refers to the ability to achieve the same level of performance or output while using less energy.
In the context of Airbnb properties, this translates to optimising the use of energy-consuming systems and appliances to minimise energy waste and maximise energy savings.
10 EXERCISES TO IMPROVE RUNNING EFFICIENCY
Understand your current energy usage
One of the primary factors to consider when assessing the energy efficiency of your Airbnb is the property’s overall energy consumption. This includes the energy used for heating, cooling, lighting, and the operation of various appliances and electronics.
By analysing your property’s energy usage patterns, you can identify areas where energy is being wasted and implement targeted strategies to improve efficiency.
Use of technologies
Another crucial aspect of energy efficiency for Airbnb properties is the use of energy-efficient technologies and equipment.
This may involve upgrading to more energy-efficient lighting, such as LED bulbs, or investing in high-efficiency HVAC systems, refrigerators, and other appliances.
By making these improvements, you can significantly reduce your energy consumption and lower your utility bills.
Insulation
Additionally, the insulation and air sealing of your Airbnb property play a crucial role in energy efficiency. Proper insulation helps maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, reducing the energy required for heating and cooling.
Similarly, sealing any air leaks around windows, doors, and other openings can prevent unwanted heat or cool air from escaping, further improving the property’s energy efficiency.
Benefits of improving energy efficiency in your Airbnb
Improving the energy efficiency of your Airbnb property can provide a multitude of benefits, both for you as the host and for your guests. Let’s explore some of the key advantages of implementing energy-efficient measures in your Airbnb.
Lower Utility Bills
One of the most significant benefits is the potential for cost savings. By reducing your energy consumption, you can lower your utility bills, which can have a direct impact on your overall operating expenses.
This, in turn, can lead to increased profitability and a more sustainable business model for your Airbnb.
Environmentally friendly
Moreover, energy-efficient Airbnb properties can attract environmentally-conscious guests who are actively seeking to reduce their carbon footprint during their travels.
By showcasing your commitment to sustainability and energy conservation, you can differentiate your Airbnb from competitors and appeal to a growing segment of eco-minded travelers.
Smart Heating
Heating your holiday home is likely to be your largest expenditure of energy, so investing in a smart heating system allows you some control over this rising expense.
Being able to control heating from a handy smartphone app, or using a scheduled system gives you peace of mind that guests haven’t forgotten to switch the heating of before they leave or are using it 24 hours a day.
It’s also an easy, digital method of controlling the heating during freezing weather to prevent frozen pipes.
We recommend using Inspire for smart heating you can find out about Inspire here.
Energy-efficient appliances
Investing in new appliances for your holiday home can be a costly task indeed. However, in the long run, any appliance scoring between A – A+++ is going to save you a lot of money thanks to its energy efficiency. Plus, it’s a lot better for the environment!
In particular, consider replacing your boiler and radiators, as older models could lose you £200+ per year in energy bills.
If you haven’t already, switching your light bulbs to LED bulbs is a small but efficient way to kickstart energy efficiency in your short-let.
Invest in Insulation
The cost of heating our homes during the winter months was a national concern, with average monthly prices soaring to unprecedented levels.
However, there are measures holiday homeowners can take to ensure that heat is retained in the house for longer:
Installing double-glazed windows can be expensive but they are extremely efficient at retaining heat, add extra security and blocking outside noise better.
Cavity wall insulation is another step to tick off the list to ensure higher energy efficiency, especially if your property was built prior to the 1980s.
Professional advice should be sought to ensure the building won’t be affected and the insulation will also have to be fitted by a professional.
For a quick fix, insulating loft space is more simple, and inexpensive and can be done as a DIY installation.
Another top tip is to upgrade your curtains to the thick, high-quality material and check window and door seals to ensure that any draughts are blocked.
Airbnb Management
If you are looking to make all of these checks you need to do to make your listing stand out and also keep Airbnb fees low, it might be worth while partnering with an Airbnb management company.
Stayful provide Airbnb management nationwide and will make sure you are maximising the revenue of your Airbnb listing as well as:
Finding quality cleaners
Chasing for reviews
Listing optimisation
Key management
Pricing strategy.
Making your Airbnb investment passive, if you are interested then let’s have a chat!
