How to heat your home

With energy costs continuing to rise, there’s a number of ways you can preserve heat in a vacation rental this autumn and winter. Prevent any potential heat loss by draught proofing open areas, such as door and window cracks, with thermal curtains and draught excluders. You may also want to consider insulating your vacation rental. Whether or not your property has been insulated properly depends on how old it is. If your house was built over 50 years ago without any insulation, then insulation should be at the top of your list. Not only will insulation save money on heating bills throughout winter months, but it can also help keep rooms cooler during summer months. You can also save money by investing in an energy-saving remote thermostat. These devices let you control the temperature of your home from almost anywhere, which is especially useful for vacation rental hosts. Remote thermostats are also very sustainable, you can find out more about Hive thermostats in our sustainability blog.

Autumn garden maintenance

It’s easy to forget about the outside of your vacation rental during autumn and winter, due to spending more time inside! Protect and clean your outdoor furniture and they will last you for many years to come. Garden furniture can easily become damaged from bad weather, here is a complete guide on how to care for each different material. We also recommend investing in outdoor furniture covers. If your property has a pool or hot tub there are certain things you should do to keep them clean during the autumn months. A hot tub or pool cover is essential to prevent collecting dirt, leaves and debris that can be pulled into the water by rain or wind. It also keeps your water warm and helps it retain heat in cool weather. You should also regularly check the water level and temperature, and even change this in a hot tub.

Yearly vacation rental checks

Important autumn maintenance which any property owner should carry out includes checking the locks and cleaning the gutters. Locks seize up when temperatures drop, and you should prevent any water damage from clogged up pipes by removing autumn leaves. There are also certain household fixtures which should be checked at least annually. This includes boilers, especially in the lead up to winter. Boilers should be serviced every year, but you should be on the lookout for any leaks and corrosion on boilers; as well as making sure pressure settings are correct. This can lead to expensive repair bills if they go unchecked.

Autumn home decor

Finally, have some fun with your vacation rental this autumn! Lengthy autumn maintenance can be tedious, but there are some positives to this season which guests will enjoy. Fill your property with autumn scented candles to create a warm atmosphere. An autumn wreath is also a nice touch, and can be added to the front door to help your vacation rental stand out. Create your own home-made wreath to add that extra bit of uniqueness. For added warmth on cold nights, you may also want to add extra cosy blankets; or even electric blankets and heated mattress pads, to living rooms and bedrooms. Choose warm colours for any interior decorations, such as deep reds and oranges – which are perfect for this time of year!