Preparing Your Rental Property for Holiday Guests: Essential Plumbing and Heating Tips

As the festive holiday season approaches, short-term rentals across Norwich are gearing up for an influx of visitors looking to relax in a cosy, well-equipped home away from home. This means making sure your rental property’s plumbing and heating systems are in top form to give your guests the warm, comfortable stay they’re hoping for.

A little preparation and smart heating solutions can make all the difference when it comes to keeping up those quality stays and customer satisfaction – so here are some simple yet effective tips to get your property ready for the holiday rush:

Check the Boiler: Is It Ready for Peak Season?

Your boiler is the core of your rental’s heating system, and the last thing anyone wants is a breakdown on a frosty holiday night. Start by booking an annual boiler service before December hits. This will help identify any minor issues before they become big (and potentially expensive) problems whilst you have people staying. Servicing also keeps your boiler running efficiently, saving on energy bills and minimising your property’s environmental impact.

If your property has an older boiler, this might be the perfect time to consider an upgrade. Newer models, including hydrogen-ready boilers, are more energy-efficient and eco-friendly.

Install a Smart Thermostat

A smart thermostat installation is a game-changer for short-term rentals. Not only does it allow guests to adjust the heating to their liking, but you can also control it remotely. This means you can make sure the property is toasty before guests arrive and easily manage temperatures between stays to save energy.

Many smart thermostats integrate with different boilers brands and heating systems, so they’re both convenient and eco-friendly and can be used to pair with an upgraded boiler at a later date. They can even track energy usage, making it easy to spot areas where you could save on bills while offering guests a comfortable stay.

Insulate Pipes to Prevent Freezing

Nothing can put a damper on a holiday stay like a burst pipe (pardon the pun). As temperatures dip, pipes can freeze and if left untreated, cause significant damage and disruption.

Take steps to prevent this by insulating any exposed pipes, especially those in colder areas like basements or outdoor spaces. It’s also helpful to keep the heating on a low setting in particularly cold weather, even if the property is empty, to keep the pipes warm. For guests, a gentle reminder to leave the heating on at a low setting if they’ll be out for long periods can go a long way in preventing unwanted surprises.

Provide Simple Heating Instructions for Guests

Heating controls can sometimes be tricky, especially if guests are unfamiliar with your setup. Providing clear, easy-to-follow instructions for the thermostat and heating system is a small step that can make a big difference in guest satisfaction.

Have an Emergency Contact Handy

Even with careful preparation, there’s always a small chance of unexpected issues cropping up. To keep things hassle-free, have an emergency contact list ready for guests in case of any plumbing or heating concerns. Connecting with a reliable local plumber or heating engineer can ensure that any last-minute issues are addressed quickly and professionally, so your guests can get back to enjoying their stay.

Happy holidays!

Is your boiler winter-ready? Book a professional boiler service with Smart Heating today to make sure it's running efficiently to keep your guests warm and cosy.  

Call 01603 457009 to schedule your appointment.