Showing posts with label Appliances amp; Technology. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Appliances amp; Technology. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 20, 2019

These Are 5 Easy Home Maintenance Tasks That Will Save You Money

These days, everyone is looking to save money wherever they can. However, if you look around your house, it’s likely that there are home maintenance tasks that you’ve been putting off fixing and, in the meantime, are costing you your hard-earned cash. This post is all about how to tackle those issues once and for all. Read on below to see five easy, money-saving home maintenance tasks. If you take care of each one, it will go a long way towards putting money back in your pocket.


home maintenance tasks


Add weatherstripping to insulate doors and windows. Image: ImageFlow/Shutterstock



Add weatherstripping


Especially in the winter months, it’s easy to tell if your doors and windows are letting in drafts of cold air from the outside. Though a little air may not seem like a huge deal, it’s making extra work for your heating system. Fortunately, weatherstripping provides a relatively easy fix for this issue. In just a few minutes, you should be able to seal your home up tight.


The first step to this process is choosing the right weatherstripping. Believe it or not, there are multiple kinds to choose from and each has its ideal purpose. Felt, for example, is the easiest type to install but has a habit of letting air through. Reinforced vinyl, on the other hand, is better at stopping air flow, but is very visible.  Check out this guide to find the material that best suits your needs.


Luckily, the installation of this product is fairly simple. Most materials come with self-adhesive versions that can be found in your local home improvement store. The key here is making sure that you measure both your doors and windows, as well as the weatherstripping product, at least twice before you cut it in order to ensure an accurate length.


hvac


Regularly change your HVAC filters. Image: Jovana Veljkovic/Shutterstock



Change HVAC filters


Chances are, even if you change your HVAC filter every once and a while, you’re still not tending to it often enough. Conventional wisdom states that these filters need to be changed every 90 days in order to keep your system from having to work harder than it should. However, keep in mind, that timeframe shifts to every 60 days if you have a cat or dog at home.


Luckily, changing one of these filters is super easy. Start by turning off your HVAC unit. Then, locate the filter and remove the access panels. Simply take the old filter out and replace it with the new one, paying close attention to any arrows to ensure that the filter goes in right-side up. Then, put the access panel back in its place and you’re free to turn the unit back on.


hot water heater


Flushing your hot water heater now could prevent a big catastrophe later. Image: ArchiVIZ/Shutterstock



Flush your hot water heater


Flushing your hot water heater is a crucial task that should become part of your regular home maintenance routine. Doing so at least once a year helps to ensure the greatest supply of hot water to your home, and also prevents sediment from corroding the water heater’s components. Unfortunately for many, that corrosion leads to breakage that can cost thousands of dollars to fix.


Begin the process by turning off the thermostat to your hot water heater. Follow that up by turning off the gas to it, as well as the hot water supply. (If your hot water heater is electric, you’ll also want to unplug it at this time.) Then, turn on the tap in a sink or bathtub and let it run through this entire process. This will help prevent a vacuum from forming in the lines while you’re draining the hot water tank.


When you’re ready, connect a garden hose to the drainage spigot on your hot water heater. Turn on the spigot and allow any water to drain out into a bucket. When the water runs clear and free of sediment, flush the hot water heater by turning on the cold water spigot and allowing the water to run until it’s free of sediment. Finally, turn off the drainage spigot, disconnect the hose and turn everything back on.


faucet


Fixing a leaky faucet can make a big impact on your water bill. Image: Ant Clausen/Shutterstock



Fix leaky faucets


In addition to being unpleasant to hear all the time, that faucet in your house that continually leaks is costing you money. Estimates suggest that a leaky faucet can end up costing you between $60 and $200 per year, depending on the severity of the leak.


To take care of this problem, start by shutting off the water underneath the sink and closing the drain. Then, remove the decorative cap on your faucet’s handle, as well as the handle screw. Pull off the handle and use a crescent wrench to unscrew the packing nut. After unscrewing the stem, remove and replace the seat washer held in place by a brass screw. Finally, pop the stem out of the packing nut and replace the O-ring, which is likely the cause of the leak. After you’re done, reassemble the faucet.


gutters


Your gutters should be cleaned at the beginning of each new season. Image: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock



Clean your gutters


Clogged gutters may not seem like a huge deal at first but, left alone, buildup such as leaves and branches can cause water to pool and leaks to form in the fascia of the house. Over time, this can lead to severe water damage to your home’s structure, which is undeniably costly.


Cleaning out your gutters is a hands-on task. Begin by removing any visible twigs, leaves and debris. Then, take a garden hose and flush away any remaining dirt. If the water doesn’t drain out of your downspouts, there’s likely a clog. At that point, you’ll need to remove the clog with a plumber’s snake.


The post These Are 5 Easy Home Maintenance Tasks That Will Save You Money appeared first on Freshome.com.

Tuesday, February 12, 2019

High-End Workout Equipment: Technology to Transform your Home Gym

high-end workout equipment


The newest high-end workout equipment, including Mirror, brings exclusive trainers right to your home – digitally. Image: Mirror



New year, new you! Right? At least, that’s usually the goal. But how many of us set resolutions, then head to the gym to use their high-end workout equipment and find it’s packed? In fact, it’s packed with all the other people who set health resolutions just like ours. Come March, sick of dealing with the crowds (or, let’s be honest, the hassle of leaving the house), few remain.


A home gym seems like an ideal solution. And, with a little dedication and self-discipline, it is. You see the space in your home every day and get a gentle nudge to stick to your resolutions. You don’t have to deal with traffic getting to the gym – or traffic in it. Plus, you can focus on your health goals without feeling watched or judged. Easy, right? That is, until you find yourself staring at the weight set you bought, realizing you don’t quite know how to use it.


Silicon Valley is working to bridge the gap. With three innovative (and, admittedly, expensive) offerings driven by the latest tech, you can transform your home gym. Imagine having the best trainer available right at home, whenever you’re ready to work out. Now stop imagining and check out the latest high-end workout equipment.


high-end workout equipment - peloton


Peloton’s Bike connects you to live classes from top cycling trainers. Image: Peloton



Peloton


Peloton should get credit for kicking off this tech-meets-gym revolution. They’ve taken the stationary bike, long a staple in home gyms, and given it a major upgrade. They promise “a private indoor cycling studio in your home” thanks to their integrated display. You can use that display, which is sort of like a giant iPad, to stream one of their 14 daily live classes or 5,000+ on-demand classes.


Plus, Peloton can help you keep your home gym compact. This piece of high-end workout equipment’s carbon steel frame is just 4′ by 2′. They boast that the bike’s belt drive is nearly silent, which is helpful when you’re listening to your digital instructor. And all this for just $2,245. If you can afford the Peloton, its reviews assure you you’re making a worthy investment.


And, more recently, Peloton launched the Tread for those who prefer running to cycling.


high-end workout equipment - tonal


Tonal promises all of the effectiveness of a full weight set, plus guidance and a sleek profile. Image: Robb Report



Tonal


What if you’re looking for strength training more than cardio? Tonal, allegedly the world’s most intelligent fitness system, builds on the idea of streaming a trainer in the comfort of your own home. This wall-mounted home gym has adjustable arms that can offer up to 200 pounds of resistance, but still pack flat against the system itself. The sleek design makes this another ideal addition to small-scale home gyms.


Like Peloton, Tonal will connect you with a digital trainer. You set your goals, and the system adjusts your workouts to match. You can choose from one-off, step-by-step workouts, expert-curated programs or live classes that you stream right to your home gym. It tracks your workouts, helping you get healthier and customizing your workouts to you.


But if you thought Peloton was pricey, get ready. Tonal rings in at $2,995.


high-end workout equipment - mirror


You can wall mount Mirror or lean it in its stand. Either way, it integrates seamlessly into your existing home design. Image: Mirror



Mirror


If you like the sleek design of Tonal but want a sleeker price point, Mirror is worth checking out. It’s similar in its streamlined design but – with no equipment other than the display itself – it’s even less obtrusive. In fact, you could put this piece of high-end workout equipment virtually anywhere in your home and no one would ever know it’s your own home gym. The mirror can be wall-mounted or propped up in a modern stand (shown above) and, when off, functions the same as any other full-length mirror.


When powered on, Mirror can lead you through a wide range of classes from their studio in NYC. Whether you want to do a straightforward cardio or strength workout or want to mix it up with something like boxing, barre or yoga, Mirror can deliver. It also tracks you through a personal fitness profile, giving you real-time tips, measuring your goals and even comparing your workouts against your friends’.


The Mirror comes with a price tag of $1,495.


What do you think of the latest high-end workout equipment? Is it worth the price tag? Do you think you would use it if you had it in your home? Let us know in the comments!


The post High-End Workout Equipment: Technology to Transform your Home Gym appeared first on Freshome.com.

Monday, February 4, 2019

Shipping to your Door Soon: Alexa-Enabled Amazon Prefab Homes

Amazon is doubling down on the smart home space. They’ve set up the Alexa Fund to provide up to “$200 million in venture capital funding to fuel voice technology innovation.” And almost $7 million of this fund is going to Plant Prefab, a Southern California start up that builds sustainable prefabricated homes. It looks like you’ll be able to click and ship your very own quick and affordable Amazon prefab home soon.


But how does the prefabricated home fit in with the Alexa Fund’s directive of developing voice technology? Future Amazon prefab homes will feature the growing collection of Alexa voice tech and smart home innovation throughout the home’s floor plan.


amazon prefab homes


The C6 Living Home in Van Nuys, California, is one of the prefab home styles that may be available through Amazon soon. All images: Plant Prefab



According to Paul Bernard, the director of the Alexa Fund, “There are now more than 20,000 Alexa-compatible smart home devices from 3,500 different brands,” he stated. “We’re thrilled to support Plant Prefab as they make sustainable, connected homes more accessible to customers and developers,” he said of the Amazon prefab homes.


Plant Prefab specializes in building modern, green homes designed for an urban environment. The startup claims that building the home in an offsite factory using new technology and automation can save half the construction time of a tradition build. And time equals money: their prefab houses use better quality materials and finishes for less time and cost.


amazon prefab homes


A prefab home being delivered to the home site for final assembly.



A home can be ordered online from a selection of standard floor plans or a custom design. And according to Plant Prefab, the home delivers “90% complete and installed in a day.”


According to Plant Prefab’s founder Steve Glenn, “In the housing­-crunched major cities like Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco, along with areas like Silicon Valley, it takes too much time to build a home from groundbreaking to occupancy.”  It looks like future Amazon prefab homes will solve this headache.


Amazon hasn’t announced when you’ll be able to click and ship your dream smart home, but here’s a look at what prefab homes are currently available through Plant Prefab:


Yves Behar 1


Square Feet: 625 square feet
Rooms: 1 bedroom, 1 bath


amazon prefab homes


Designed by iconic industrial designer Yves Behar, the home is minimalist, open and modern.



amazon prefab home


Soaring ceiling and lots of windows create a space that feels larger than 625 square feet.



Ray Kappe 1.1


Square Feet: 3100 square feet
Rooms: 5 bedroom, 3 baths


modern prefab homes


The 2-story modern features quality materials like steel and reclaimed wood.



amazon prefab houses


An open floor plan allows for easy flow throughout the house.



C6.2


Square Feet: 1096 square feet
Rooms: 2 bedroom, 2 baths


amazon prefab homes for sale


The C6.2 model is compact enough to fit on a small, narrow lot.



modern prefabricated homes


Modern, high-end finishes are part of the prefab home’s design.



Kieran Timberlake KT1.5


Square Feet: 1622 square feet
Rooms: 2 bedroom, 2 baths


contemporary prefab homes


The exterior of the KT1.5 is contemporary and low-maintenance.



amazon prefab homes


All spaces in the prefab home are large, airy and open.



What do you think of these modern prefabricated homes? Would you buy one through Amazon? Let us know in the comments.


The post Shipping to your Door Soon: Alexa-Enabled Amazon Prefab Homes appeared first on Freshome.com.

Friday, February 1, 2019

How to: Clean your Refrigerator


clean your refrigerator 1


If your kitchen is spotless, don’t let your fridge spoil it. Use this guide to clean your refrigerator. Image: JadeNinaSarkhel/Twenty20



The new year always offers a fresh start. Why not take this opportunity to knock out a few to-dos that will help you start the new year strong? This is an ideal opportunity to take on those tasks you always say you’ll get to someday. Tasks like taking the time to clean your refrigerator.


Sure, it’s not fun. Yes, it will take time. And yes, you will probably find a long-forgotten condiment growing something you wish you hadn’t seen. But that’s all the more reason to jump on it! Every time you open your sparkling clean fridge, you’ll get a sense of accomplishment. Plus, you’ll likely end up clearing out some space you can use to help yourself on any New Year’s healthy eating resolutions.


So where to start? Here’s a quick checklist you can use to deep clean your refrigerator.


clean your refrigerator 3


Shutting off power and emptying out the fridge makes your deep clean a lot easier. Image: BondRocketImages/Shutterstock



Step one: disconnect the power


You will need to open your fridge door for quite a while, so there’s no sense wasting energy while you clean. Either unplug your fridge or, if you’re not keen on climbing behind it, turn off power at the fuse box or circuit breaker.


As soon as you disconnect power, open your freezer door so it can begin to defrost. No one likes to have cold hands while they clean!


Step two: transfer food


If you think you’re going to hustle through this project, you can simply take all your food out and put it on the counter. But if you’ve got a larger fridge, know yours is going to need some serious elbow grease or simply don’t want to feel rushed, grab a cooler. Load the highly perishable items like dairy and fresh produce into the cooler with items from your freezer to buy yourself some time.


While you’re at it, take any removable parts – like glass shelves and crisper drawers – out and put them on the counter. Letting them come to room temperature before you start cleaning them can help you avoid cracks.


clean you refrigerator 2


Would you let people take photos of your open fridge? After this clean, you’ll be setting up your own photoshoot. Image: Andrey_Popov/Shutterstock



Step three: wipe it down


While it might be tempting to grab your Windex and get to scrubbing, don’t. Chemical cleaners shouldn’t come into contact with your food, even indirectly. Instead, choose a food-safe option. You can make a paste of baking soda and water for caked-on grime (like that oddly-colored goop that accumulates under condiments in the door). Use a spray of half vinegar, half water for your general wipedown. A wet towel can be a huge help in grabbing particles from all the tiny nooks and crannies inside your fridge.


Step four: clean the door seals


Have you ever looked inside the flexible seals around the edges of your fridge doors? This is an often-overlooked area, even if you regularly clean your refrigerator, so don’t skip it now! Spray it down with your vinegar solution, then use your wet towel to get inside the folds of the seal.


While you’re at it, check the seal. If your fridge doors aren’t sealing properly, your fridge is working overtime. This shortens the lifespan of your refrigerator and drives up your energy bill, so it’s worth getting fixed.


clean your refrigerator 5


Don’t just wipe down your fridge’s interior. Clean the removable parts and exterior, too. Image: bezikus/Shutterstock



Step five: clean drawers and shelves


While it’s tempting to throw your shelves and drawers into the dishwasher, they could crack in there. Instead, use the same food-safe solutions you used above to get them sparkling clean. Or, if you’ve got a large enough sink, you can wash them the same way you would any other dishes.


Make sure these items are completely dry before you add them back to your fridge. Otherwise, trapped moisture can breed bacteria, undoing all your hard work.


Step six: clean the exterior


You’re almost done! When you clean your refrigerator, don’t forget to wipe down the outside. Disinfect the door handles, then grab a step stool. Wipe down the top of your fridge to keep your kitchen that much more sanitary. Clean fridge doors with the appropriate solution (e.g. glass cleaner for glass fridge doors, stainless cleaner for stainless doors). Because the food stays inside the fridge, the no-chemical rules don’t apply here.


clean your refrigerator 4


VoilĂ ! Once you load your food back in, your sparkling refrigerator can become a source of pride. Image:  asbe/Getty Images



Step seven: reload the fridge


Now comes the fun part. Use this opportunity to organize your fridge and you’ll be significantly more likely to keep it clean. Before you put any item back into the fridge, check the expiration date. This is the perfect time to make sure you haven’t been harboring any long-expired products in the depths of your refrigerator.


What tips and trick do you use when you clean your refrigerator? Did any of these help you out? Let us know in the comments.


The post How to: Clean your Refrigerator appeared first on Freshome.com.

Thursday, January 31, 2019

Quiet Appliances Make a Noticeable Difference

quiet appliances


Quiet appliances can make your home a more restful, relaxing place. Hero Images/Getty Images



The noise generated by the appliances in your home can add up quickly and make quite a racket. With washers, dryers, dishwashers, heating and cooling units, vacuums and more in modern homes, the sound can easily overwhelm you. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to decibels (dB) when choosing quiet appliances for your home.


Some brands offer appliances designed to run silently or, at least, much quieter than older models. The last thing you want is for a load of laundry or your home’s heating system to drown out a conversation or your favorite TV show.


Okay, so you know you want quieter appliances. What should you look for when shopping? Here are important tips for finding quiet appliances for your home.


How to find quiet appliances


The important number to remember is 60 dB, the level of an average conversation between two people. You don’t want to buy any appliances that run louder than that. Otherwise you’ll have to compete with your dishwasher for the last word during dinner.


That said, appliances with a dBA rating of 38-40 dBA are considered to be silent. Which means you won’t hear it over your conversation and other background noise. Many common appliances do creep above the conversation range — garbage disposals and blenders usually operate in the 80’s. But these are usually less of a concern since they only run for short periods of time.


You should focus on appliances that run for extended periods, like your dishwasher, washing machine, dryer or air conditioner. When you shop for appliances that are located inside your home, look for a rating between 40-50 dB. Equipment that’s normally outside of your home, like an HVAC system, can rate a little higher at 70 or 80 dB, since you won’t be exposed to the sound all the time. To make it easy on shoppers, most product websites will display their decibel ratings. For example, Trane does this for its air conditioners and other systems.


Benefits of quiet appliances


Thinking about the sound generated by appliances in your home has several benefits. Purchasing quieter appliances can make your home both more peaceful and more energy efficient. Many quiet appliances use less energy and offers smart home applications. It can also increase the value of your home when you sell your house, if you aren’t taking the appliances with you.


When shopping for quiet appliances, remember that the average conversation is around 60 dB. Consider how long appliances will run during a normal cycle, if it’s located indoors or outdoors and how close you’ll be to the appliance during your day-to-day routine. These factors will help you decide if an appliance has the right decibel rating.


The post Quiet Appliances Make a Noticeable Difference appeared first on Freshome.com.

Tuesday, January 8, 2019

How to Create a Home that Helps You Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions

Last year, Stastisa revealed the most common New Year’s resolutions – and they probably won’t surprise you. The top five were: eat healthier, get more exercise, save money, focus on self-care and read more. If you’re setting your own resolutions for 2019, some of those might resonate with you. But this list can also be discouraging. If we’ve all been trying to eat healthier year after year, why haven’t we pulled it off yet?


Now, we’re not going to try to solve the New Year’s resolution problem in one fell swoop. Your local gyms will probably still be packed in January but a ghost town by early March. We can, however, make some recommendations to help you stick to your resolutions next year. Making some small changes around your home can make 2019 the year where you reflect on your resolutions with pride come next December. Here are a few things you can do to create a home that sets you up for success.


new year's resolutions - pantry


An organized pantry can make it easier to eat healthily. Image: Django/Getty Images



Resolution #1: Eat healthier


Are you trying to get on board the healthy eating bandwagon? Us, too. This is a hard one when you’ve got coworkers who bring in cookies or friends who love to eat out. But you can at least make your life easier at home. First things first, clean out that pantry. Give yourself the challenge to stop buying groceries except for fresh produce until you’ve eaten all your pantry staples (and, yes, those extra bags of chips while you’re at it). Now that you’ve cleared out all those refined grains and trans fats, restock with healthy, whole food. As a rule, the less processed food is, the better it probably is for you. Check the ingredient list. Fewer ingredients, and especially fewer items you can’t pronounce, usually means a healthier selection.


Keep your pantry organized and stocked with healthy options. It’s a whole lot easier to eat right when you’ve got a bag of almonds or a banana waiting for you when hunger strikes. Similarly, make it a point to keep healthy options within reach and at eye level, where you’re more likely to grab them. Even if other family members aren’t on the health kick with you, you can protect yourself by shoving those Oreos to the back of the pantry and putting a bowl of fresh fruit on the kitchen counter.


new year's resolutions - gym


Put your gym in your house so you have fewer excuses to avoid working out. Image: Yampi/Shutterstock



Resolution #2: Get more exercise


Who among us couldn’t use the physical and mental health benefits of getting moving more often? But with the busyness of life, actually getting to the gym can be a real hassle. Instead, why not create a workout space in your home?


If you have the space, setting up a full-blown home gym is motivating. Every time you walk past it, you’ll get a little nudge to get your sweat on. If you’re working with a more compact footprint, a yoga area doesn’t need to take up much space. Queue up a YouTube video to guide you and you’re ready to go! Or, if you’re trying to go the cardio route, set up an area near your front door where you can lay out your sneakers, headphones and whatever other gear you’ll want. This visual reminder to get moving can help you keep your new year’s resolutions in 2019.


new year's resolutions - led


LED lighting doesn’t just look cool. It’s also more energy efficient. Image: Alexandre Zveiger/Shutterstock



Resolution #3: Save money


This is another one of those resolutions that pretty much everyone can agree would be great to pull off. If you’re looking to end 2019 with a little more padding in your wallet, your home can definitely help. Make some high-efficiency changes to cut back on your utility expenses. We’ve got five easy ways to get started. Swaps that will take you just minutes – like changing out a light bulb or turning down your water heater – can help you tuck away savings throughout the entire year.


Another great way to save money is to encourage time at home. It’s a whole lot cheaper to have a friend over for drinks or a movie than it is to go out for the same activity. Set up your space for entertainment and see some serious savings next year.


new year's resolutions - meditation


Imagine how relaxed you could be in 2019 if you added a meditation space like this. Image: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock



Resolution #4: Focus on self-care


This resolution captures a wide range of sentiment, from people just trying to get more sleep to those who are feeling seriously burnt out and need to scale their commitments back in a major way. However you want to practice self-care in 2019, a comfy, cozy bed is key. Upgrade your bedding to encourage yourself to the get the rest your body needs.


If simply catching more zzz’s isn’t your goal for next year, create a physical space in your home where you can take care of your body and your mind. If you love chilling in the bath for its calming effects, create a spa-like feel in your bathroom to amplify the benefits. Or if you want to explore meditation, make a meditation room so you can minimize distractions. Think through what you want to do for yourself to feel more relaxed and balanced next year. Then, create an area in your home where you can regularly revisit that practice, keeping your New Year’s resolutions and keeping yourself healthy.


new year's resolutions - reading


A cozy reading nook could be just what you need to keep your New Year’s resolutions.  Image: El Lobo/Shutterstock



Resolution #5: Read more


If the digital revolution of the last few decades has shown us anything, it’s that finding time to unplug is key in maintaining our sanity. Diving into a good book is a perfect way to both relax and stimulate the brain. So it’s no surprise that when coming up with new year’s resolutions, so many of us are resolving to read more. Making a change to our homes can definitely help us keep that resolution.


If you’ve got the space, why not add a home library? That awkward area under the stairs or unused corner can transform into a place that inspires you to crack open a book. Or, if you’re not keen on adding a bunch of bookshelves, at the very least carve out a reading space. Place a comfortable chair in a location with a nice view. Add a soft throw and a table where you can place a mug of tea or a cool drink and you’re ready to read!


What are your New Year’s resolutions? Are you making any changes to your home or apartment to help yourself keep them in 2019? Let us know in the comments!


The post How to Create a Home that Helps You Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions appeared first on Freshome.com.

Monday, December 3, 2018

How to Make Your Vacation Rental Appealing to Winter Guests

With over 4 million short-term vacation rentals competing for bookings on sites like HomeAway and Airbnb, catching the eye of a great guest can be tough. Keep your vacation rental top of mind this winter by making it look like a cozy space for vacationers to rent. Make a few wintertime tweaks, update your listing and off you go!


Warm up your decor


You don’t have to completely redecorate, but making a few adjustments can quickly add a wintry getaway feel to your Airbnb or HomeAway rental. Think fuzzy blankets, lots of textures and warm colors. Create an island vibe with greens, blues, oranges and yellows. Here are a few ideas to get you started.


Add seasonal throw pillows and cozy textures with deep, lush colors. Complete the theme with seasonal decor. Replace summery sisal rugs with warm, comfy rugs. You can also turn your bathroom into a comfortable space with a fresh, new shower curtain and seasonal scented soaps. This can make your vacation rental feel warm and inviting.


Fill a mason jar with water and pop in some beautiful blooms. Put up your most memorable vacation photos, maps of local attractions and cool travel art. Include some locally-sourced decorations in your space. This could be as easy as filling a small dish with stones or other mementos you’ve picked up on your own travels. Use keepsakes from your favorite trips to decorate the rooms, inspire your guests and spark conversation.


Play up winter activities


Your guests aren’t just sleeping and showering at your rental property — they’ll be hanging out, having fun and ready to live it up like a local. Help them enjoy their stay even more by giving their winter adventures a jump start. Winter essentials like these will make them hit that Book button!



  • Indoor dining and lounging area with great furniture

  • Fire pit for friends and family to gather around

  • Cozy couches for afternoon relaxing

  • Local guidebooks and magazines, plus a personal list of your favorite activities and restaurants

  • Books and board games for rainy days


Showcase a warm air conditioning unit


There’s nothing worse than arriving at a beautiful vacation rental and discovering that it’s freezing cold and you can’t sleep at night. Make sure your guests’ environment is as comfortable as their own home — with the right air conditioning unit.


Before your winter rental season starts, change your air filters and get your air conditioning unit serviced. You should also consider investing in a regular maintenance agreement that includes spring and fall service, so you’ll be ready for guests year-round. It’s an affordable way to have peace of mind that your renters will be comfortable during their stay.


If you’re outfitting a new Airbnb rental or upgrading your HVAC unit, look into getting a ductless cooling and heating system. Ductless systems are very popular for rentals and allow your guests to control their own temperature and comfort. And because ductless systems are a closed system with no ductwork, they’re more energy efficient and will help you save money on electric bills.


Spread the word and share pictures


Once you’ve turned your space into a vacation haven, be sure to take new photos and update your rental listing. Don’t forget to update your property’s title and description to mention the updates you made for the winter travelers. It could be as simple as GREAT WINTER GETAWAY. These words and images will paint the perfect picture, so potential guests can imagine themselves enjoying the ideal vacation week or weekend in your home-away-from-home.


The post How to Make Your Vacation Rental Appealing to Winter Guests appeared first on Freshome.com.

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