If you want your holiday let to be more profitable, being energy efficient and eco-friendly is the way forward! That’s because energy-saving features and upgrades can reduce your energy bills and make your holiday let more appealing to environmentally-conscious travellers.
Here are four practical tips to make your holiday let more energy efficient.
1. Invest in Energy-Efficient Appliances
The old adage “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” doesn’t always hold true. You can boost the energy efficiency in your property almost instantly by replacing old devices with modern appliances that boast a high-star energy rating. Consider energy-efficient white goods, like refrigerators and washing machines, and entertainment systems like televisions. Don’t forget about lighting either – switching to LED bulbs and light fittings is a low-cost upgrade that will help reduce your electricity bill. Plus, they’ll last longer, so you’ll save time on simple maintenance tasks like changing bulbs.
2. Install loft and wall insulation to minimise heat loss
It’s time for some statistics (sorry)!
Did you know that 25% of all heat produced by a boiler is lost through the roof and a third of all heat in an uninsulated house is lost through the walls?
Now, if you’ve spent money heating your holiday let, it makes sense to do everything you can to stop that heat escaping. One of the best ways to do this is through installing wall insulation. The type of wall insulation required will depend on the age and structure of your property, and installation must be carried out by a qualified professional. It’s likely that you’ll need a survey first to establish the most appropriate option for your property.
The good news is that installing loft insulation is a more straightforward process that can be done in a couple of hours and could save you hundreds of pounds on your annual heating bill.
Top tip: If you let your property with Skies, our Property Development team can help you source quotes for insulation installation. We can even project-manage the installation works from start to finish to make sure everything runs smoothly.
3. Upgrade your windows for better energy efficiency
Don’t overlook the impact of windows on your holiday property’s energy efficiency. Older windows, with degraded seals and gaps between frames and walls, will contribute to heat loss and add to your heating bills. So, consider replacing old double glazing with newer, energy-efficient windows that offer better insulation.
4. Encourage Responsible Guest Behaviour
Simple measures such as shutting the windows and turning off lights and electronics when not in use can substantially reduce energy use. Obviously, you want your guests to feel welcome, so don’t bombard them with a huge set of rules and restrictions. Instead, consider placing a few strategically-placed reminders around your holiday let to encourage responsible energy consumption. You could also include a short, simple note about energy efficiency in your welcome pack.
And finally – leverage the appeal of energy-efficient holiday properties
Adopting energy-saving features makes your holiday let more profitable by reducing energy costs AND opening it up to a growing niche market of eco-conscious travellers seeking accommodation that aligns with their values. So, increasing your property’s energy efficiency will save you money on bills and boost bookings by drawing in eco-conscious consumers.
Skies Holidays is an independent holiday letting agency based in Cumbria offering property management and property development services. Our directors – Matt and Jack – are local Cumbrian lads who take a hands-on approach to property management, combining professionalism with a personal touch and local knowledge.
Call us or visit our website for more information on our holiday-let portfolio. You can even use our Rental Income Calculator to find out how energy-efficient upgrades to your property could boost your rental income.
