Make your property stand out to conscious travelers. These quick energy-efficient upgrades help cut emissions and reduce your monthly utility bills.
Vacationers aren’t just browsing for pretty pictures anymore—they’re hunting for accommodations that feel good and do good . With nearly 70% of global travelers favoring eco-friendly stays, making your rental more energy-efficient isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a booking magnet.
From the snow-dusted cabins of Vermont to sunbaked solar homes in Joshua Tree, guests are choosing spaces that align with their values. Even better? Energy-efficient upgrades also trim your utility bills and reduce your carbon footprint. It's a triple win—for you, your guests, and the planet.
So let’s get into the nuts and bolts of how to create a truly energy-efficient vacation rental, starting with one of the easiest swaps around.
Let There Be (LED) Light—and Less Energy Waste
Lighting is one of the quickest ways to cut both costs and carbon. LED bulbs use about 75% less energy than incandescent ones and can last up to 25 times longer. That’s fewer replacements, fewer landfill contributions, and more savings over time.
Even better, they’ve gotten a glow-up. Today’s LEDs come in everything from soft amber tones for mood lighting to daylight-spectrum bulbs that make wood and stone interiors shine. It’s why places like our desert eco-retreat in Joshua Tree keep it warm, inviting, and low-impact.
Of course, lighting is just one part of the equation—next up, it’s time to talk temperature.
Smart Thermostats: Comfort That Thinks Ahead
Heating and cooling costs are the silent budget busters in any property. A smart thermostat acts like an invisible butler, adjusting the temperature based on guest patterns, outdoor weather, and your own preferences.
In seasonal destinations like Bend, Oregon or Stowe, Vermont , it’s the kind of tech that can keep things cozy on crisp mornings—without wasting energy when no one’s around. Plus, remote access lets you dial things down between bookings without a physical visit.
So while your guests are out enjoying trails or cafés, your system is quietly doing its job. But how do you keep all that comfort inside? Let’s plug the leaks.
Seal the Deal With a Draft-Free Stay
You can have the smartest thermostat on Earth, but if your windows and doors leak air like a broken concertina, you’re literally throwing money out the gaps. Sealing air leaks is one of the most cost-effective energy upgrades you can make.
Weather stripping and caulking are cheap, DIY-friendly fixes that go a long way—especially in rustic cabins or older lakeside cottages near Lake Placid or Whistler. Beyond comfort, it makes your energy-efficient vacation rental feel well cared for and professionally maintained.
And while you’re tightening up the thermal envelope, don’t forget to give your plumbing a second look…
Don’t Let a Drip Drain Your Sustainability Game
That gentle drip-drip-drip you’ve been ignoring? It can waste thousands of gallons a year. Multiply that by a few leaky faucets or toilets, and suddenly your water bill—and eco-cred—takes a hit.
Fixing leaks is step one. Step two? Install low-flow showerheads and faucets. In properties without access to city infrastructure—like off-grid homes in Taos, New Mexico or Salt Spring Island, BC —conserving water is both a necessity and a selling point.
After all, no one falls in love with a vacation rental that sounds like a leaky submarine. Ready to power down? Let’s head to the electronics.
Create a Truly Energy-Efficient Vacation Rental With Smarter Power Use
Even when turned off, many appliances draw “phantom power.” That coffee maker with the digital clock? Still sipping watts at midnight. The fix: smart power strips, timers, or good old-fashioned unplugging.
It’s a small move that’s perfect for compact, tech-savvy homes—think tiny homes in Asheville, North Carolina or digital-nomad lofts in Denver. Bonus points if you label which devices to unplug between stays so cleaners or guests can help keep energy use low.
Energy-efficient vacation rental = smarter, quieter, and more intentional. Let’s wrap things up.
Better Upgrades Lead to Better Bookings
Creating an energy-efficient vacation rental isn’t about ticking boxes—it’s about offering a better experience for travelers who care how they stay. These upgrades show guests that your space has heart, not just style.
At Better Trips , we celebrate rentals that go the extra mile (or save one). So whether you host in a forest cabin, a desert dome, or a city pied-à-terre, know this: conscious comfort is what today’s traveler is truly after. And when your space reflects that, bookings are bound to follow.