Problem Statement
- Hospitable's thermostat automation currently switches to Occupied mode at a fixed 2 hours before check-in, with no option to customize this timing
- After checkout, the Occupied preset only remains active for 2 hours before reverting, which is insufficient for cleaning crews
- The Occupied preset requires a minimum 6°F temperature range, which creates several issues:
- If the range is set too high, the home can become uncomfortably hot before check-in, and it takes longer to cool down to the desired temperature
- If you set a reasonable managing temperature (like 75°F), you have to set the AC to uncomfortably cold temperatures to compensate, which increases electricity costs
- This can lead to guest discomfort upon arrival and higher energy bills
Current Workaround
- Manually adjusting thermostat settings before each guest arrival
- Cleaning crews must repeatedly override the thermostat every 2 hours to stay comfortable during cleaning
Impact
- Increased manual workload for hosts managing multiple properties
- Uncomfortable working conditions for cleaning staff
- Guest discomfort if the home is too hot when they arrive
- Higher electricity costs from running AC at extreme temperatures to compensate
Proposed Solution
- Allow hosts to configure how many hours before check-in the thermostat switches to Occupied mode
- Allow hosts to set a configurable post-checkout Occupied mode duration for cleaning crews
- Remove or reduce the minimum 6°F temperature range requirement for presets
Unlock
- Hosts can customize thermostat automation timing to match their operational needs
- Cleaning crews can work in comfortable temperatures without constant manual overrides
- Guests arrive to comfortable temperatures without excessive cooling costs
- Reduced manual management and improved energy efficiency