When Should You Replace Major Appliances in Your Airbnb?

As an Airbnb host, you know that keeping your property in top shape is crucial for guest satisfaction and positive reviews. But when it comes to big-ticket items like HVAC systems, water heaters, and kitchen appliances, deciding whether to replace them proactively or wait until they fail can be a tough call.

In this post, we’ll walk through the key factors to consider when deciding whether to upgrade major appliances in your short-term rental.

The Hidden Costs of Aging Appliances

Many hosts focus solely on the replacement cost of appliances without factoring in how much they’re already paying for inefficiency. Older HVAC systems and water heaters can be major energy hogs, driving up monthly utility bills.

Ask yourself:

• How old are your appliances?
• Are your energy costs rising?
• Have you had frequent repair calls in the last year?

If your energy bills seem high or you’re dealing with frequent breakdowns, an upgrade might save you more money in the long run than you think.

What’s the Risk of Waiting?

While replacing appliances before they fail requires an upfront investment, waiting too long can create bigger problems:
✅ Guest Disruptions – A broken HVAC system in the middle of summer can ruin a guest’s stay, leading to complaints and refunds.
✅ Emergency Repairs – Replacing an appliance during peak season might mean higher costs and delays.
✅ Negative Reviews – If guests experience issues, they’re likely to mention them in reviews, which can impact future bookings.

A Middle-Ground Approach: Plan & Prioritize

Instead of rushing into full replacements or waiting for failures, take a strategic approach:
✔ Schedule Inspections – Have a professional check your HVAC system and water heater to assess their condition.
✔ Get Quotes in Advance – Knowing the cost of replacement helps you budget before an emergency hits.
✔ Prioritize Key Systems – HVAC and water heaters should be higher on your list than kitchen appliances, which are less disruptive if they fail.
✔ Consider Rebates & Tax Credits – Many energy-efficient upgrades qualify for rebates that lower the cost.

What Should You Replace First?

If you’re deciding where to invest first, focus on these:
🚨 HVAC System – A broken AC or heat system can make your property unlivable. Guests will demand refunds, and emergency repairs can be costly.
🚨 Water Heater – Guests expect hot water at all times. A failure could mean major complaints or a plumbing disaster.
⚠ Kitchen Appliances – A broken stove or fridge is inconvenient but not as urgent as an HVAC or water heater failure. Keep a mini fridge or small appliances as backup solutions.

Don’t Forget Water Monitoring & Insurance

Water damage is the #1 claim for short-term rentals. If you know your home has older plumbing or appliances, invest in water monitoring devices to catch leaks early. Also, review your insurance policy to ensure you’re covered for major appliance failures.

Final Thoughts: Should You Replace or Wait?

If you’re debating whether to replace an appliance before it fails, consider:
🔹 Is it energy inefficient and costing you extra?
🔹 Could a failure disrupt guest stays and impact revenue?
🔹 Are rebates or tax credits available for an upgrade?

Taking a proactive approach—even if that just means inspections and planning—can save you money, stress, and bad reviews in the long run.

Have More Questions? We’d love to hear from you! Submit your hosting questions to the Hosting Hotline and tune in to the podcast for answers. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for more tips: @thanksforvisiting_.

Download a transcript of this episode.

Resources:

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