48. How to Winterize Your Airbnb (Before It’s Too Late!)
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Episode Summary
Hey friends, it’s Brittany Wenninger with Front Porch Realty powered by Real Broker LLC, and today we’re talking all things winter prep for your Airbnb or short-term rental. Wisconsin winters are no joke (and neither is falling off a ski lift, which I may or may not have done 🤦♀️). Whether your property is fully booked or sitting vacant, you need to protect your investment before the first freeze hits. In this episode, I share my funniest snowboarding fail, a near-disaster client story about frozen pipes, and my ultimate checklist to get your property ready for the cold season.
Key Takeaways
- Turn off and drain outdoor water spigots before the first freeze and cover them with insulated faucet covers.
- Keep gutters clear of leaves and debris to prevent ice dams and slippery messes.
- Never turn off the breaker or furnace during winter—it can lead to frozen pipes, cracked toilets, and major damage.
- Replace furnace filters and consider scheduling a quick tune-up for peace of mind.
- Install Wi-Fi thermostats to monitor temps remotely and receive alerts if the home drops below 50°F.
- Line up your snow removal service early—and tell them it’s an Airbnb so guests don’t get plowed in.
- Communicate snow removal times with guests so they don’t think someone is breaking in at 4 a.m. with a shovel.
- Add cozy winter touches like blankets, cocoa, and cider for that warm welcome.
- Swap your listing photos to feature winter scenes for better booking performance.
Why Listen to This Episode?
If you’ve ever dealt with frozen pipes, last-minute snow chaos, or guest complaints in the middle of a blizzard—this episode will save your sanity (and your 5-star rating). You’ll walk away with a clear plan to winterize your Airbnb and a few laughs about what not to do on a ski lift.
Mentioned in the Episode
- Want to learn how to launch an Airbnb?: Every dollar counts when it comes to investing. Save $50 with the Promo-code: 5STARPODCAST
- Connect with Me on Instagram: Follow me @airbnbroadmappodcast for behind-the-scenes
Let’s Connect
Thinking about getting your Airbnb winter-ready? DM me on Instagram at @theairbnbroadmap with your winter prep questions or your funniest snow story! I’d love to cheer you on and help you protect your property this season.
Work With Me
Ready to find or launch your next short-term rental in Wisconsin? I’d love to help you analyze deals, understand local STR rules, and set up your investment for success. Learn more at frontporchrealtywi.com.
Chapters
00:01 – Brittany’s love-hate relationship with Wisconsin winters
02:14 – The ski lift disaster (aka the red snow pants story)
04:36 – Outdoor prep: shutting off spigots & clearing gutters
05:19 – Storytime: the frozen pipe nightmare
07:40 – Don’t turn off your breaker before winter!
08:41 – Indoor prep: furnace filters & tune-ups
09:17 – Smart thermostats that save your property
10:48 – The overlooked cost: snow removal plans
12:49 – Communicating with guests about snow crews
15:03 – Stocking cozy amenities for winter stays
17:00 – Updating your Airbnb photos for winter bookings
18:01 – Final thoughts: protect your investment & enjoy the season
Subscribe and Share
If you enjoyed this episode, tap “follow” and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! And if you know another host who’s panicking about the first snowfall, share this episode with them—they’ll thank you later!
