Post by High Priestess on May 30, 2016 21:55:54 GMT
Gregory shared on Anecdotes Jan 2015
www.airbnb.com/groups/content/content-102783
Honest review? / Excessive use of water and electricity by people of Russia
Hi everyone
I have had people from Russia staying over and they weren't that economic.
My rate is really not that high for the house.
First day I explained how I do for example the dishes, ...
But they just spoil water like it's nothing. Every morning and every evening I heard liters of waters flow down for nothing.
They could use the sink and fill it a bit with water. But instead when shaving them, they just opened the water tap and let it flow while shaving them. Sometimes +- 10 - 15 minutes.
In the kitchen they were cooking and everytime they opened the water tap for +- 10 minutes without using any water. Or just to clean the vegetables.
But you can fill the sink and clean them.When they did the dishes they didn't fill the sink. They just let water flow and for every spoon, knife, plate, ... they used soap. A lot of soap was used for nothing.
And about electricity : on my page people can see that they can use a heater and extra blankets. The Russians my house was cold and they had to use the heater to sleep.But most of the time they used the heater and left doors open... The extra thick blanket's I gave them because it's winter, weren't used by them.
And I always asked to them if everything's okay and they didn't mention anything about the things they wrote in the review.
For this moment, I won't accept any people from Russia anymore.
I asked at airbnb if it's possible to change rates per country.
If Russians spoil they have to pay for it but this is not yet possible.
How would you handle this?
For the moment I don't ask a security deposit.
Should I let people pay extra for electricity & water in excessive way?
And about the review : the review was not that good.
First day they came they didn't had any food, so I gave them food of mine. (for free)They used a lot of things in my kitchen and I didn't ask a price for it.
They ate candy & other stuff sometimes without asking me.I really was a bit frustrated about them and I would normally write a bad review of them.
But instead I wrote a neutral review and I didn't mention the excessive use and spoiling of everything. They always left the kitchen, bathroom, ... dirty.When they left nothing was cleaned up.
18 comments
Following
Like
Gordon
Gordona year ago
Believe me, you can't pin iffy behaviour on any one countryman (or woman). As for the washing up process, I know many people who do it like this. You gotta suck it up I'm afraid.
Keep smiling and think of the money :-)
Reply Like 1 reply•3 likes
Leanne
Leannea year ago
I agree with you Gordon some do get to you but like you say suck it up and hope the next ones are better
Anni
Annia year ago
I have had same kind of experiences, but not via Airbnb. I tought that this system where people can leave the comments and rates would help to get normally behaving guests : )
Russians living in Finland (where my house is) have been ok, but russians from Russia have let the house dirty, their foods to the kitchen, all the heaters on and of course to the maximum heat.
Reply Like 2 replies
Gordon
Gordona year ago
"Russians have let the house dirty, their foods to the kitchen, all the heaters on and of course to the maximum heat." As have Brazilian, Asian, English and American guests at my house.
Garrett
Garretta year ago
Yep to what Gordon just said. Having hosted around 200 different sets of guests to date, I'd say that no nationality or ethnic group has ownership of ignorance - it's spread pretty evenly around the world. For me, age and gender are the main factors, not nationality.
Anni
Annia year ago
I have to say that I do my dishes at the same way : ) dirty places are the biggest thing I don't like
Reply Like
Tena
Tenaa year ago
You may want to consider raising your rates just a bit to cover costs like this and then you can rest easier. Some travelers just want to feel luxurious and not frugal... Perhaps you could put a little framed post somewhere about how you try to conserve in your home. It makes sense to conserve!
Reply Like 1 reply•1 like
Gregory
Gregorya year ago
Hi Tena I've already been thinking about this. In my region there are a lot who ask the same rate. So for the moment because I'm just a 'starter' I can't raise it much. Hopefully airbnb will sort out something to set rates per country.
Анна и Михаил
Анна и Михаилa year ago
Hi! We live in Russia and we lease our apartments as owners. We have many guests from Russia. In Russia really it isn't accepted to save water, gas and electricity because here it is worth little money, in many apartments there are no metering devices of expenses of water and gas. I always ask the guests to wash the dishes in the dishwasher and to wash clothes in the washing machine, but many all the same do it by hands and spend a lot of water. Unfortunately, in Russia such national features. If you want to save water and electricity, you need to receive guests from Russia who are owners and lease the housing. We, being owners, we know as important to save water and electricity:)))))
Reply Like 1 reply•3 likes
Gregory
Gregorya year ago
I didn't knew that in many apartments there aren't metering devices. That's a good tip to receive guests who own and lease a house.
As a person I like to have it cheap for the people who come over but then they have to live in an economic way and with respect for the nature.
Jasmin
Jasmina year ago
Malaysia where I'm from is a tropical country. I had a guest from Texas, who left the air-conditioning on when she leaves the house, thinking that it's the norm. It's not. We switch off the air-con when we leave the house because our electricy tarriff is high. Apparently, it is common for people to have the air-con on the whole afternoon during summer in Texas and also Beijing. I guess, if I'm in Texas or Beijing in summer, and I switch off the air-con when I leave the house, my host will freak out because it'll be sweltering hot when they come back from work. Perhaps it's best to have a clear house rule to avoid misunderstanding.
Reply Like
Christina
Christinaa year ago
It really depends on the person, not the nationality. When we were in Greece this summer, my sister and cousin would jam the key slot so the aircon qould stay on while we were out. I was mortified, but they did this because they felt that it took too long for the aircon to get the room to cool off if they had to turn it on again when we returned. I would never do that. Some people do that in their own homes in NYC where I live, but I don't. I don't even have aircon for myself (just the guest rooms). Some people have the attitude when they are on vacation, they don't want to be frugal and energy conscious. I recycle, keep my house cooler in the winter and warmer in the summer than most people in NYC. I compost, recycle, collect rainwater, etc., but I don't impose that on my guests. If they were taking really long showers or being wasteful with the washer, then I would say something.
Reply Like 1 reply•1 like
Alexandra
Alexandraa year ago
Nest is the way to go. I described it in detail in a post a few days ago.
Stan & Maggie
Stan & Maggiea year ago
I think that it's more a matter of being used to sealed and community heated apartments , common in very cold areas. We've just hosted someone from a cold climate, the heating was way up day and night, windows open, lights on etc! The rest of the house was like a sauna ( no zoning) so we have moved the thermostat to a non guest area, it's a wifi one so I can monitor that no one freezes or boils in our mild climate!
Reply Like 1 reply
Tena
Tenaa year ago
Question about your new thermostat... what kind did you get and do you like it? I have been considering this...
Rick
Ricka year ago
I think some of the problems may be the result of cultural differences...(as was brought up by the Russian host)...I must say that I wash dishes the same way as the Russians & often shave that way as well...but....resources are fairly inexpensive where I live & there is no shortage of (email hidden)ople from the other side of the country where it's drier, do things very differently...& as far as the heating & a/c---here the a/c goes on by may & off in late September...there is no on & off during the day...Yes...I know it's wasteful...I try to keep it at a higher temp in the summer & much lower in winter...
we can put up signs about energy conservation, etc...& hope for the best...I don't think you're going to change anyone's behavior after a 2 night stay...
Reply Like
Carrie
Carriea year ago
I think sometimes it's a matter of letting things go when they're basic lifestyle habits. For some things, we can write them in house rules and/or issue friendly reminders, etc., but so many behaviors are just habits - be them cultural or individual and, hopefully, our fees are such that they average out & we still end up making a profit. Easier said that done, sometimes, I know.
I know I've gotten myself out of bed plenty of times, late at night, to turn off that hallway light that the guests left on when they went to bed...
Reply Like 1 reply
Gregory
Gregorya year ago
Yeah, the example of the light is sometimes frustrating.
Deborah
Deboraha year ago
Water waste can be a problem, particularly in areas experiencing drought, like my area, California. Some areas in my state have had mandatory water use reductions, so that if they do not REDUCE their water use over what has been up to now their average use, they will get fined and/or higher fees. So potentially one could have a situation where one's guests (over time -- it would have to be more than just a couple days) engage in behavior that causes one to be issued fines/high fees by a utility company.
I would also tend to think that wastage doesn't correlate to nationality, but it is interesting that the host from Russia above states that conservation of resources is essentially something unknown in her country. This does suggest that one would have to do more educating with guests from Russia, and also hope that they are receptive and respectful.
Reply Like
Carrie
Carriea year ago
and then there are guests who like to unplug everything. i think it evens out at the end.
Reply Like
Maiken
Maikena year ago
This was a great thread to read, thanks to everyone for the comments.
Yesterday i had a russian family of 8 people (4 are kids) check in and the first thing they did is complain about the heating (and that i would be in the house also, tho this was informed in advance). I turned up the heating for them and explained that its warmer upstairs, but they insisted to have more heat in the spot where they want to sit. I hope they'll be satisfied in the end, but I guess its a bit of a holiday-thing as well, not wanting to be "responsible".
Reply Like 5 replies•1 like
Gregory
Gregorya year ago
I do not agree with 'a bit of a holiday-thing'. I always try to do as if I'm at home when I'm in another place. The care for the nature doesn't change whatever place you are at.
Maiken
Maikena year ago
I totally agree and act so whenever traveling also, but I've also seen tourists go crazy the moment they step on foreign soil.
Christina
Christinaa year ago
I don't agree with it either, but I think we have to be aware some guests will be like that.
Jasmin
Jasmina year ago
Hahahaha Malken, I agree about being on holiday and not wanting to be 'responsible'. When AirAsia flies from London and Paris to Kuala Lumpur, we used to get 'low quality' tourists behaving just as you described. Since it ceased that route, such behaviour is now rare.
Lisa & Lee
Lisa & Lee a year ago
Hi Maiken, I'm Lisa (not Lee). Your home is lovely, and the price seems very reasonable for what you are offering. However, the category you chose to list it under (Entire Home/Apt) is very misleading. If I was your guest, I would expect for you to vacate the premises so I would have the exclusive use of the home throughout my stay (excepting any areas that you in the listing mention that guests aren't permitted to access... for instance, some hosts lock off their personal bedroom and/or some other rooms, don't allow access to a basement, garage, certain closets, etc.), as "entire Home/Apt" means the only people who will be there are the guest and any other people who were included in their reservation. You later in the listing state "I live in the house, so we will share the space," a statement that contradicts Airbnb's definition of what constitutes an "Entire Home/Apt." The info below was taken directly from the Airbnb help page at www.airbnb.com/help/article/317 and according to this info, what you are offering should be listed as "Private Room": What should I choose for my room type? All listings are categorized into the following three room types: shared rooms, private rooms, and entire homes/apartments. As a host, you're responsible for accurately describing your listing, so make sure you choose the appropriate room type. Shared rooms: guests share the entire space with you or others and don't have a room to themselves. Private rooms: guests share some spaces with you, like the kitchen, living room, or bathroom, but they have their own private room for sleeping. Entire homes/apartments: guests rent the entire property and do not have to share the space with you or with anyone else.
Fleur, Dan and kids
Fleur, Dan and kidsa year ago
Just out of curiosity what are your power/water costs? Here in Brisbane Australia power is 25c/kWh and water is $3.07 per 1000 litres averaged (264 gallons). This is in Australian dollars. It's expensive!
Reply Like 6 replies
Rick
Ricka year ago
I remember when I visited Australia & was thinking about possibly re-locating---my host said "take a look at our utility bills!~" enough said! My water bill for 2 months here was $125
Salvia
Salviaa year ago
Here in Zürich, Switzerland (indicated in AUD): 24c/kWh and 2.45 Dollar/1000 litres.
Jasmin
Jasmina year ago
In Malaysia it's USD0.006/kWh or AUD0.007/kWh. Cheap by your standard but not by Malaysian standard. Water is very cheap here. Monthly average household consumption is only USD0.15 or AUD0.19 per 1000 litres.
Salvia
Salviaa year ago
Yes, utility bills... it is worth to think carefully about how to work in costs into nightly rates. E.g. (long) showers can add up. I have calculated that a shower (with my water saving shower head that just lets through 12l/minute - can be adjusted to avoid moaning about low water pressure) of 10 Min.(looong in my eyes!) costs EUR 1.10 /AUD 1.62 (costs for water consumption+waste water+heating).
Fleur, Dan and kids
Fleur, Dan and kidsa year ago
Wow Salvia it's common to have water saving shower heads here which are 7L/minute. I have thought Switzerland must be similar to here. Lol Rick! And Jasmine I just got back from Malaysia but didn't realise it was that cheap! Where does your power come from? Hydro?
Jasmin
Jasmina year ago
Fleur, various. Hydro, coal. It's still expensive by our standard of living. Everything in Australia is expensive.
Margo
Margoa year ago
My higher electricity bill was from a young guy from USA, American. That month I paid almost 4 times more then my regular electricity bill. Lesson learned. I tell guests not to leave electricity on when they are away, I had a guest from a country in Asia who did just that and I told her I will have to charge her for electricity if she will continue wasting power. This helped. You may want to consider that. It is not only about the cost, here you have an opportunity to educate someone about conservation and the environment.
It seems as people all over the planet are not aware no matter what country they are coming from.
Reply Like
Salvia
Salviaa year ago
The newer houses have all this when you rent it but the older ones don't . As the tennant pays the utility bill owners of older buildings tend to avoid investments in latest Technology if they don't profit (enough) from it. I tried a model with 7-9l/ but the noise it made (some kind of Ventilator mixed water with air) was really disturbing and annoying and I felt it took ages to rinse my thick long hair because of low pressure. So the actual one is a compromise to the original 18l (!) one...
Reply Like
Fran
Frana year ago
Hi Gregory, so far I did not have such a problem as you have described. However, I would ask guests to save energy and water for the sake of the environmental protection. Regards, Fran
Reply Like 1 reply
Gregory
Gregorya year ago
Yeah, but I told them how to do for example the dishes, do ... If they just go their own way it's difficult to change it in a couple of days.
Maxine
Maxinea year ago
In the UK, (SW) water is very expensive. The bill is about £5.20 per cubic metre of water used. ( inc. waste removal). Electric is 18.5p per Kw hour, plus a 36p per day standing charge. Gas is cheap from Ebico - 5.4p per unit :-)
A guest used £60 (120 Au dollars) of gas in 11 days, recently. And it wasn't that cold! :-(
Reply Like
Deborah
www.airbnb.com/groups/content/content-102783
Honest review? / Excessive use of water and electricity by people of Russia
Hi everyone
I have had people from Russia staying over and they weren't that economic.
My rate is really not that high for the house.
First day I explained how I do for example the dishes, ...
But they just spoil water like it's nothing. Every morning and every evening I heard liters of waters flow down for nothing.
They could use the sink and fill it a bit with water. But instead when shaving them, they just opened the water tap and let it flow while shaving them. Sometimes +- 10 - 15 minutes.
In the kitchen they were cooking and everytime they opened the water tap for +- 10 minutes without using any water. Or just to clean the vegetables.
But you can fill the sink and clean them.When they did the dishes they didn't fill the sink. They just let water flow and for every spoon, knife, plate, ... they used soap. A lot of soap was used for nothing.
And about electricity : on my page people can see that they can use a heater and extra blankets. The Russians my house was cold and they had to use the heater to sleep.But most of the time they used the heater and left doors open... The extra thick blanket's I gave them because it's winter, weren't used by them.
And I always asked to them if everything's okay and they didn't mention anything about the things they wrote in the review.
For this moment, I won't accept any people from Russia anymore.
I asked at airbnb if it's possible to change rates per country.
If Russians spoil they have to pay for it but this is not yet possible.
How would you handle this?
For the moment I don't ask a security deposit.
Should I let people pay extra for electricity & water in excessive way?
And about the review : the review was not that good.
First day they came they didn't had any food, so I gave them food of mine. (for free)They used a lot of things in my kitchen and I didn't ask a price for it.
They ate candy & other stuff sometimes without asking me.I really was a bit frustrated about them and I would normally write a bad review of them.
But instead I wrote a neutral review and I didn't mention the excessive use and spoiling of everything. They always left the kitchen, bathroom, ... dirty.When they left nothing was cleaned up.
18 comments
Following
Like
Gordon
Gordona year ago
Believe me, you can't pin iffy behaviour on any one countryman (or woman). As for the washing up process, I know many people who do it like this. You gotta suck it up I'm afraid.
Keep smiling and think of the money :-)
Reply Like 1 reply•3 likes
Leanne
Leannea year ago
I agree with you Gordon some do get to you but like you say suck it up and hope the next ones are better
Anni
Annia year ago
I have had same kind of experiences, but not via Airbnb. I tought that this system where people can leave the comments and rates would help to get normally behaving guests : )
Russians living in Finland (where my house is) have been ok, but russians from Russia have let the house dirty, their foods to the kitchen, all the heaters on and of course to the maximum heat.
Reply Like 2 replies
Gordon
Gordona year ago
"Russians have let the house dirty, their foods to the kitchen, all the heaters on and of course to the maximum heat." As have Brazilian, Asian, English and American guests at my house.
Garrett
Garretta year ago
Yep to what Gordon just said. Having hosted around 200 different sets of guests to date, I'd say that no nationality or ethnic group has ownership of ignorance - it's spread pretty evenly around the world. For me, age and gender are the main factors, not nationality.
Anni
Annia year ago
I have to say that I do my dishes at the same way : ) dirty places are the biggest thing I don't like
Reply Like
Tena
Tenaa year ago
You may want to consider raising your rates just a bit to cover costs like this and then you can rest easier. Some travelers just want to feel luxurious and not frugal... Perhaps you could put a little framed post somewhere about how you try to conserve in your home. It makes sense to conserve!
Reply Like 1 reply•1 like
Gregory
Gregorya year ago
Hi Tena I've already been thinking about this. In my region there are a lot who ask the same rate. So for the moment because I'm just a 'starter' I can't raise it much. Hopefully airbnb will sort out something to set rates per country.
Анна и Михаил
Анна и Михаилa year ago
Hi! We live in Russia and we lease our apartments as owners. We have many guests from Russia. In Russia really it isn't accepted to save water, gas and electricity because here it is worth little money, in many apartments there are no metering devices of expenses of water and gas. I always ask the guests to wash the dishes in the dishwasher and to wash clothes in the washing machine, but many all the same do it by hands and spend a lot of water. Unfortunately, in Russia such national features. If you want to save water and electricity, you need to receive guests from Russia who are owners and lease the housing. We, being owners, we know as important to save water and electricity:)))))
Reply Like 1 reply•3 likes
Gregory
Gregorya year ago
I didn't knew that in many apartments there aren't metering devices. That's a good tip to receive guests who own and lease a house.
As a person I like to have it cheap for the people who come over but then they have to live in an economic way and with respect for the nature.Jasmin
Jasmina year ago
Malaysia where I'm from is a tropical country. I had a guest from Texas, who left the air-conditioning on when she leaves the house, thinking that it's the norm. It's not. We switch off the air-con when we leave the house because our electricy tarriff is high. Apparently, it is common for people to have the air-con on the whole afternoon during summer in Texas and also Beijing. I guess, if I'm in Texas or Beijing in summer, and I switch off the air-con when I leave the house, my host will freak out because it'll be sweltering hot when they come back from work. Perhaps it's best to have a clear house rule to avoid misunderstanding.
Reply Like
Christina
Christinaa year ago
It really depends on the person, not the nationality. When we were in Greece this summer, my sister and cousin would jam the key slot so the aircon qould stay on while we were out. I was mortified, but they did this because they felt that it took too long for the aircon to get the room to cool off if they had to turn it on again when we returned. I would never do that. Some people do that in their own homes in NYC where I live, but I don't. I don't even have aircon for myself (just the guest rooms). Some people have the attitude when they are on vacation, they don't want to be frugal and energy conscious. I recycle, keep my house cooler in the winter and warmer in the summer than most people in NYC. I compost, recycle, collect rainwater, etc., but I don't impose that on my guests. If they were taking really long showers or being wasteful with the washer, then I would say something.
Reply Like 1 reply•1 like
Alexandra
Alexandraa year ago
Nest is the way to go. I described it in detail in a post a few days ago.
Stan & Maggie
Stan & Maggiea year ago
I think that it's more a matter of being used to sealed and community heated apartments , common in very cold areas. We've just hosted someone from a cold climate, the heating was way up day and night, windows open, lights on etc! The rest of the house was like a sauna ( no zoning) so we have moved the thermostat to a non guest area, it's a wifi one so I can monitor that no one freezes or boils in our mild climate!
Reply Like 1 reply
Tena
Tenaa year ago
Question about your new thermostat... what kind did you get and do you like it? I have been considering this...
Rick
Ricka year ago
I think some of the problems may be the result of cultural differences...(as was brought up by the Russian host)...I must say that I wash dishes the same way as the Russians & often shave that way as well...but....resources are fairly inexpensive where I live & there is no shortage of (email hidden)ople from the other side of the country where it's drier, do things very differently...& as far as the heating & a/c---here the a/c goes on by may & off in late September...there is no on & off during the day...Yes...I know it's wasteful...I try to keep it at a higher temp in the summer & much lower in winter...
we can put up signs about energy conservation, etc...& hope for the best...I don't think you're going to change anyone's behavior after a 2 night stay...
Reply Like
Carrie
Carriea year ago
I think sometimes it's a matter of letting things go when they're basic lifestyle habits. For some things, we can write them in house rules and/or issue friendly reminders, etc., but so many behaviors are just habits - be them cultural or individual and, hopefully, our fees are such that they average out & we still end up making a profit. Easier said that done, sometimes, I know.
I know I've gotten myself out of bed plenty of times, late at night, to turn off that hallway light that the guests left on when they went to bed...
Reply Like 1 reply
Gregory
Gregorya year ago
Yeah, the example of the light is sometimes frustrating.
Deborah
Deboraha year ago
Water waste can be a problem, particularly in areas experiencing drought, like my area, California. Some areas in my state have had mandatory water use reductions, so that if they do not REDUCE their water use over what has been up to now their average use, they will get fined and/or higher fees. So potentially one could have a situation where one's guests (over time -- it would have to be more than just a couple days) engage in behavior that causes one to be issued fines/high fees by a utility company.
I would also tend to think that wastage doesn't correlate to nationality, but it is interesting that the host from Russia above states that conservation of resources is essentially something unknown in her country. This does suggest that one would have to do more educating with guests from Russia, and also hope that they are receptive and respectful.
Reply Like
Carrie
Carriea year ago
and then there are guests who like to unplug everything. i think it evens out at the end.
Reply Like
Maiken
Maikena year ago
This was a great thread to read, thanks to everyone for the comments.
Yesterday i had a russian family of 8 people (4 are kids) check in and the first thing they did is complain about the heating (and that i would be in the house also, tho this was informed in advance). I turned up the heating for them and explained that its warmer upstairs, but they insisted to have more heat in the spot where they want to sit. I hope they'll be satisfied in the end, but I guess its a bit of a holiday-thing as well, not wanting to be "responsible".
Reply Like 5 replies•1 like
Gregory
Gregorya year ago
I do not agree with 'a bit of a holiday-thing'. I always try to do as if I'm at home when I'm in another place. The care for the nature doesn't change whatever place you are at.
Maiken
Maikena year ago
I totally agree and act so whenever traveling also, but I've also seen tourists go crazy the moment they step on foreign soil.
Christina
Christinaa year ago
I don't agree with it either, but I think we have to be aware some guests will be like that.
Jasmin
Jasmina year ago
Hahahaha Malken, I agree about being on holiday and not wanting to be 'responsible'. When AirAsia flies from London and Paris to Kuala Lumpur, we used to get 'low quality' tourists behaving just as you described. Since it ceased that route, such behaviour is now rare.
Lisa & Lee
Lisa & Lee a year ago
Hi Maiken, I'm Lisa (not Lee). Your home is lovely, and the price seems very reasonable for what you are offering. However, the category you chose to list it under (Entire Home/Apt) is very misleading. If I was your guest, I would expect for you to vacate the premises so I would have the exclusive use of the home throughout my stay (excepting any areas that you in the listing mention that guests aren't permitted to access... for instance, some hosts lock off their personal bedroom and/or some other rooms, don't allow access to a basement, garage, certain closets, etc.), as "entire Home/Apt" means the only people who will be there are the guest and any other people who were included in their reservation. You later in the listing state "I live in the house, so we will share the space," a statement that contradicts Airbnb's definition of what constitutes an "Entire Home/Apt." The info below was taken directly from the Airbnb help page at www.airbnb.com/help/article/317 and according to this info, what you are offering should be listed as "Private Room": What should I choose for my room type? All listings are categorized into the following three room types: shared rooms, private rooms, and entire homes/apartments. As a host, you're responsible for accurately describing your listing, so make sure you choose the appropriate room type. Shared rooms: guests share the entire space with you or others and don't have a room to themselves. Private rooms: guests share some spaces with you, like the kitchen, living room, or bathroom, but they have their own private room for sleeping. Entire homes/apartments: guests rent the entire property and do not have to share the space with you or with anyone else.
Fleur, Dan and kids
Fleur, Dan and kidsa year ago
Just out of curiosity what are your power/water costs? Here in Brisbane Australia power is 25c/kWh and water is $3.07 per 1000 litres averaged (264 gallons). This is in Australian dollars. It's expensive!
Reply Like 6 replies
Rick
Ricka year ago
I remember when I visited Australia & was thinking about possibly re-locating---my host said "take a look at our utility bills!~" enough said! My water bill for 2 months here was $125
Salvia
Salviaa year ago
Here in Zürich, Switzerland (indicated in AUD): 24c/kWh and 2.45 Dollar/1000 litres.
Jasmin
Jasmina year ago
In Malaysia it's USD0.006/kWh or AUD0.007/kWh. Cheap by your standard but not by Malaysian standard. Water is very cheap here. Monthly average household consumption is only USD0.15 or AUD0.19 per 1000 litres.
Salvia
Salviaa year ago
Yes, utility bills... it is worth to think carefully about how to work in costs into nightly rates. E.g. (long) showers can add up. I have calculated that a shower (with my water saving shower head that just lets through 12l/minute - can be adjusted to avoid moaning about low water pressure) of 10 Min.(looong in my eyes!) costs EUR 1.10 /AUD 1.62 (costs for water consumption+waste water+heating).
Fleur, Dan and kids
Fleur, Dan and kidsa year ago
Wow Salvia it's common to have water saving shower heads here which are 7L/minute. I have thought Switzerland must be similar to here. Lol Rick! And Jasmine I just got back from Malaysia but didn't realise it was that cheap! Where does your power come from? Hydro?
Jasmin
Jasmina year ago
Fleur, various. Hydro, coal. It's still expensive by our standard of living. Everything in Australia is expensive.
Margo
Margoa year ago
My higher electricity bill was from a young guy from USA, American. That month I paid almost 4 times more then my regular electricity bill. Lesson learned. I tell guests not to leave electricity on when they are away, I had a guest from a country in Asia who did just that and I told her I will have to charge her for electricity if she will continue wasting power. This helped. You may want to consider that. It is not only about the cost, here you have an opportunity to educate someone about conservation and the environment.
It seems as people all over the planet are not aware no matter what country they are coming from.
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Salvia
Salviaa year ago
The newer houses have all this when you rent it but the older ones don't . As the tennant pays the utility bill owners of older buildings tend to avoid investments in latest Technology if they don't profit (enough) from it. I tried a model with 7-9l/ but the noise it made (some kind of Ventilator mixed water with air) was really disturbing and annoying and I felt it took ages to rinse my thick long hair because of low pressure. So the actual one is a compromise to the original 18l (!) one...
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Fran
Frana year ago
Hi Gregory, so far I did not have such a problem as you have described. However, I would ask guests to save energy and water for the sake of the environmental protection. Regards, Fran
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Gregory
Gregorya year ago
Yeah, but I told them how to do for example the dishes, do ... If they just go their own way it's difficult to change it in a couple of days.
Maxine
Maxinea year ago
In the UK, (SW) water is very expensive. The bill is about £5.20 per cubic metre of water used. ( inc. waste removal). Electric is 18.5p per Kw hour, plus a 36p per day standing charge. Gas is cheap from Ebico - 5.4p per unit :-)
A guest used £60 (120 Au dollars) of gas in 11 days, recently. And it wasn't that cold! :-(
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Deborah