If you own a short-term rental in Fredericksburg, you already know that standing out in a sea of listings on Airbnb and Vrbo is no small task. With over 1,600 active short-term rentals in the area, guests have options—and they’re not shy about sharing their experience when something isn’t quite right.

At 72 Degrees Texas, we’ve helped plenty of STR owners who’ve dealt with unexpected HVAC issues. Sometimes it’s a full system failure during a summer heatwave. Other times, it’s quieter but just as damaging—like a guest who complains the house never really cooled off or was a little too hot to sleep. You might not notice it right away, but one or two comments like that can quietly chip away at your bookings, your rates, and your peace of mind.

In a market packed with listings for lodging in Fredericksburg TX or claims to be the best place to stay, guest comfort can make or break your reviews—and your bookings.

One Bad Review Can Drop You from “Best Place to Stay” to “Wouldn’t Stay Again”

We’ve seen it happen: a beautifully decorated listing with a prime location loses momentum after a few offhand mentions about heat, airflow, or temperature control.

And here in the Hill Country, those reviews can pop up fast. With the average daily rate (ADR) sitting around $350 per night and occupancy at roughly 43%, even a minor drop in bookings could mean thousands of dollars left on the table every season.

More importantly? It takes just one HVAC-related complaint during a peak weekend—say, during Oktoberfest or Wine & Food Fest—for a guest to request a refund, leave a low rating, or write something that scares future travelers away.

If your Airbnb or Vrbo listing in Fredericksburg TX is booked out months in advance, you can’t afford a comfort-related misstep. When guests are paying premium prices, they expect flawless stays. No hot bedrooms. No thermostats that “don’t seem to work.” No excuses.

Would You Stay in Your Own Property After a Hill Country Summer Day?

Let’s flip the lens.

Picture this: Your guests just spent the day exploring wineries, sweating under the Texas sun, and maybe wrangling a few cranky toddlers. They walk into your vacation rental expecting that sweet blast of cool air… and instead, they get a lukewarm breeze. Or worse—silence.

You’re miles away. It’s Saturday night. They message you that the AC isn’t working, or isn’t keeping up.

And then they leave a review.

“House was beautiful but got way too hot at night.”

“Thermostat didn’t work—we had to open the windows.”

“Wouldn’t stay here again unless the AC is fixed.”

Now multiply that by the number of listings in “lodging in Fredericksburg TX,” and ask yourself: if someone reads that review, are they going to choose your place… or the one across town with central air, smart thermostat, and zero complaints?

Why So Many STR Owners Delay Replacing Their AC—Until It’s Too Late

We get it. Replacing an AC system in your short-term rental is a big-ticket item. Many owners try to stretch a few more seasons out of their current unit, especially if it seems to “work most of the time.”

But here’s the reality:

“Works most of the time” isn’t good enough for vacationers paying top dollar.
Older units struggle in Fredericksburg’s summer heat, especially if your rental has multiple rooms or a guest house.
And most importantly—you’re not there to catch the signs. Your guests are.

A lot of our STR clients wait until the second or third HVAC complaint before they reach out. But by then, they’ve already lost a few reviews and started to feel the pressure from falling bookings.

The New Standard: Comfort You Can Count On (and Show Off)

So what if your listing wasn’t just problem-free—but comfort-forward? What if your property became known for being the best place to stay in Fredericksburg TX because it always feels just right?

Here’s how upgrading your HVAC system can turn your rental into a guest favorite—and protect your reputation at the same time.

Smart Thermostat Integration
Guests love easy-to-use thermostats they can adjust with a tap. We install systems that work with Nest, Ecobee, and other intuitive options so your guests feel like they’re in control—but you can still monitor energy use remotely.
Zoned Cooling or Room-Specific Solutions
Have a guest house? Converted garage? Loft bedroom? We can install ductless mini-splits that give your guests control over their own space—without overloading the system.
Better Airflow, Cleaner Air
Modern HVAC systems move air more efficiently, reduce humidity, and can even include high-efficiency filters for allergens and odors. The result? A cooler, fresher-feeling stay.
Fewer Emergencies, Fewer Refunds
New systems come with fewer surprises. That means no panicked Saturday night calls, no last-minute cancellations, and no chasing down emergency repairs on a holiday weekend.
Energy Savings for You
Most STR owners don’t realize how much they’re overpaying on utilities due to aging HVAC systems. Energy-efficient models can cut those bills dramatically—and reduce your carbon footprint, which savvy travelers love to see.

Special Offer: No Payments, No Interest For 6 Months on a New A/C System

We know that timing matters, especially in the off-season. If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your HVAC, now’s a great time to act.

No Payments, No Interest For 6 Months on a New A/C System
Expires: 09/30/2025

Subject to credit approval. 8.94% APR based on 0.00% promotional interest rate for 6 months (“Promo Period”) followed by fixed interest rate of 9.99% for 120 months based on the amount financed and other amounts owed. Monthly payments are not required during the Promo Period. For every $1,000 financed: 6 monthly payments of $0.00 at 0%, followed by 120 monthly payments of $13.21 at 9.99% fixed APR. Estimate only. Call for full terms.

Ready to Make Your Property One of the Best in Fredericksburg?

At 72 Degrees Texas, we’ve helped plenty of Hill Country rental owners replace old systems with modern, guest-approved comfort solutions. We’re not here to sell you something you don’t need—we’re here to make sure you’re protected before peak season hits again.

We install the latest energy-efficient HVAC systems, smart thermostats, and zoned cooling options designed specifically for properties like yours. We’ll walk you through the right-size system, explain your financing options, and back our work with our Home Comfort Guarantee.

Let’s make your place the coolest stay in Fredericksburg—literally.

Call us today, and we’ll help you keep your guests happy, your reviews glowing, and your calendar fully booked.