In Wellington, the holiday season is synonymous with hospitality. It’s the time of year when our community comes alive with family gatherings, equestrian events, and friends visiting from colder climates to enjoy our beautiful Florida weather. For many Wellington homeowners, this means opening up the “casita,” the guest house, or the mother-in-law suite. These spaces are wonderful assets for hosting, offering privacy and comfort to your loved ones.
However, these secondary living spaces often present a hidden challenge. Because they can go unoccupied for weeks or even months at a time, their HVAC systems are frequently “out of sight, out of mind.” There is nothing worse than welcoming your guests, carrying their bags to the casita, and being hit with a wall of stale, musty air—or worse, discovering at 10 PM that the AC unit won’t turn on. Ensuring your guest house is as comfortable and inviting as your main residence requires a little proactive planning. Here is your guide to prepping your Wellington guest accommodations for the holiday season.
The "Stale Air" Syndrome: Fighting Humidity in Unused Spaces
The biggest enemy of a guest house in Florida is humidity. If the AC in your casita has been turned off or set to a very high temperature for an extended period, humidity has likely accumulated inside. Without regular air circulation and dehumidification, walls, carpets, and furniture absorb moisture. This leads to that distinct “stale” odor and can even encourage the growth of mold or mildew.
Don’t wait until the day your guests arrive to turn on the system.
Start Early: We recommend turning the AC on and setting it to a comfortable temperature (around 75-76°F) at least 2-3 days before guests arrive.
Circulate the Air: This lead time allows the system to pull the accumulated moisture out of the furnishings and structure, eliminating musty odors and ensuring the bedding feels crisp and dry, not clammy.
The Temperature Trap: Is the Heat Ready?
It sounds counterintuitive in Florida, but December nights in Wellington can get chilly, sometimes dipping into the 40s or 50s. Your guests, especially those visiting from the north who are expecting tropical heat, might be surprisingly sensitive to these cooler nights.
Test the heating function now. Switch the thermostat in the guest house to “Heat” and bump the temperature up a few degrees. Listen for the system to engage and feel the vents to ensure warm air is coming out. You might smell a faint burning dust odor for a few minutes—this is normal burn-off. However, if the system fails to switch over or blows cold air, you need a professional repair immediately. You don’t want your guests shivering through their first night.
Air Quality: Dust, Spiders, and Filters
An HVAC system that sits idle collects dust. The ductwork, the blower wheel, and the filter can become havens for dust bunnies and even insects. When you finally turn the system on high for your guests, all of that debris can be blown into the living space, triggering allergies and creating a mess.
Change the Filter: This is non-negotiable. Put in a fresh, high-quality filter to ensure your guests are breathing clean air.
Check the Vents: Inspect the supply and return vents. Make sure they aren’t blocked by furniture and give them a quick vacuum to remove any cobwebs or dust that have settled while the room was empty.
The "Quiet Night" Test
Guest houses are often smaller spaces where the HVAC unit might be located in a closet very close to the bedroom. A system that rattles, buzzes, or squeals can make sleep impossible for your visitors.
Go into the guest house, turn the AC on, and close the door. Sit in silence for a few minutes. Listen for any unusual mechanical noises. What sounds like a faint hum during the day can sound like a freight train at 2 AM. If the unit is making strange noises, it may have a loose component or a motor issue that needs professional attention.
The Ultimate Host Move: A Pre-Holiday Professional Tune-Up
You have enough on your plate preparing for the holidays—shopping, cooking, and decorating. You shouldn’t have to worry about whether the AC in the guest house is going to leak water or fail in the middle of a dinner party.
The smartest move for the Wellington host is to schedule a professional inspection for your guest house system. At Richard’s AC, we can perform a comprehensive check that includes:
Clearing the condensate drain line (to prevent water leaks that could ruin your guest house flooring).
Checking refrigerant levels for optimal cooling.
Testing the heating cycle.
Inspect electrical connections for safety.
Ensuring your guest accommodations are perfectly climate-controlled shows your guests that you care about their comfort. It allows you to be the perfect host, confident that every square foot of your property is ready for the festivities.
Reliable Service for Your Wellington Estate
Whether it’s your main residence or your guest casita, every system on your property deserves expert care. Don’t let a forgotten HVAC unit disrupt your holiday plans.
For professional AC Repair and Maintenance Service that understands the unique needs of Wellington homeowners, trust Richard’s AC. We serve Wellington, Lake Worth, Royal Palm Beach, and across Palm Beach County.
Get your guest house holiday-ready today! Contact us to schedule a check-up
