Yay! When it rains, The Unbound transforms into a mysterious wonderland of waterfalls and streams. The rain also brings a few challenges so here are a few specific areas to focus on when it’s raining.
Monitor Your Power Consumption
When it rains, it is cloudy and it is not uncommon for it to rain for several days. Cloud cover impedes the ability of the solar panels to recharge the batteries.
- Manage your power consumption wisely. There is no backup system for the batteries beyond the sun.
- Check the battery state of charge on the control panel
- Only use any high-consumption appliances (anything that heats up) when necessary.
- Switch off all lights when you leave a room.
Starting a Fireplace Fire
Follow our instructions on how to start a fire in a slow-combustion fireplace. Keep in mind that some of the wood may be wet.
- Important: Get some good heat going using thinner pieces of wood and kindling.
- A hot fireplace with a bed of coals has a healthy disregard for wet wood.
- Once properly heated, feel free to load a couple of pieces. It will dry and burn.
Woodfired Hot Tub
The hot tub can be challenging to get going in the rain. It is normal for some water to get into the combustion chamber. If you try to start your fire in the water, you’re in for a long night!
- If you can, and feel so inclined, try to remove some water from the bottom before starting your fire.
- Alternatively, pack a few large logs side-by-side on the bottom and start your fire on top of those, out of the water. Cross your fingers that the water evaporates
- Finally, you are welcome to call Suzanne and we’ll send somebody up to dry the chamber for you and get your fire going!
- Once it burns, follow our instructions, and don’t overload the chamber with wood.
Deck Furniture and Pillows
The pillows on the deck furniture will not be damaged should they get wet, however, you won’t be able to use them. If it was raining before your arrival, we may leave some or all of them inside. Apologies in advance for that. We think you’d prefer dry pillows.
- When the rain stops, feel free to set them out on the furniture. Give the chairs a quick wipe-down so they don’t wet the pillows.
- If it starts to rain again, we ask that you move them back inside, or at least out of the rain, so you’ll be able to use them again later. They take a long time to dry.
Top-Hung Windows
The house has no overhangs or sofets (for fire protection). The Unbound has top-hung windows as they can be opened even when it’s raining. Just check to ensure it’s not splashing in from the sills, or that the wind is blowing water into the window from the side.
- Make sure the roof windows in the loft bedroom are closed or at least not tilted beyond 90 degrees or all the water will run down into the room!
Remember, contact Suzanne or myself should you need help with anything to make your stay more comfortable.