Buyers decide how they feel about a house in the first minute, and “it’s hot in here” is not the feeling you want. Setting the thermostat before a showing is one of the cheapest, easiest things a seller can do. Here’s the temperature to set, when to set it, and the other comfort details that keep buyers looking at the house instead of heading for the door.
The best thermostat setting for a showing
- Summer: about 70°F to 72°F. Cool enough that buyers walking in from a hot car feel relief, not so cold they notice.
- Winter: about 68°F to 72°F. Warm and comfortable, not stuffy.
- Spring and fall: whatever keeps the house near 70°F. On a nice day, a couple of open windows beforehand can freshen the air, then close them before the showing.
Timing: adjust it 30 to 60 minutes before the showing so the house has time to get there. A smart or programmable thermostat can do this on a schedule, which helps when showings stack up.
Why the temperature matters
- Buyers stay longer. A comfortable buyer lingers, opens closets and pictures their furniture in the room. A hot buyer rushes.
- It says “this house works.” A house that’s cool in July or warm in January suggests the HVAC is doing its job. A sweaty house makes buyers wonder about the system, the insulation and the power bill.
- Nobody remembers the good temperature. They only remember the bad one. That’s the point.
Don’t forget humidity
In a North Carolina summer, humidity matters as much as temperature. A house at 72°F can still feel clammy and smell musty. Run the AC long enough to pull moisture out, use a dehumidifier in a basement if you have one, and deal with any crawlspace or basement odor before you list. Buyers notice smells faster than they notice anything else.
If the house is vacant
- Keep the utilities on until closing. Buyers, inspectors and appraisers all need power, water and HVAC.
- Don’t shut the system off to save money. A vacant house in summer gets hot and humid fast, and in winter you risk frozen pipes.
- Use a smart thermostat or set it to hold around 70°F during showing hours and a moderate setting overnight.
- Have someone check the house regularly, especially after storms or a cold snap.
A quick pre-showing comfort checklist
- Set the thermostat 30 to 60 minutes ahead.
- Replace the HVAC filter, especially before you list. It helps airflow and smell.
- Turn on ceiling fans on low in summer.
- Open blinds and turn on the lights.
- Take out the trash and skip cooking strong-smelling food that day.
- Leave the HVAC service records out, or tell your agent where they are. Buyers like proof.
Getting the house ready overall? See clean before you list and tiny fixes that save your listing.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature should a house be for a showing?
Around 70°F to 72°F in summer and 68°F to 72°F in winter. The goal is that nobody notices the temperature at all.
Should I leave the AC on during showings?
Yes. Leaving it on, set to a comfortable temperature, costs far less than a buyer who cuts the tour short because the house is hot.
Should I keep the heat on in a vacant house I’m selling?
Yes. Keep the heat on to protect the pipes and keep the house comfortable for showings, inspections and the appraisal.
Does a smart thermostat stay with the house?
Items attached to the house usually convey with the sale unless they’re excluded. If you plan to take your smart thermostat, tell your agent so it can be excluded in writing, or swap it out before you list.
Getting ready to sell in the Triad? Estimate what you’ll walk away with using our seller net proceeds calculator, browse our home selling resources, or talk to a Mantle Realty agent.
