If you’ve ever looked at your thermostat and wondered, “What does Hold mean on thermostat?” you’re not alone. Many homeowners across Van Buren, Fort Smith, Alma, and Greenwood have asked us this question. At Riverside Comfort Care, we’re here to break it down in simple terms.
Understanding how to properly use your thermostat’s Hold function can make a big difference in your comfort and energy efficiency.
What Does Hold Mean on a Thermostat?
The “Hold” setting on a thermostat temporarily overrides your scheduled temperature settings and maintains a specific temperature until you cancel it.
Normally, programmable thermostats follow a daily or weekly schedule—raising and lowering temperatures depending on the time of day. When you hit “Hold,” the thermostat stops following the schedule and keeps the temperature at your selected setting.
According to ENERGY STAR, using programmable settings helps save up to 10% a year on heating and cooling bills. However, the Hold feature is there for times when your normal routine changes.
Types of Hold Settings
1. Temporary Hold
A temporary hold maintains your chosen temperature until the next scheduled cycle kicks in. For example, if you manually lower the temperature at 2 PM, but your programmed schedule resumes at 5 PM, the Hold will last until then.
2. Permanent Hold
A permanent hold maintains the temperature indefinitely, until you manually cancel it. This is useful for vacations or long weekends when you want the house to stay at one consistent temperature.
Honeywell Home offers thermostats with both types of hold options for flexible home comfort.
When Should You Use the Hold Button?
During Unexpected Schedule Changes
If you’re staying home from work, hosting guests, or spending a weekend away, the Hold function keeps your home comfortable without reprogramming the whole schedule.
For Short Vacations
Instead of reprogramming your entire week, set a Permanent Hold to maintain a specific temperature while you’re gone.
When You Need Consistency
Some people prefer a consistent temperature rather than fluctuating with a schedule. A Permanent Hold allows that stability.
The U.S. Department of Energy still recommends using scheduled settings for maximum savings, but Hold offers flexibility when life gets unpredictable.
Pros and Cons of Using the Hold Setting
Pros:
- Quick adjustment without changing the program
- Ideal for short-term schedule changes
- Easy to cancel or modify
Cons:
- Can waste energy if left on unnecessarily
- May lead to higher utility bills if used excessively
For maximum efficiency, always remember to cancel Hold once you return to your normal schedule.
How to Cancel the Hold Setting
Most thermostats offer a simple “Cancel,” “Run Schedule,” or “Resume” button that restores the programmed settings.
Refer to your thermostat’s user manual or visit your manufacturer’s website for step-by-step instructions. Brands like Honeywell and ecobee provide excellent support guides.
Smart Thermostats and the Hold Feature
Many smart thermostats—such as Nest, ecobee, and Honeywell—use similar Hold functions but offer more customization. Some systems allow you to set an “Eco Hold” for energy savings, or temporary overrides tied to mobile apps.
Learn more about smart thermostat energy savings from ENERGY STAR.
Why Trust Riverside Comfort Care for Thermostat Help?
At Riverside Comfort Care, we’re not just HVAC pros—we’re comfort specialists. Whether you need help programming your thermostat, upgrading to a smart model, or troubleshooting heating and cooling issues, we’re ready to help across:
We’re proud to be BBB Accredited and Van Buren Chamber of Commerce members.
Helpful Resources
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