If you’ve ever set a temperature on your thermostat and tapped Hold, you’ve probably asked yourself, what does Hold mean on a thermostat—and what did I just do to my schedule? In short, Hold tells the thermostat to ignore the programmed schedule and keep the temperature you selected until you say otherwise. Used wisely, Hold can be handy. Used carelessly, it can quietly increase energy bills.
Below is a clear, homeowner-friendly guide—complete with quick steps, smart use-cases, and local tips for homes around Fort Smith, Van Buren, Alma, and Greenwood, AR.
What “Hold” Actually Does
On most programmable and smart thermostats, Hold locks in the current setpoint (your chosen temperature) and pauses the schedule. Instead of switching to your next programmed time block (Wake/Leave/Return/Sleep), the thermostat maintains the held temperature.
Temporary Hold (a.k.a. “Temp Hold”): Keeps your chosen temperature until the next scheduled change or for a specified duration (e.g., 2 hours).
Permanent Hold: Keeps the temperature indefinitely—until you cancel Hold or resume the schedule.
Some smart thermostats label these slightly differently, but the concept is the same: Hold = stick with this temperature.
Temporary Hold vs. Permanent Hold
Temporary Hold
Best for: Short interruptions—unexpected errands, a quick nap, a movie night, or guests dropping by.
How it behaves: You set a new temperature; it holds for a set time or until the next schedule period.
Why it’s helpful: It won’t forget your schedule. Once the time is up, the thermostat returns to normal programming.
Permanent Hold
Best for: Multi-day scenarios—snow days, weekend stay-cations, work-from-home weeks, or vacation setbacks when you want one steady temperature.
How it behaves: It ignores all scheduled periods until you tap Run/Resume/Use Schedule.
Watch out: If you forget to cancel Permanent Hold, you may lose the savings your schedule normally delivers.
When You Should Use Hold (And When You Shouldn’t)
Smart times to use Hold
Company is coming: Hold a comfortable temp for guests without editing your whole schedule.
Sick day comfort: Keep a steady, warmer (or cooler) temp while you rest.
Extreme weather in the River Valley: During heat waves or cold snaps around Fort Smith or Greenwood, Hold can reduce swings and maintain comfort.
Shift work: If your routine changes for a day or two, Temporary Hold is simpler than reprogramming.
Times to avoid Hold
Everyday living: Your schedule saves energy by adjusting temps when you’re away or asleep. Constant Permanent Hold can defeat those savings.
Forgetting to cancel: Leaving a Permanent Hold on “72° forever” can quietly raise your bill.
How to Set and Cancel Hold (Common Thermostat Patterns)
Note: Names vary, but these steps fit most Honeywell/Resideo, Emerson, ecobee, and Google Nest models.
Set a Temporary Hold
Tap the up/down arrows (or slider) to select a new temperature.
Choose Temporary Hold or a duration if prompted.
Confirm.
Set a Permanent Hold
Adjust the temperature to your desired setpoint.
Choose Permanent Hold or Hold (no end time).
Cancel Hold / Resume Schedule
Tap Run, Resume, Use Schedule, or toggle Hold off. Your programmed schedule takes over immediately.
If your exact model is different, your user manual or the manufacturer’s help center will show the exact button names.
Does Hold Save Energy?
Hold can save energy if you use it to maintain a more efficient setpoint (e.g., higher cooling setpoint in summer, lower heating setpoint in winter). But Hold can also waste energy if you bypass your energy-saving schedule with a more expensive temperature all day.
For reliable guidance on thermostat savings and setpoints, see:
U.S. Department of Energy on thermostats and schedules (thermostat basics, recommended setpoints).
ENERGY STAR on smart thermostats and energy savings.
Example Setpoints for the River Valley (Adjust to Comfort)
Summer cooling (occupied): ~76–78°F
Summer away: 80–84°F (or higher, if humidity is controlled)
Winter heating (occupied): ~68–70°F
Winter sleep/away: 62–66°F
These aren’t strict rules—comfort, health, and humidity matter. Homes in Van Buren or Alma with different insulation, sun exposure, or humidity may need tweaks. If you have medical needs or sensitive occupants, prioritize health and comfort.
“Hold” and Humidity: Why It Matters
In Arkansas summers, humidity can make 76°F feel sticky. Some smart thermostats can balance temperature with dehumidification (by running longer, lower-fan cycles or engaging “Dry” features on compatible systems). If yours has humidity control, consider a Hold that favors a slightly higher temp but maintains indoor RH around 45–55% for comfort.
Quick Troubleshooting: Hold Seems “Stuck”
Schedule won’t resume: Look for a Resume/Run button and tap it. On some models, you must tap twice.
App vs. wall unit mismatch: If you changed the app but the wall still shows Hold, sync or refresh the app and Wi-Fi connection.
Locked thermostat: Commercial or landlord settings can restrict changes. You may need an admin code or to disable lockout.
Battery low (non-hardwired models): Low power can cause erratic behavior—replace batteries and retry.
If the thermostat still won’t follow the schedule, the issue may be wiring, common (C) wire power, or firmware. A quick visit from an HVAC technician can sort this out.
Will Hold Hurt My HVAC System?
Not directly. Hold changes when your system runs, not how it operates. Still, extreme setpoints (e.g., cooling to 65°F in summer or heating to 78–80°F all winter) can increase runtime, stress components, and raise bills. Stick to sensible ranges, and your system will thank you.
Best Practices to Use Hold Without Spiking Bills
Prefer Temporary Hold for anything under a day.
Use Permanent Hold only when routines change for multiple days—and set a reminder to resume.
Pair Hold with efficient setpoints (see examples above).
Check fan mode: “Auto” is usually more efficient than “On.”
Audit your schedule seasonally—spring and fall are perfect times to refresh it.
Local Help in Fort Smith, Van Buren, Alma & Greenwood
A thermostat is a small screen with a big impact. If yours won’t cooperate—or you’re not sure your schedule is saving money—Riverside Comfort Care can help:
Thermostat installation & setup: programming, Wi-Fi/app pairing, zoning tips
AC repair & maintenance: protect efficiency and comfort
Heat pump services: tune-ups, repairs, and upgrades
Book service today in Fort Smith, Van Buren, Alma, or Greenwood.
Call or schedule online:
AC Repair: https://riversidecomfortcare.com/ac-repair
Heating Repair: https://riversidecomfortcare.com/heating-repair
Thermostat & Controls: https://riversidecomfortcare.com/thermostats
Contact Us: https://riversidecomfortcare.com/contact
(If any link has changed, your team can swap in the correct URL slug—internal linking still boosts SEO.)
FAQ: What Does Hold Mean on a Thermostat?
Q1: What does Hold mean on a thermostat?
A: It tells the thermostat to ignore the usual program and maintain your selected temperature. Temporary Hold lasts until the next schedule period or a set time; Permanent Hold lasts until you cancel it.
Q2: Is Hold the same as changing my schedule?
A: No. Hold overrides the schedule; it doesn’t delete it. When you tap Resume/Run, your normal schedule returns.
Q3: Will using Hold save money?
A: It can, if your held temperature is more efficient than your normal schedule. But using Permanent Hold at a less efficient setpoint usually increases energy use.
Q4: How do I cancel Hold?
A: Look for Resume, Run, or Use Schedule on the screen or app. On some models, you may need to confirm.
Q5: My thermostat keeps going back to a different temp—why?
A: If you didn’t set Hold, your schedule is taking over. Either edit the schedule or use Permanent Hold until you’re ready to switch back.
Helpful Resources
ENERGY STAR — Smart Thermostats (benefits and features)
https://www.energystar.gov/products/smart_thermostatsU.S. Department of Energy — Thermostats (setpoints and savings)
https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/thermostats
Ready to Dial In Comfort (and Savings)?
Whether you need help programming, want a Wi-Fi smart thermostat, or your current unit keeps getting stuck on Hold, our team at Riverside Comfort Care is ready to help homeowners in Fort Smith, Van Buren, Alma, and Greenwood. Schedule today and get more comfort from every degree.
Schedule service: https://riversidecomfortcare.com/contact
Explore thermostats: https://riversidecomfortcare.com/thermostats
