What Does Hold Mean on a Thermostat?

“Hold” on a thermostat will lock the thermostat at a certain temperature. Even if you have preprogrammed temperatures for different days and times, pressing the “Hold” button will overrun those settings.

“Hold” can be an excellent feature if you’re going on vacation or will be away for a period of time, as it will help you save money on energy bills. However, some homeowners can accidentally hit the button and be unsure as to why the temperature is changing. Below, I’ve outlined how you can use the “Hold” button, how you can undo the setting, and more.

How Does a Programmable Thermostat Work?

A programmable thermostat allows you to adjust the temperature of your home. The heating or air conditioning in your home will turn on according to a preset schedule you determine.

These smart thermostats can usually store multiple daily settings, with up to six or more different temperature settings per day. For example, if no one is going to be home during the day while you’re at work, you could set the programmable thermostat to a specific temperature that would reduce air conditioner or heater use. It can even be programmed to adjust to a different temperature just before you’re scheduled to come home. This allows you to arrive in a comfortable home. Since you can set daily settings, you can set the thermostat to run all day on weekends.

What Is the “Hold” Setting on a Programmable Thermostat?

The “Hold” setting or button overrides any pre-established temperature settings. When you press the “Hold” button, it will stay at the same temperature. For instance, if you hit “Hold” at 72 degrees Fahrenheit, it will stay at 72 degrees Fahrenheit until told otherwise.

The two primary hold options that most digital thermostats have: 

• The Permanent Hold feature keeps your home’s temperature at the same temperature indefinitely until you manually cancel it. If you can’t reprogram your thermostat’s temperature, this is likely the cause. You should be back on your programmed schedule as soon as you cancel it. 
• The Temporary Hold preset, also known as “Hold Until,” allows you to override your thermostat’s programming for a certain period. For example, you may set this override for an hour in the middle of the day if you know you’ll stop in for lunch. It should last less than 12 hours or until you cancel the hold.

What is the “Run” Setting on a Programmable Thermostat?

The “Run” setting will undo the hold on the programmable thermostat and return the HVAC to its pre-programmed temperature settings. If you think you accidentally hit “Hold,” pressing this button should get your AC or heater running again.

Some programmable thermostats may call this setting “Cancel,” “Run Schedule,” or something similar.

Why Won’t My Thermostat Change Temperatures?

If your programmable thermostat is not adhering to the normal schedule by making temperature changes throughout the day as you have it set, it might just be stuck on the hold setting. This will keep your home’s current temperature rather than adjust the temperature throughout the day on a schedule.

If you suspect the hold setting is on, you can look at your thermostat screen and see if it says “Permanent Hold” or “Temporary Hold” anywhere on the screen. Even if you can’t find these words, you should try pressing “Run” to see if your HVAC turns on.

How Do I Take My Thermostat off the Hold Setting?

If your thermostat is on a hold setting and you wish to remove the hold, simply check for “Cancel,” “Run,” or “Run Schedule.” Depending on your thermostat model, the specific run button you need will be labeled differently. Once you press this button, your thermostat should immediately return to the regular programmed schedule. You should quickly feel the air conditioner or heat turned on in your home. 

What Are The Benefits of Using the “Hold” Feature?

Some homeowners may simply want to adjust their HVAC’s temperature from the thermostat or the app on their phone. However, there are benefits to using the “Hold” button over changing your settings and using the “Hold” setting in general, including:

• You easier to make short-term adjustments. By using the “Hold” feature, you won’t have to change your pre-programmed settings. You also won’t have to remember to reset your thermostat once you need it to go back to your regular schedule.
• You could save energy. By using “Hold” while you’re out of town or on vacation, you can set it and forget it. Since your HVAC may be running less while you’re not home, your energy costs could be lower for that time. However, if your area will see vastly different temperatures day to day or even day to night, it may be more cost-effective to adjust your programmed temperature settings for that period.
• There’s less wear and tear on your HVAC. “Hold” settings could reduce frequent starts and stops. This can help to extend your HVAC’s lifespan.

Closing Thoughts

Programmable thermostats and Wi-Fi thermostats are convenient home appliances that make it easy to save money on your energy bills with preset temperature changes throughout the day. While older dial thermostats are simple to use, a new thermostat gives you greater control over your home’s temperature. It’s often more energy-efficient, allowing you to save money and help the environment. Once you’ve learned how to set your energy-saving thermostat and use the run and hold button appropriately, you’ll be good to go to save money, set your desired temperatures, and take the stress off your HVAC system.