What Does Hold Mean on Thermostat Settings?

How Does the Thermostat Hold Feature Work?

The thermostat hold feature works by temporarily disabling the software's scheduled temperature changes, forcing the HVAC unit to maintain one specific degree setting. Once activated, the thermostat effectively acts like a traditional, manual device, ignoring its internal clock and programmed events.

Programmable thermostats achieve this by using a set schedule: for example, lowering the heat when you leave for work and raising it right before you return. This automation drives energy efficiency. Yet, when you press the "hold" button, you pause that automation. The thermostat sends a constant signal to your heating or cooling equipment to maintain the newly selected temperature.

This simple, action-oriented override puts you squarely in the driver's seat. Whether you are dealing with an unexpected heat wave or simply deciding to stay home on a day you normally work, the hold function ensures your environment adapts instantly to your real-time needs.

Temporary Hold vs. Permanent Hold: What is the Difference?

A temporary hold maintains your manually selected temperature only until the next scheduled program period begins, whereas a permanent hold locks the temperature indefinitely until you physically cancel it. Understanding this distinction is critical for maximizing both comfort and energy efficiency.

Temporary Hold is better suited for teams or families that experience short-term schedule changes. For instance, if you come home early from work and want the house warmer right now, you adjust the temperature and activate a temporary hold. The system keeps you comfortable for the afternoon but automatically reverts to its energy-saving nighttime schedule when you go to bed. This prevents you from accidentally leaving the system running at a high capacity all night.

Permanent Hold, on the other hand, works best when you anticipate being off-schedule for an extended, unpredictable amount of time. If you leave for a long weekend or a vacation, setting a permanent hold at an energy-efficient temperature (like 60°F in winter or 80°F in summer) ensures your system does not needlessly heat or cool an empty house. The permanent hold completely suspends the internal schedule until you return and press the "Run" or "Cancel" button.

By offering both options, modern thermostats give you the precision to manage your indoor climate proactively. 

When Should You Use the Hold Setting on Your Thermostat?

You should use the hold setting on your thermostat whenever your actual daily routine deviates from your programmed schedule. Common scenarios include hosting a large gathering, leaving for an extended vacation, or staying home on a day you are typically at the office.

Our innovative solutions are centered on our customers’ needs, recognizing that human lives are dynamic and ever-changing. Here are the most impactful times to utilize the hold function:

• During Vacations: Setting a permanent hold at an eco-friendly temperature while you travel prevents your system from running its normal comfort cycles, saving substantial amounts of energy and reducing your carbon footprint.
• Hosting Guests: When you invite a large group of people into your home, their body heat naturally raises the indoor temperature. Activating a temporary hold to lower the cooling setpoint ensures your guests remain comfortable without the thermostat reverting to a warmer setting mid-party.
• Unexpected Days Off: If you are sick or taking a spontaneous day off, your thermostat might assume the house is empty and adjust to an energy-saving mode. A temporary hold keeps you comfortable while you recover or relax.
• Extreme Weather Events: During unexpected cold snaps or heat waves, you might need a consistent temperature to protect your home's infrastructure, such as preventing pipes from freezing.

Using the hold feature strategically helps you maintain a healthy, safe, and intelligent home environment, no matter what life throws your way.

How to Turn Off the Hold Setting on a Thermostat

To turn off the hold setting, simply press the "Run," "Run Schedule," "Cancel," or "Resume" button on your thermostat's interface. This immediately terminates the override and instructs the device to resume its pre-programmed heating and cooling schedule.

We believe that technology should empower you, not confuse you. Removing a hold is designed to be a frictionless, intuitive process. On traditional push-button models, the "Run" button is usually prominently displayed on the main faceplate. On modern smart thermostats with touchscreen interfaces, tapping the active "Hold" icon will typically prompt a menu allowing you to cancel the override.

If you are using a Wi-Fi-enabled smart thermostat, you can also remove the hold remotely via your smartphone application. This level of accessibility ensures that no matter where you are, you remain in complete control of your home's energy consumption.

Does Using the Hold Button Save Energy?

Using the hold button can save energy if you use it to maintain a conservative, eco-friendly temperature while you are away, but it will increase your energy bills if you use it to lock in a high-comfort setting indefinitely. The energy efficiency of the hold feature depends entirely on how you apply it.

Many homeowners mistakenly believe that maintaining a constant temperature requires less energy than letting the house cool down and heating it back up. According to energy industry benchmarks and the Department of Energy^1, this is a myth. Programmable schedules are inherently more efficient because they reduce the temperature differential between the inside of your home and the outdoors when you are asleep or away.

Therefore, overriding your schedule to hold a comfortable 72°F all day while nobody is home wastes significant energy. However, if you are leaving for a three-day weekend and use the permanent hold to keep the house at a highly efficient 55°F, you will see a meaningful reduction in energy usage. We aim to create solutions that matter for our planet, and using the hold feature responsibly is a bold step toward personal sustainability and smarter resource management. Learn more about energy saving thermostats.

Connect With A Carrier Dealer On Smart Thermostats

Whether you need help with thermostat installation or thermostat replacement, or simply have a thermostat question, your local Carrier dealer is here to help. They can recommend the best smart thermostat for your home and discuss smart thermostat benefits. Schedule an appointment with your local Carrier dealer today.