Thermostat Hold Mode: Understanding Its Impact on Temperature Settings

When using a thermostat, you might notice a feature called 'hold mode.' This mode can be a useful tool for temporarily keeping your home at a specific temperature. However, it's important to understand how the hold mode works to ensure your home remains comfortable and energy-efficient. Let's explore this feature in more detail.

What Happens When You Push Hold on Your Thermostat?

When you push the Temperature Setting button on your thermostat while it is set to 72°F, the thermostat will maintain the current temperature until one of the following actions is taken:

The Hold button overrides the programmed schedule temporarily. This means the thermostat will not switch back to the pre-set times and temperatures until you manually cancel the hold.

Duration of Hold

Depending on your thermostat's model, the duration of the hold can either be set temporarily or remain indefinite until manually changed. Some models allow you to set a specific time for the hold, while others will keep the hold in effect indefinitely, especially when set to a permanent hold.

It is crucial to check your thermostat's manual for specific instructions, as the features can vary by model. For instance, some thermostats may have a TEMPORARY hold that lasts for a set time, while others may have a PERMANENT hold that continues until manually reset.

Return to Schedule After Hold is Cancelled

Once you cancel the hold, the thermostat will return to following the original program. This ensures that the pre-set schedule will resume, maintaining energy efficiency by adjusting to the programmable temperatures and times.

It's important to note that some thermostats behave differently when in hold mode. Some will prompt you to set a different hold temperature, while others will default to the highest cooling set point for A/C and the lowest heating set point for heat, unless overridden manually.

Understanding SYSTEM MODE During Hold

When your thermostat is in the hold mode, it continues to operate based on the mode it was left in. For instance, if your thermostat was set to COOLING ONLY, it will only operate the cooling system if the temperature rises above the setpoint. If the temperature drops below the setpoint, it will do nothing. Similarly, if your thermostat is set to AUTO, it will operate both heating and cooling as necessary to maintain the temperature within the set range.

Therefore, if your thermostat remains in hold mode for an extended period, it will continue to behave according to the last mode it was set to, unless you manually change it back. This can be useful for managing your home's temperature without disrupting your heating and cooling schedules.

Conclusion

Understanding the functionalities of your thermostat's hold mode can help you make informed decisions about temperature settings and energy management. Whether you need to maintain a specific temperature for a short or long time, the hold mode can be a valuable tool to keep your home comfortable and efficient. Always refer to your thermostat's manual for specific instructions and ensure you cancel the hold when your needs change.

For accurate answers and more information, check your thermostat's manual or contact the manufacturer's support line. Proper usage of your thermostat not only helps in maintaining a comfortable home but also in reducing energy consumption.