If you’ve ever looked at your thermostat and noticed the Hold button, you may have wondered what it actually does. Many homeowners in Austin ask us at Solution Finders AC & Heating about this feature, since it can sometimes be confusing. The good news is that it’s a simple function once you understand it — and knowing how to use it correctly can help you balance comfort with energy savings.
What Does Hold Mean on a Thermostat?
When you press Hold on a thermostat, you’re telling the system to stop following its normal schedule. Instead, it will “hold” the current temperature you’ve set until you manually change it or cancel the hold. This can override both weekday and weekend programming, giving you direct control over your comfort.
Think of it as putting the thermostat on pause. If your routine changes, you won’t have to reprogram the entire schedule — the hold function lets you maintain the temperature you want without extra hassle.
Types of Hold Settings on a Thermostat
Most programmable and smart thermostats have two common types of hold settings:
Temporary Hold – This keeps your chosen temperature until the next scheduled program kicks in. For example, if you bump the temperature down in the morning but your schedule is set to switch at noon, the thermostat will automatically resume its program when noon arrives.
Permanent Hold – This keeps your chosen temperature indefinitely, no matter what your schedule says, until you turn the hold off.
Both options can be useful depending on your situation. Temporary hold is great for small adjustments throughout the day, while permanent hold is better for longer-term changes.
When Should You Use Hold on a Thermostat?
The hold function is especially handy when life doesn’t go according to plan. Here are some common situations where pressing Hold makes sense:
Working from home unexpectedly – If you’re usually away during the day but decide to stay in, holding a comfortable temperature prevents the system from switching to its “away” setting.
Vacations or weekend trips – A permanent hold at an energy-saving temperature ensures you’re not heating or cooling an empty house.
Hosting guests – If you’re entertaining friends or family, you can set the thermostat to hold one consistent temperature for everyone’s comfort.
Extreme weather days – On very hot Austin afternoons, you may want to keep the system running at a steady temperature without schedule interruptions.
Hold vs. Programmed Thermostat Schedules
It’s important to know when to use Hold and when to rely on your programmed thermostat schedule. A schedule is designed to maximize efficiency — raising or lowering the temperature when you’re not home, and adjusting it back before you return. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, properly using a programmable thermostat can save the average household around 10% a year on heating and cooling costs.
If you rely on Hold too often, your HVAC system may end up running longer than necessary, which could increase energy bills. That’s why the best strategy is to let the schedule do its job most of the time, and use Hold only when your routine changes.
How Smart Thermostats Handle Hold Settings
Smart thermostats have made the hold function more advanced. Instead of just “temporary” and “permanent,” many smart models offer eco holds, vacation holds, or custom hold options that you can set directly through an app. Some even allow you to program a start and end time for the hold, so you don’t have to remember to cancel it.
In fact, some smart thermostats learn your habits and automatically adjust when it seems like you’ve deviated from your normal routine. For example, if you typically lower the thermostat every evening, but one day you don’t, the thermostat may ask if you’d like to place a hold instead.
Common Misunderstandings About Thermostat Hold
Homeowners sometimes misuse or misunderstand the hold function. A few common issues we see include:
Forgetting to cancel Permanent Hold – This can cause the system to run unnecessarily for days, increasing utility bills.
Thinking Hold saves energy automatically – Hold is about comfort, not savings. It doesn’t optimize efficiency unless you set the temperature wisely.
Confusing Temporary Hold with Permanent Hold – If you expect the hold to last all weekend but accidentally use temporary hold, the schedule may resume sooner than you want.
Understanding these differences ensures you’re using the thermostat’s features to your advantage.
Tips for Using Hold on a Thermostat Efficiently
To get the most out of your thermostat hold settings, keep these tips in mind:
Set an energy-efficient temperature before leaving on vacation, then use Permanent Hold.
Use Temporary Hold for small day-to-day changes, like adjusting the temperature while you cook or exercise.
If you have a smart thermostat, explore the app’s options — you may be able to program a timed hold so you don’t forget to cancel it.
Avoid leaving the thermostat on Permanent Hold for weeks at a time unless absolutely necessary.
These simple steps can help you maintain comfort while still keeping energy costs under control.
When to Call a Professional for Thermostat Help
Sometimes, issues with thermostat hold functions aren’t about user error — they can be signs of a malfunction. If your thermostat won’t stay on Hold, doesn’t respond to changes, or fails to communicate with your HVAC system, it may need repair or replacement.
At Solution Finders AC & Heating, we specialize in thermostat installation, smart thermostat upgrades, and complete HVAC system services. For Austin homeowners, we make sure every part of your comfort system — from thermostat to air handler — works as it should.
Final Thoughts
So, what does Hold mean on a thermostat? It’s a simple but powerful feature that lets you override your programmed schedule and lock in a temperature of your choice. By using Hold strategically — for vacations, special events, or schedule changes — you can stay comfortable without driving up your energy bills.
If you need help programming your thermostat, upgrading to a smart model, or troubleshooting your HVAC system in Austin, Solution Finders AC & Heating is ready to help. Give us a call today.
