If you’ve ever looked at your thermostat and thought, “What in the world does ‘Hold’ mean?”—you’re definitely not alone. We’ve had plenty of customers across Riverside ask this very question. So, what does hold mean on a thermostat? In short, it’s a handy feature that lets you pause your programmed settings and keep the temperature steady.
We know thermostats can be a little confusing, especially with all the buttons and modes. That’s why we’re here to break things down in a simple, no-nonsense way—just like we would during a house call.
What Does Hold Mean on a Thermostat, Really?
The “Hold” button is there to give you control. It overrides the preset schedule and keeps your home at the exact temperature you choose—until you decide to change it or cancel the hold.
There are usually two types of holds:
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Temporary Hold – Holds your preferred temp until the next scheduled change.
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Permanent Hold – Keeps the temp steady until you manually cancel it.
Let’s say your thermostat normally warms things up while you’re at work. But today, you’re home. Instead of reprogramming everything, you hit “Hold,” and the system keeps you comfortable all day.
When Should You Use the Hold Setting?
Now that you know what hold means on a thermostat, let’s talk about when it comes in handy.
1. Unexpected Days at Home
Maybe you’re off work or working remotely in your Riverside home. Pressing “Hold” lets you stay comfortable without adjusting your entire schedule.
2. Vacation Mode
Leaving town for a week? Set a more energy-friendly temperature and use the hold feature to maintain it while you’re away.
3. Weekend Guests or Family Visits
Schedules shift when guests come over. Rather than dealing with fluctuating temps, use “Hold” to keep everyone cozy.
What Does Hold Mean on a Thermostat vs. Programming?
Programming sets the daily routine—what temperature your house should be at certain times. It’s great for saving energy while you’re asleep or away.
The “Hold” feature, though, is perfect when your routine goes off-script. It gives you short-term flexibility without having to dig into the schedule settings.
A lot of folks in Riverside appreciate having both options. With our long, hot summers, comfort and efficiency are both priorities.
How Do You Cancel the Hold?
Most thermostats make this pretty simple. There’s usually a button that says “Run”, “Resume”, or “Cancel Hold.” Just press that, and your normal schedule kicks back in.
Smart thermostats might give you more control—you can set how long the hold lasts or cancel it remotely using your phone. If you’ve got a smart thermostat and want help setting things up, just reach out. We’re here to help.
Does Hold Affect Your Energy Bills?
It can—but not always in a bad way. If you’re using “Hold” to keep your home cool while you’re away all day, that could raise your energy usage. On the other hand, if you’re using it wisely—like during a short staycation—it probably won’t make much of a difference.
At Good Hope Air Conditioning & Heating, we usually recommend using the “Hold” feature for short-term changes. If your routine has shifted permanently, it’s better to update your schedule.
What Does Hold Mean on a Thermostat for Smart Devices?
With smart thermostats, “Hold” comes with a few extras. You might see options like:
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Hold Until a Specific Time
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Hold for a Number of Days
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Hold Until You Cancel
Smart features are great for busy households. You can change the temp from your phone—handy if you’re stuck in Riverside traffic and want your home nice and cool when you arrive.
How to Use Your Thermostat Like a Pro
Here are a few quick tips to help you get the most from your thermostat:
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Use “Hold” for short-term changes, not long-term ones
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Learn the difference between temporary and permanent hold
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Keep your thermostat away from direct sunlight or vents
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Schedule a seasonal tune-up to keep everything working right
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Consider upgrading if your thermostat is older or hard to use
And if you ever feel stuck, we’re just down the road here in Riverside—ready to help.
Still Wondering What Does Hold Mean on a Thermostat? We’ve Got You Covered
Thermostats don’t come with a manual you actually want to read, right? So if you’re still unsure of what hold means on a thermostat, don’t stress—we’ve got your back.
At Good Hope Air Conditioning & Heating, we help Riverside homeowners get the most from their systems every day. Whether it’s a quick thermostat tutorial or a full system upgrade, we’re here to make things simple.
Contact us today if you have questions, need service, or just want to finally figure out what all those buttons do. We’ll make sure your home stays as comfortable as you want it—no guesswork required.
