Short Answer
Overview
In the context of HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems, the “Hold” function is a feature found on programmable and smart thermostats. Its primary purpose is to suspend the device’s automated temperature schedule and maintain a specific, user-defined temperature indefinitely or for a set period. When a user adjusts the temperature and selects “Hold,” the thermostat ignores its programmed set-pointsâsuch as lower temperatures during the night or higher temperatures while the residents are at workâand keeps the environment at the chosen temperature until the hold is manually cancelled or expires.
History / Background
The concept of the “Hold” function emerged alongside the development of programmable thermostats in the late 20th century. Early thermostats were simple manual switches; however, as energy efficiency became a priority, manufacturers introduced scheduling capabilities to reduce energy consumption during unoccupied hours. Because rigid schedules often failed to account for unexpected changes in resident behaviorâsuch as holidays, illness, or unexpected guestsâthe “Hold” feature was integrated as a necessary override mechanism. This provided users with a bridge between the efficiency of automation and the flexibility of manual control.
Importance and Impact
The hold function significantly impacts both user comfort and energy management. By allowing a “Permanent Hold,” users can ensure a stable environment during critical periods, such as preventing pipes from freezing during a winter vacation. Conversely, the “Temporary Hold” allows for short-term comfort adjustments without requiring the user to reprogram the entire weekly schedule. From a technical standpoint, the hold function prevents the system from cycling through multiple temperature changes in a short window, which can reduce wear on the HVAC compressor and blower motor.
Why It Matters
Understanding the hold function is practically relevant for homeowners to avoid unnecessary energy costs. A common issue occurs when a user activates a permanent hold and forgets to disable it, leading to the system running at a high-energy setting throughout the night or while the house is empty. Knowing how to toggle between temporary and permanent holds allows users to maximize the energy-saving benefits of a programmable thermostat while maintaining personal comfort.
Common Misconceptions
Activating ‘Hold’ means the thermostat is broken or frozen.
‘Hold’ is a deliberate setting indicating that the device is ignoring its schedule to maintain a manual temperature.
All ‘Hold’ settings are permanent.
Many modern thermostats offer a ‘Temporary Hold,’ which lasts until the next scheduled program period, and a ‘Permanent Hold,’ which lasts until manually overridden.
FAQ
What is the difference between a temporary and permanent hold?
A temporary hold maintains a temperature until the next scheduled change in the program. A permanent hold maintains the temperature indefinitely until the user manually changes it or cancels the hold.
How do I cancel a hold setting?
Most thermostats have a 'Run Schedule', 'Cancel', or 'Resume' button that returns the device to its programmed settings.
Does using 'Hold' save energy?
Generally, no. Programmable schedules are designed to save energy; using a hold usually means you are prioritizing comfort over the energy-saving schedule.
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