What does "hold" mean on a Honeywell thermostat?

Author: scraper  |  Last update: Thursday, September 24, 2026

The "Hold" function on a Honeywell thermostat pauses your programmed daily schedule and locks the temperature at a fixed setting.

Should my thermostat be on hold or run?

Run is generally the best setting for daily efficiency and automated comfort. Use Hold only for temporary overrides, like when you have a day off, are hosting guests, or are going on vacation.

Why is my Honeywell thermostat saying hold?

When your Honeywell thermostat says "Hold," it means it is overriding your programmed schedule and maintaining a fixed temperature.

Is hold better than setting a schedule?

Whether "hold" or a "schedule" is better depends on your routine and the type of HVAC system you have. Setting a schedule is generally more energy-efficient, while the hold function is best for temporary comfort overrides.

How long does a temporary hold last on a Honeywell thermostat?

The temporary hold setting is when you change the temperature setting to a different temperature and it stays at that setting until the next schedule change. The permanent hold setting holds the temperature setting you have chosen for an indefinite time.

Thermostat HOLDS Explained!

How to get a thermostat out of hold mode?

To get your thermostat out of hold mode, simply press the "Run", "Run Schedule", or "Cancel" button on the main screen. This disengages the manual hold and returns the system to your normal, programmed heating and cooling schedule.

What temperature should I keep my house to save money in winter?

To save money in winter, the Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 𝟔𝟖∘𝐅 while you are awake and at home. When you are asleep or away from the house, lower the temperature by 𝟕∘𝐅 to 𝟏𝟎∘𝐅 for eight hours a day to potentially cut your heating bill by up to 10%.

How long does "hold" last on a thermostat?

A hold on a thermostat bypasses your programmed schedule and lasts until the next scheduled time period (Temporary Hold) or until you manually cancel it (Permanent Hold). Many modern smart thermostats let you customize this duration.

Is 68 too cold for a house in winter?

For most healthy adults, 68°F (20°C) is not considered too cold and is actually the standard indoor temperature recommended by the U.S. Department of Energy. It serves as a great sweet spot for balancing physical comfort with energy savings.

What are the benefits of using "hold"?

It will keep the car stopped even if you take your foot off the brake pedal. Which would be great if the car had a manual transmission, but seems kind of pointless to me otherwise. It's good for when you have to sit a while, such as long traffic lights, drive thru, trains. Lets you give your foot a rest.

How do I get my Honeywell thermostat back to normal?

Getting your Honeywell thermostat back to normal usually requires a simple reboot or factory reset depending on your specific model.

Does hold use more or less energy?

Using the hold feature saves energy only if you set the temperature to a more efficient level than your normal schedule, such as setting a permanent hold at a low temperature while on vacation. However, constantly using hold to bypass an energy-efficient schedule can lead to higher energy bills.

What is the average life of a Honeywell thermostat?

The average life of a Honeywell thermostat is 10 to 20 years, depending heavily on the specific model and type. While the physical hardware often outlasts this window, many are replaced sooner due to technology upgrades or software changes.

What is the lowest you should set your thermostat in the winter?

For daily living, the absolute lowest recommended thermostat setting in the winter is 55∘F55 raised to the composed with power F𝟓𝟓∘𝐅 (13∘C13 raised to the composed with power C𝟏𝟑∘𝐂) to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. However, the ideal baseline varies based on whether you are home, asleep, or away.

What is the 30 minute heating rule?

The "30-minute heating rule" is a highly efficient, money-saving thermostat strategy that involves turning your heating system on 30 minutes before you need a space warmed up, and turning it off 30 minutes before you no longer need it.

Will my pipes freeze if my house is 68 degrees?

Regardless of how long you will be traveling and away from home, keep your thermostat set at 68 degrees Fahrenheit or above. This will help to keep the pipes on the inside of the home from freezing and the ones under the home at a slightly higher temperature as well.

Why does my house feel cold at 69 degrees?

Your house likely feels cold at 69°F because of low humidity, poor wall insulation causing radiant heat loss, or uneven airflow. Dry indoor air accelerates moisture evaporation from your skin, making 69°F feel much chillier than the actual temperature.

Is it healthier to live in a colder house?

Circulatory problems, diabetes, arthritis and mental health issues can be made worse by living in a cold home. And people with respiratory conditions like asthma are also at risk, particularly if their home is damp and mouldy, which is often the case in under-heated, poorly ventilated homes.

Do I want my thermostat on hold?

The “Hold” button on your thermostat pauses its programmed schedule, keeping your home at one steady temperature until you change it. Use it for short-term comfort during events, vacations, or extreme weather, then return to Run to resume your programmed energy-saving settings.

What are the first signs of a bad thermostat?

The first signs of a bad thermostat depend on whether you are referring to your home HVAC system or your car’s engine.

Is "hold" better than setting a schedule?

A programmed schedule is almost always better than a permanent "hold" for energy efficiency and lower bills. Schedules save money by adjusting temperatures when you are asleep or away. However, a "hold" is best for temporary comfort changes, like a day off work or unexpected weather.

Is 62 too cold for a house in winter?

For a healthy adult, 62°F (16.7°C) is generally safe, though it can feel uncomfortably chilly. While it is an excellent way to save on heating bills, experts recommend keeping your home above 64°F to 65°F to prevent potential health risks and structural issues.

Does closing doors save on heating bills?

It's better to leave interior doors open when heating your home. Open doors allow warm air to circulate evenly, preventing hot and cold spots and reducing the strain on your HVAC system. Closed doors can block airflow, making your system work harder and increasing energy costs.

How to keep your electric bill low in winter?

Luckily, there are several ways to conserve energy when the temperature drops, including the 15 suggestions below.

  1. Weatherstrip your doors and windows. ...
  2. Switch to a smart thermostat. ...
  3. Close the damper when not using the fireplace. ...
  4. Give your heating system a yearly checkup. ...
  5. Don't block your air vents.

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