To set a permanent hold on most Honeywell thermostats (such as T5, T6, and Pro series), you must adjust the temperature and then select "Permanent Hold" to override the schedule indefinitely.
To set a hold until the next scheduled period on your Honeywell thermostat, simply press the up or down arrows to adjust the temperature to your desired level. The thermostat will automatically lock in that temperature and revert to your regular program when the next scheduled time period begins.
Leaving a thermostat in permanent hold mode indefinitely means your energy-saving schedule is never active, which typically results in higher utility bills over time.
If your Honeywell thermostat doesn't have a physical "Hold" button, it likely uses a software menu or context-sensitive buttons. You can usually engage and cancel holds by adjusting the temperature manually or navigating the main menu.
Depending on your model, the "Hold" button is either a dedicated physical button (usually labeled Hold on the right side of the faceplate) or a dynamic button on the touchscreen located just below the temperature display.
Comfort, Energy, and Balance
Your thermostat's programmed schedule is designed to save energy by reducing heating or cooling when you don't need it—like while you're asleep or away. Using Hold long-term can eliminate those savings, leading to higher utility bills.
Hold the reset button (if present): Some non-programmable Honeywell Thermostats have a dedicated reset button, usually located near the display or behind a cover panel. If your model has one, hold it down for about 5-10 seconds while the power is off.
The "Hold" button on your thermostat temporarily or permanently overrides your pre-programmed heating and cooling schedule to maintain a single, constant temperature.
The healthiest temperature for your house generally ranges between 𝟔𝟖∘𝐅 and 𝟕𝟐∘𝐅 (20∘C to 22∘C) during the day. However, the exact "healthiest" temperature depends on the room, the season, and the specific needs of the people inside.
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. This overrides your scheduled settings.
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.
To take a thermostat off permanent hold, press the "Run Schedule", "Run", or "Cancel" button on the home screen. If your model does not have these dedicated buttons, press the "Hold" button to bring up the menu, select "Cancel Hold", and your programmed schedule will resume.
The cheapest temperature to keep your house in winter is 68°F (20∘C20 raised to the composed with power C𝟐𝟎∘𝐂) while you are home, and lowering it to 61°F–65°F when you are away or sleeping, according to the Department of Energy. Setting your thermostat back 7°–10°F for 8 hours can save up to 10% a year on heating costs.
Temporary hold lasts until the next scheduled program period.
To keep your thermostat at a constant temperature, disable any preset daily schedules and activate the Hold or Permanent Hold feature. This overrides automatic adjustments, locking your heating or cooling system at a single, steady temperature until you manually change it.
To turn on a permanent hold on most Honeywell thermostat series, use the up/down arrows to adjust the temperature, which will trigger a flashing "Hold" or "Temporary Hold." While the text flashes, press the Hold or Mode button to lock in the permanent hold.
A permanent hold means you have overridden the schedule, and you have to manually resume the schedule. This can also be energy inefficient. A temporary hold may be a better option if you tend to forget things or want to ensure you are in a better position to save energy.
Although comfort is personal and can vary, a generally comfortable temperature for a house is often set between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. This range is considered ideal for most people to feel comfortable indoors.
For most programmable Honeywell thermostats, you can perform a factory reset by simultaneously pressing and holding the Fan button and the Up arrow for about 5 to 7 seconds. This opens the ISU (Installer Setup) menu, allowing you to select and restore default settings.
To change the mode on most Honeywell thermostats (such as Heat, Cool, Auto, or Off), locate the MODE button on the face of the thermostat. Press it to cycle through the available options. Stop pressing when your desired mode is displayed, and the thermostat will activate it.
To turn off a "Temporary" temperature override on your Honeywell thermostat, simply press the Run or Run Schedule button on the device. This tells the unit to cancel the temporary change and resume your normal programmed heating and cooling schedule.
A permanent hold on a thermostat lasts indefinitely. It completely bypasses your programmed heating and cooling schedule. The thermostat will maintain the exact temperature you set until you manually cancel the hold.
No, 68°F is not generally considered cold for a house in winter. In fact, experts at the U.S. Department of Energy recommend 68°F as the ideal, energy-efficient temperature for the winter months while you are awake.