If you’ve ever wondered what the “Hold” and “Run” buttons on your Honeywell thermostat do, you’re not alone. These features might seem simple, but they can play a big role in managing your home’s temperature, improving comfort, and saving energy. Understanding when to use them can help you optimize your thermostat settings and lower your utility bills.
Let’s dive into how the “Hold” and “Run” buttons work and how to use them effectively.
What Does the “Hold” Button Do?
The “Hold” button on your thermostat lets you lock in a specific temperature, overriding your pre-set schedule. When you activate “Hold,” your thermostat will maintain the chosen temperature continuously until you manually change it again.
When Should You Use the “Hold” Button?
- Vacations: Keep your home at a consistent, energy-saving temperature while you’re away.
- Special Occasions: When hosting guests or events, use the “Hold” feature to keep the temperature comfortable for everyone.
- Unexpected Weather: If there’s an unusual cold snap or heatwave, “Hold” helps you maintain a steady, comfortable indoor temperature.
Using the “Hold” button in these cases can help prevent your HVAC system from unnecessarily cycling on and off, which can save energy.
What About the “Run” Button?
The “Run” button is the counterpart to “Hold.” Pressing “Run” allows your thermostat to return to its pre-programmed schedule and resume its automatic temperature adjustments.
When to Use the “Run” Button:
- For Consistency: If you follow a regular daily schedule, pressing “Run” ensures your thermostat follows the temperatures you’ve set for specific times of the day.
- After Using “Hold”: Once you’re done with a temporary temperature adjustment, press “Run” to return to your usual settings.
Can the “Hold” Button Save You Money?
Absolutely! When used correctly, the “Hold” feature can help you save energy and reduce your heating and cooling costs.
For example, if you’re out of town for a few days, you can set your thermostat to a higher temperature in summer or a lower one in winter to avoid wasting energy. Keeping the system from running at full capacity when no one is home ensures you’re not paying to heat or cool an empty space.
However, if you forget to turn off “Hold” after returning home, you might end up wasting energy. For example, if you had set the thermostat much higher or lower than your usual preferences, your system will have to work harder to get back to a comfortable temperature.
How to Set Your Programmable Thermostat
If you haven’t set up your thermostat yet, here’s how you can easily program it:
- Access the Schedule Settings: Press the “Program” or “Schedule” button on your thermostat.
- Set Temperatures for Specific Times: Adjust the temperature for different times of the day, like setting it cooler at night and warmer in the morning.
- Adjust for Different Days: Many thermostats let you customize different schedules for weekdays and weekends.
- Save Your Settings: Once you’ve chosen your times and temperatures, press “Save” or “Run” to activate your schedule.
What Happens if You Forget to Turn Off “Hold”?
Leaving the “Hold” setting on for too long can result in unnecessary energy use. For example, if you forget to switch it off while you’re at work, your thermostat will maintain the temperature all day, even when no one is home.
To avoid wasting energy, simply press “Run” once you’re back to your regular schedule. Some models even allow you to set a temporary “Hold” that expires after a set period.
Thinking About Upgrading to a Smart Thermostat?
If you’re looking to take full control of your home’s temperature, consider upgrading to a smart thermostat. With a smart thermostat, you can remotely adjust your home’s temperature, get maintenance alerts, and more—all from your smartphone.
At Gleason Heating and Air Conditioning, we offer smart thermostat installation to help you get the most out of your HVAC system. Serving Wauconda, IL, and the surrounding Northern Chicago suburbs, we provide same-day services and follow-up to ensure your complete satisfaction.
Ready to Upgrade Your Thermostat?
Stop searching for “HVAC companies near me” and reach out to Gleason Heating and Air Conditioning today. We’re here to help you save energy, improve comfort, and take control of your home’s temperature with a smart thermostat. Contact us for a free estimate!
