How to Use the "Hold" and "Run" Buttons for Maximum Comfort and Savings

 

Understanding how to get the most out of your thermostat can be a game-changer for your comfort and energy savings. While most thermostats have a variety of settings, two of the most important ones—"Hold" and "Run"—often confuse homeowners. These buttons can be incredibly useful for managing your heating and cooling system while also reducing energy costs. Let’s break down what each button does and how you can use them to your advantage.

What Does the "Hold" Button Do?

The "Hold" button allows you to lock in a specific temperature, overriding your thermostat’s usual schedule. When activated, the thermostat will keep the temperature steady, ignoring pre-set schedules until you turn "Hold" off. This setting is particularly useful when you need a consistent temperature for a period of time, like during a vacation, a special event, or when you’re just at home and want a break from the programmed settings.

Examples of When to Use the "Hold" Button:

• Vacation: If you’re heading out of town for a few days, use "Hold" to maintain a constant temperature. This prevents unnecessary heating or cooling, saving energy while still protecting your home from extreme temperatures.

• Special Occasions: Hosting a party or having guests over? You can use "Hold" to ensure the temperature stays comfortable throughout the event, without worrying about it fluctuating.

• Unusual Weather: If there’s a sudden temperature change—like an unexpected heatwave or cold snap—the "Hold" button can keep your indoor climate steady until the weather returns to normal.

What Does the "Run" Button Do?

The "Run" button, on the other hand, is the opposite of "Hold." It lets the thermostat resume its programmed schedule. This is perfect for everyday use when you want your thermostat to follow your preset preferences without needing to adjust it manually.

When to Use the "Run" Button:

• Daily Routine: If your household follows a predictable schedule, such as being away during the day and home in the evenings, "Run" ensures that your thermostat keeps the home at the perfect temperature during those times.

• After Using "Hold": If you’ve temporarily overridden your settings with "Hold," simply press "Run" when you’re ready for your thermostat to go back to its regular programming.

Can the "Hold" Button Help Save Energy?

Yes! When used appropriately, the "Hold" button can help conserve energy. By maintaining a constant temperature during extended absences or specific events, you avoid unnecessary fluctuations that might strain your HVAC system. For instance, if you’re away for several days, you can set your thermostat to a higher temperature in summer or a lower one in winter to prevent your HVAC from working overtime. This can lower energy usage and extend the life of your system.

However, if you forget to turn off the "Hold" button when you return home, it could cause your HVAC system to work harder than needed. For example, if the "Hold" temperature is much different from your regular settings, your system will have to use more energy to adjust.

What Is a Programmable Thermostat?

A programmable thermostat allows you to set different temperatures at different times of the day, making it easy to automate temperature changes based on your routine. For example, you could have it cooler at night and warmer in the morning. The "Run" button is key to making sure your thermostat follows your pre-programmed schedule.

If you’re using a programmable thermostat, the "Hold" button gives you the flexibility to override the schedule temporarily. If your thermostat is unresponsive, like in the case of a blank Honeywell screen, it’s a good idea to check the batteries or reset the device.

How to Set a Programmable Thermostat

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to setting up your thermostat:

1. Access the schedule settings: Look for a "Program" or "Schedule" button to enter your thermostat’s programming mode.

2. Set temperatures for specific times: Choose the temperatures you want for various times of the day (e.g., 72°F from 6 AM to 8 AM and 68°F while at work).

3. Set up for different days: If your routine differs on weekends, program the settings accordingly.

4. Save your settings: After entering your desired times and temperatures, hit the "Save" or "Run" button to activate the schedule.

What Happens If You Forget to Turn Off "Hold"?

Forgetting to deactivate the "Hold" setting can lead to unnecessary energy usage. For example, if you accidentally leave it on while you’re at work, your HVAC system will maintain the temperature you set, even if the house is empty. This could result in higher utility bills and wasted energy.

To avoid this, always remember to press the "Run" button when you’re ready to return to your usual schedule. It’ll keep your thermostat working efficiently without manual adjustments.

Conclusion

Understanding how to use the "Hold" and "Run" buttons on your thermostat is an easy way to enhance both your comfort and energy efficiency. Use "Hold" when you need a temporary temperature change for things like vacations or special events, and "Run" when you’re ready to return to your regular routine. By managing these features properly, you can enjoy a more comfortable home while saving on energy costs.

If you’re ready to upgrade your home’s climate control, consider investing in a smart thermostat. With options that allow you to control settings remotely via an app and get maintenance alerts, you can take convenience and energy savings to the next level. Contact Gleason Heating and Air Conditioning for a free estimate on a smart thermostat and start optimizing your home today!