The ‘Hold’ setting on a thermostat maintains a constant temperature indefinitely, overriding any programmed schedule. This feature is useful for periods of predictable occupancy, such as when someone is consistently home for extended durations. For example, activating ‘Hold’ at 72 degrees Fahrenheit ensures that the residence remains at that temperature until the ‘Hold’ setting is deactivated.
Deactivating the ‘Hold’ setting is crucial for restoring energy efficiency and allowing the thermostat to automatically adjust temperatures based on a pre-set schedule. This maximizes energy savings, particularly during unoccupied periods when a lower or higher (depending on the season) setpoint is preferable. Historically, thermostats lacked programmable features, requiring manual adjustments; the introduction of scheduled settings and ‘Hold’ functionality represents a significant advancement in climate control convenience and energy conservation.