The quest for the perfect indoor temperature is a constant battle, especially when dealing with fluctuating outdoor conditions. You turn on the heat, you turn on the air conditioning, you adjust the thermostat, and yet, sometimes it just feels like you’re constantly chasing a comfortable temperature.
One of the biggest dilemmas you might face when controlling your home’s temperature is whether to set your thermostat to “temporary” or “hold.” These two settings might seem interchangeable, but they actually have distinct functions that can impact your comfort and your energy bills.
Understanding Temporary vs. Hold
Temporary settings on thermostats allow you to temporarily adjust the temperature for a specific period, after which the thermostat reverts back to its original setting. This is ideal for:
- Short-Term Adjustments: If you just need a quick burst of cool air or heat while you’re at home, a temporary setting ensures the desired temperature for a specific duration without affecting the overall thermostat schedule.
- Occasional Needs: Perhaps you have guests coming over for a few hours, and you want the house to be comfortable for their visit. Temporary settings allow you to make those adjustments without disrupting your regular thermostat schedule.
Hold settings, on the other hand, maintain the adjusted temperature indefinitely until you manually change it back. This is more suitable for:
- Extended Adjustments: If you’re going away on vacation and want to keep the house cooler or warmer, a hold setting ensures the temperature remains constant throughout your absence.
- Unexpected Weather Changes: An abrupt change in weather might require a longer adjustment to maintain comfort. A hold setting lets you override your regular schedule until the weather settles.
Factors Influencing Your Choice
Several factors should be considered when deciding whether to use “temporary” or “hold” on your thermostat:
1. Duration of Adjustment
- Temporary: Use temporary settings for short-term adjustments of a few hours or less.
- Hold: Use hold settings for longer-term adjustments lasting several hours, overnight, or even days.
2. Desired Temperature
- Temporary: Use temporary settings for minor temperature changes of a few degrees.
- Hold: Use hold settings for significant temperature changes, especially if you want to maintain a different temperature for an extended period.
3. Time of Day
- Temporary: Use temporary settings for temporary adjustments during peak heating or cooling hours.
- Hold: Use hold settings for long-term adjustments when you’re away from home or when you need to override your regular thermostat schedule due to extreme weather conditions.
4. Energy Efficiency
- Temporary: Using temporary settings for short-term adjustments can save energy as the thermostat will revert to its original setting automatically.
- Hold: Using hold settings for extended periods can increase energy consumption as the system will continue running at the new temperature for a longer duration.
Choosing the Right Setting
To make the right choice for your specific needs, ask yourself these questions:
- How long will the adjusted temperature be needed?
- How significant is the temperature change?
- What is the current time of day?
- How will the setting impact my energy bill?
Based on the answers to these questions, you can make an informed decision on whether to use “temporary” or “hold” for optimal comfort and energy efficiency.
Additional Considerations
- Programmable Thermostat Benefits: If you have a programmable thermostat, consider setting a schedule for specific temperatures at different times of the day. This can automatically adjust the temperature based on your daily routine, maximizing comfort and energy savings.
- Smart Thermostat Features: Some smart thermostats offer advanced features like geolocation tracking, which automatically adjusts the temperature based on your location. This can help optimize comfort and save energy by automatically lowering the temperature when you’re away from home.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between “temporary” and “hold” on your thermostat comes down to your specific needs and preferences. By understanding the differences between these settings and considering the relevant factors, you can make informed choices to optimize your indoor comfort while minimizing energy consumption.
Remember, adjusting your thermostat appropriately is a crucial step in achieving a comfortable and energy-efficient home environment. Take the time to explore the features of your thermostat and make informed decisions that suit your lifestyle and environmental conditions.
FAQ
1. What is the difference between temporary and hold on a thermostat?
The “temporary” setting on a thermostat allows you to change the temperature for a specific amount of time, after which the thermostat will return to its previous setting. For example, you might use the temporary setting to cool your house down quickly while you’re home for a few hours, but want it to return to its usual temperature when you leave. On the other hand, the “hold” setting overrides the programmed schedule and keeps the temperature at the desired level until you manually change it.
Essentially, “temporary” is a temporary override of your usual schedule, while “hold” is a permanent override until you tell it otherwise.
2. Which setting should I use?
The choice between “temporary” and “hold” depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you only need to adjust the temperature for a short period, “temporary” is usually the best option. This avoids accidentally leaving your thermostat at an uncomfortable temperature for an extended period. However, if you want to keep the temperature at a specific level for a longer duration, “hold” is a better choice.
For instance, if you are going away on vacation for a week, “hold” is ideal for maintaining your desired temperature even while you’re away. If you just need the house to be cooler while you’re home for a few hours, “temporary” is the more appropriate option.
3. What happens if I forget to change the setting back?
If you forget to change the “temporary” setting back to your programmed schedule, the thermostat will eventually revert to its original settings. The length of time this takes depends on the specific thermostat model. However, with “hold,” the thermostat will remain at the chosen temperature until you manually change it. This can lead to wasted energy and an uncomfortable environment if you forget to switch back to your normal settings.
For instance, if you set the “temporary” setting to 72 degrees for 2 hours but forget to change it back, it will revert to your programmed setting after those 2 hours. On the other hand, if you use “hold” to set the temperature to 72 degrees and forget to change it back, the thermostat will stay at 72 degrees until you manually change it.
4. Can I use “hold” for a specific period?
Most thermostats don’t offer a “hold” setting for a specific period. You can, however, utilize the “temporary” setting to create a limited “hold” by choosing a longer duration. For instance, if you need the temperature to remain at a specific level for 8 hours, you can use the “temporary” setting with a duration of 8 hours.
While you can’t directly set a specific time for “hold,” “temporary” can be a workaround for limited “hold” periods.
5. Does using “hold” increase my energy bills?
Using “hold” on your thermostat can potentially increase your energy bills. Since it overrides your programmed settings, it can lead to a constant temperature that may not be necessary or energy-efficient. However, “temporary” can be a more energy-efficient option as it reverts to your programmed settings after the set duration.
While “hold” can potentially increase energy consumption, it depends on your usage and the specific temperature settings. “Temporary” tends to be more energy-efficient due to its automatic reversion to the scheduled settings.
6. What are the benefits of using “temporary”?
Using “temporary” on your thermostat offers several benefits. First, it allows you to make short-term adjustments to the temperature without affecting your programmed schedule. This can be useful for situations like a quick cool-down during the day or a warmer setting while you’re asleep. Second, “temporary” avoids accidentally leaving your thermostat at an uncomfortable temperature for an extended period, which can happen with “hold.”
“Temporary” provides flexibility and control over your home’s temperature for short periods without disrupting your established schedule.
7. Is one setting better than the other?
There’s no single answer to which setting is better, as it depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you want to make quick, short-term adjustments to your temperature, “temporary” is a good option. However, if you need to maintain a specific temperature for a longer period, “hold” may be more convenient. Ultimately, the choice comes down to your personal use case and energy efficiency goals.
The best option depends on your individual needs and preferences. “Temporary” is ideal for short-term adjustments, while “hold” is better suited for extended periods.