When it comes to optimizing HVAC settings for energy-efficient performance, it’s important to first understand the different settings. Two of the most misunderstood smart thermostat settings are thermostat run and thermostat hold. Below, our experts at Hopkins will dive into what each setting means and how you can utilize that knowledge to reduce your energy bills by optimizing your HVAC system’s performance at your home in Palm Beach, FL.

If you have a programmable thermostat or a newer smart thermostat, you have the option of programming in different temperature settings depending on the time of the day and even the day of the week. This can allow you to automatically change the temperature without having to manually do anything besides the initial thermostat programming.
For example, during the winter months, you may opt for setting the temperature at 72 degrees in the evening while you’re relaxing at home. However, you may want to set your thermostat to automatically adjust to 68 degrees after 10 PM when you go to bed to reduce your energy costs. Once you program in this temperature change, your thermostat will automatically change the temperature every evening at the prescribed time.
When your thermostat is set to run mode, it’s allowed to follow the pre-programmed schedule you have set. Run is the ideal mode that your thermostat should be in the majority of the time so that you can optimize your energy savings throughout the year.
Just as its name suggests, hold mode is when your thermostat will maintain a steady temperature setting. For example, if your thermostat is set at 70 degrees and you hit the hold button, it will maintain that 70-degree temperature until you turn the hold button off. This hold setting will override any pre-programmed settings you have.
Following the example above, if your thermostat is on hold at 70 degrees, the temperature will not change at 10 PM, as you have programmed. Think of hold mode as a temporary stopping of your pre-programmed schedule. Hold mode can be great for better maintaining a temperature when you’re at home on the weekends or you have a day off. It can also be very helpful when you’re on vacation so that you can maintain a consistent temperature in your home.
Choosing between run and hold mode simply comes down to what you want your thermostat to do. During your normal daily routine, it’s helpful to have your thermostat on run mode so that it can automatically make temperature adjustments to optimize your energy savings. However, when you need to temporarily override your thermostat’s normal settings, the hold button allows you to do so without having to physically go in and alter your pre-programmed settings.
While there’s no doubt that newer thermostats can be more complicated than outdated dial thermostats, they offer the ability to achieve optimal home temperature control. As you learn about these different thermostat modes, you can implement them better to meet your unique comfort needs.
We highly suggest investing in a programmable or smart thermostat so you have better control over your HVAC runtime and energy usage. It can be helpful to take a look at your normal schedule and note the times that you’re away from home consistently. When no one is home, it makes sense to adjust the temperature to a maintenance level instead of optimizing it for comfort when no one is there.
For example, during the winter months, it makes sense to adjust the temperature further down at times you’re not home. Consider setting your thermostat to go down to between 55 and 60 degrees when you’re not home. This will save fuel costs and extend the longevity of your heating system because you’re not using it as often. With the right settings, you can have your temperature increase to a more comfortable 68 degrees before you arrive back home. Consider applying the same logic during the summertime to reduce your cooling bills.
Hopkins is your go-to expert for thermostat installation and optimization. Our team of exceptional HVAC technicians can gladly assist you with choosing the right thermostat to fit your needs and budget. With a wide availability of smart thermostat options, you can cash in on major energy savings throughout the year.
In addition to our thermostat installation and maintenance, the expert technicians at Hopkins Air Conditioning handle a wide range of other heating and cooling services. If you’re ready to take control of your household comfort and implement the energy saving tips we discussed above, it’s time to contact Hopkins for professional assistance.