❄️ If your Ecobee thermostat says “Holding” but your AC isn’t turning on or cooling your home, you’re not alone. This is a common issue that can arise from settings, wiring, or HVAC problems. In this guide, we’ll break down what “Hold” means, why your system might not be cooling, and how to troubleshoot it step-by-step.
🙋 What Does “Holding” Mean on an Ecobee?
When your Ecobee displays “Holding,” it means that the thermostat is manually set to maintain a specific temperature — overriding any preset schedule.
There are two types of holds:
- Temporary Hold: Lasts until the next scheduled change.
- Permanent Hold: Stays active until you cancel it manually.
Holding isn’t a problem by itself — unless the cooling system isn’t responding to that temperature setting.
🛠️ Ecobee Not Cooling: Common Causes
Let’s look at the most frequent reasons your Ecobee is holding a temperature but your AC isn’t cooling:
🧊 Your Set Temperature Is Too Close to Room Temperature
If the indoor temperature is 75°F and the Ecobee is set to hold at 74°F, your system may not activate because it’s within the deadband range (usually 1°F).
⚙️ HVAC System Not Responding
The thermostat may be sending a signal, but your air conditioner might be:
- Powered off at the breaker
- Experiencing a tripped safety switch
- Low on refrigerant
🔌 Wiring or Installation Issue
A common wire (C-wire) or Y-wire (cooling signal) could be:
- Loose
- Damaged
- Improperly installed
🧾 Schedule or Comfort Settings Conflict
Ecobee settings like:
- Smart Home/Away
- Follow Me
- Comfort Settings
…can override manual holds or delay system activation.
❌ Mode Set to “Off” or “Heat”
Ensure your system is in Cool mode:
- Open Ecobee app or thermostat
- Go to Main Menu > System > Mode
- Set to “Cool”
🔍 Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
✅ Step 1: Check the System Mode
- Tap Menu > System > HVAC Mode
- Set it to Cool
- Confirm a set point lower than room temperature
✅ Step 2: Verify the Hold
- If it says “Holding,” verify it’s holding the correct (cooler) temperature
- Cancel the hold and re-set it if needed
✅ Step 3: Inspect the Wiring
- Remove the Ecobee faceplate
- Check for secure Y1 (cooling) and C (common) wire connections
- If unsure, consult an HVAC pro
✅ Step 4: Listen for the Click
When you adjust the temperature below the room temperature:
- You should hear a faint “click”
- If not, Ecobee may not be triggering the relay
✅ Step 5: Test the AC Manually
- Switch the HVAC breaker off and on
- Try running the AC with a traditional thermostat (if available)
- This can confirm if the issue is the Ecobee or the HVAC system itself
📲 Advanced Tips
🔄 Reboot the Ecobee
- Tap Menu > Settings > Reset > Reboot Thermostat
- This can resolve software glitches
📡 Check Sensor Readings
- Go to Menu > Sensors
- Ensure sensors are reporting accurate room temps
🔄 Reset to Factory Settings (Last Resort)
- Menu > Settings > Reset > Reset All Settings
⚠️ This will erase all schedules and preferences — use with caution.
🧰 When to Call a Pro
Call a professional HVAC technician if:
- The AC doesn’t kick in even after wiring and settings are verified
- You hear buzzing but no fan/compressor
- You suspect a refrigerant or capacitor issue
🧾 Final Thoughts
If your Ecobee says “Holding” but isn’t cooling, don’t panic. It’s usually a small settings conflict, wiring issue, or HVAC mode mix-up. Walk through the basic troubleshooting steps, and you’ll often find the fix without needing to replace your thermostat or call for service.