Abstract: In some examples, a method for controlling the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in a building includes receiving user input indicating a fallback temperature sensor from a plurality of temperature sensors in the building, the plurality of temperature sensors in the building being associated with a plurality of spaces within the building. The method also includes determining, by the controller, that the plurality of spaces within the building are unoccupied. The method further includes determining, by the controller, a temperature sensed by the fallback temperature sensor based on communication between the controller and the fallback temperature sensor. The method includes causing, by the controller, the HVAC system to turn on or off based on the temperature at the fallback temperature sensor in response to determining that the plurality of spaces within the building are unoccupied.

Abstract: In some examples, a method for controlling the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in a building includes receiving user input indicating a fallback temperature sensor from a plurality of temperature sensors in the building, the plurality of temperature sensors in the building being associated with a plurality of spaces within the building. The method also includes determining, by the controller, that the plurality of spaces within the building are unoccupied. The method further includes determining, by the controller, a temperature sensed by the fallback temperature sensor based on communication between the controller and the fallback temperature sensor. The method includes causing, by the controller, the HVAC system to turn on or off based on the temperature at the fallback temperature sensor in response to determining that the plurality of spaces within the building are unoccupied.

Abstract: A universal heat pump defrost controller device can be configured to determine when and for how long to cause a heat pump to enter defrost mode to remove ice from the outdoor heat exchanger coil. The defrost controller of this disclosure is configured to work with a variety of heat pumps which may implement a variety of defrost approaches, such as demand or timing. The arrangement and form factor of the defrost controller, along with break-away tabs, may allow the defrost controller to fit in the limited space available in many heat pumps. The simple dual display and controls of the device provide for intuitive configuration and troubleshooting during setup and installation.