Abstract: A thermostat is provided that is capable of reliably reducing the operation of an air conditioner and other systems to provide energy cost savings to the consumer and load reduction to a utility provider. The thermostat includes at least one sensor configured to communicate information indicative of the temperature within the space, and a memory for storing at least one temperature offset value associated with a request for reduced heating or reduced cooling operation. The thermostat further includes a controller in communication with the at least one sensor, which is configured to periodically determine a temperature value for the space and to control heating or cooling of the space until the determined temperature value has substantially reached the set-point temperature.

Abstract: Various thermostat embodiment are provided that includes at least a first sensor configured to communicate information indicative of the temperature within the space, and at least a second sensor configured to communicate information indicative of the humidity within the space. The thermostat further includes a controller in communication with the at least first and second sensors, for controlling the thermostat's operation. The controller is configured to operate in a first mode in which the controller operates the air conditioner when the sensed temperature of the space is above a temperature set-point or when the sensed humidity level is above the humidity set-point. The controller is further configured to operate in a second mode in which the controller operates the air conditioner when the sensed temperature is below a set-back temperature set-point, or when the sensed humidity is above a set-back humidity set-point.

Abstract: A thermostat for controlling a climate control system is provided that comprises a network interface for establishing an Internet connection with a website of a remote service provider, and a microprocessor for controlling the operation of a climate control system. The microprocessor is in communication with the network interface for establishing an Internet connection and receiving user-specified information from a remote service provider that maintains a user-profile of information requested by the user. The thermostat further comprises a display device responsive to the microprocessor for displaying user-specified information received via the network controller from the remote service provider.

Abstract: An air cleaner is provided that includes one or more ionizing panels having at least one ionizing wire in connection with a voltage source. One or more collector cells separate from the one or more ionizing wire panels are releasably received within the air cleaner housing to establish an electrical connection between the collector cell and the voltage source for applying a voltage potential between the collector cell and the ionizing wire. The collector cell may be removed from the air cleaner to permit cleaning of the collector cell separate from the ionizing panels. The air cleaner monitors at least one variable indicative of the operation of the air cleaner. Upon determining that the variable has reached a predetermined level indicative of a significant amount of dust accumulation, a controller activates a light source to illuminate indicia on a display screen which indicates a need for servicing the air cleaner.

Abstract: A thermostat is provided comprising a first connector for connecting to an air conditioner, a second connector for connecting to either a conventional heater or a heat pump reversing valve, and a selection means for selecting from at least a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation. The first mode of operation is configured to establish cooling by providing an on signal to the first connector and to establish heating by providing an on signal to the second connector. The second mode of operation is configured to establish cooling by providing an on signal to the first and second connectors, and heating by providing an on signal to the first connector but not the second connector. When the second mode is selected and the second connector is connected to conventional heating, the thermostat detects when both the conventional heating and air conditioning are operating simultaneously during cooling.

Abstract: An air cleaner is provided that comprises one or more ionizing panels having at least one ionizing wire in connection with a voltage source. One or more collector cells separate from the one or more ionizing wire panels are releasably received within the air cleaner housing to establish an electrical connection between the collector cell and the voltage source for applying a voltage potential between the collector cell and the ionizing wire. The collector cell may be removed from the air cleaner to permit cleaning of the collector cell separate from the ionizing panels. The air cleaner monitors at least one variable indicative of the operation of the air cleaner. Upon determining that the variable has reached a predetermined variable indicative of a significant amount of dust accumulation, an activates a light source to illuminate indicia on a display screen which indicates a need for servicing the air cleaner.

Abstract: A thermostat is provided that receives one or more inputs from at least one heating system of a climate control system, and initiates an appropriate action in response to the input. The thermostat can turn off a heat pump providing substandard heat and responsively turn on a fuel-fired auxiliary furnace. The thermostat may discontinue further operation of the auxiliary furnace upon receiving an operating error signal associated with the auxiliary furnace, and responsively turn on the heat pump to provide for continued heating. The thermostat may also discontinue operation of the fuel-fired furnace and turn on a circulating fan in response to an input signal indicating a furnace high-temperature or a carbon monoxide presence.

Abstract: A thermostat comprising a software sub-routine for controlling the operation of an air conditioner and a stored value representative of the air conditioner's operating and non-operating time, which is indicative of the outdoor temperature and load on the air conditioning system. The stored value representative of operating time is evaluated by the software sub-routine, which responsively raises the set-point temperature when the stored value exceeds a predetermined level indicative of a high outdoor temperature. The economy feature can be manually enabled, or remotely enabled via an input signal from a phone or Internet connection.

Abstract: An electronic digital thermostat adapted for installation in locations with or without an external power supply preferably includes a compartment for receiving a replaceable internal power supply, such as a batteries, for powering the thermostat if an external power supply is not available, and a connector for connecting the thermostat to an external power supply for powering the thermostat when the external power supply is available. The thermostat is configured to preferentially draw power from an external power supply connected to the thermostat, if power from an external power supply is available, and draw power from an internal power supply connected to the thermostat, if power from an external power supply is not available. An additional power backup, such as a capacitor, may be provided to maintain power to the thermostat for short durations when power is unavailable from both the internal power supply and the external power supply.