Abstract: A method of controlling an environmental control system, where the environmental control system is configured to operate in accordance with a control schedule, in a scheduled mode of operation. At a control device that is associated with the environmental control system, a user can receive input indicative of a boost mode. In the boost mode, the environmental control system can disregard the control schedule and operate in accordance with a boost setting, with a target temperature. Responsive to the boost mode, further user input may be used to set the target temperature for boost mode. Boost mode can be activated based on the target temperature, and environmental control can be performed based on the target temperature.

Abstract: An environmental controller arranged to control an environmental control system and a method of setting the operational configuration of such an environmental controller are described. The method comprises: displaying a user query from a series of user queries on a display of a user interface on the environmental controller, receiving in response to the at least one user query, a user input at the user interface, the user input relating to at least one of the one or more appliances intended to be controlled by the environmental controller, determining an expected connection configuration for physical connection terminals on the environmental controller based on the user input, and then detecting by the controller connections at the plurality of physical connection terminals; and validating the user input by comparing the detected connections to the physical connection terminals with the expected connection configuration.

Abstract: A method of controlling an environmental control system, where the environmental control system is configured to operate in accordance with a control schedule, in a scheduled mode of operation. At a control device that is associated with the environmental control system, a user can receive input indicative of a boost mode. In the boost mode, the environmental control system can disregard the control schedule and operate in accordance with a boost setting, with a target temperature. Responsive to the boost mode, further user input may be used to set the target temperature for boost mode. Boost mode can be activated based on the target temperature, and environmental control can be performed based on the target temperature.

Abstract: A method of configuring a control schedule for an environmental control system using a control device is disclosed. The control device has a display and a directional input element such as a rotary dial. The method involves performing a time period configuration process for a sequence of time periods. A time period is added to the control schedule and a representation of the added time period is displayed. In response to directional activation of the directional input element, a duration of the added time period is adjusted, with the representation being updated to indicate the adjusted duration. The adjusted duration is stored in response to a confirmation input signal. The time period configuration process is repeated until it is determined that no more time periods are to be added to the control schedule.

Abstract: Described herein are techniques and systems for controlling, from a mobile device, an environmental control system including at least one appliance for influencing one or more environmental parameters at a premises. The mobile device comprising a user-interactive application for sending commands to the environmental control system. The application having a foreground state for controlling the environmental control system based on user-adjustable parameters; and a background state, in which user notifications are generated. A method can comprise: when the application is in a background state: determining the mobile device has crossed a geolocation threshold; determining an environmental parameter of the premises satisfies a condition; displaying a notification to a user, comprising an option to initiate a command to control an appliance; detecting the user has selected an option; and sending a message to effect the command to the environmental control system.

Abstract: An environmental controller arranged to control an environmental control system and a method of setting the operational configuration of such an environmental controller are described. The method comprises: displaying a user query from a series of user queries on a display of a user interface on the environmental controller, receiving in response to the at least one user query, a user input at the user interface, the user input relating to at least one of the one or more appliances intended to be controlled by the environmental controller, determining an expected connection configuration for physical connection terminals on the environmental controller based on the user input, and then detecting by the controller connections at the plurality of physical connection terminals; and validating the user input by comparing the detected connections to the physical connection terminals with the expected connection configuration.

Abstract: Described herein are techniques and systems for controlling, from a mobile device, an environmental control system including at least one appliance for influencing one or more environmental parameters at a premises. The mobile device comprising a user-interactive application for sending commands to the environmental control system. The application having a foreground state for controlling the environmental control system based on user-adjustable parameters; and a background state, in which user notifications are generated. A method can comprise: when the application is in a background state: determining the mobile device has crossed a geolocation threshold; determining an environmental parameter of the premises satisfies a condition; displaying a notification to a user, comprising an option to initiate a command to control an appliance; detecting the user has selected an option; and sending a message to effect the command to the environmental control system.

Abstract: A method of configuring a control schedule for an environmental control system using a control device is disclosed. The control device has a display and a directional input element such as a rotary dial. The method involves performing a time period configuration process for a sequence of time periods. A time period is added to the control schedule and a representation of the added time period is displayed. In response to directional activation of the directional input element, a duration of the added time period is adjusted, with the representation being updated to indicate the adjusted duration. The adjusted duration is stored in response to a confirmation input signal. The time period configuration process is repeated until it is determined that no more time periods are to be added to the control schedule.