Abstract: In exemplary embodiments, HVAC communication bus decoders and corresponding methods are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, an HVAC communication bus decoder includes a control circuit having an input for coupling to an HVAC communication bus and one or more relays each having an output for coupling to a legacy HVAC system monitoring device. The control circuit is configured to read one or more messages transmitted on the HVAC communication bus, decode the one or more messages to determine a desired mode of operation called for by a thermostat connected to the HVAC communication bus, and energize at least one of the one or more relays to emulate a corresponding legacy HVAC signal representing the mode of operation called for by the thermostat to be provided to the legacy HVAC monitoring device.

Abstract: In exemplary embodiments, HVAC communication bus decoders and corresponding methods are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, an HVAC communication bus decoder includes a control circuit having an input for coupling to an HVAC communication bus and one or more relays each having an output for coupling to a legacy HVAC system monitoring device. The control circuit is configured to read one or more messages transmitted on the HVAC communication bus, decode the one or more messages to determine a desired mode of operation called for by a thermostat connected to the HVAC communication bus, and energize at least one of the one or more relays to emulate a corresponding legacy HVAC signal representing the mode of operation called for by the thermostat to be provided to the legacy HVAC monitoring device.

Abstract: A system for controlling the operation of a heating or cooling system includes a system controller, a memory in which system parameter information relating to the heating or cooling system is stored, and a communication device through which the system controller is configured to transmit and receive signals to/from at least one component controller. The system controller is configured to receive via the communication device a data signal from the at least one component controller that includes information relating to operational parameters for at least one system component installed in the heating and cooling system. The system controller is configured to store in the memory the received operational parameters corresponding to the at least one system component. The stored operational parameters may be retrievable for communication to a replacement component controller in the event that the at least one component controller is replaced.

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 system for controlling the operation of a heating or cooling system includes a system controller, a memory in which system parameter information relating to the heating or cooling system is stored, and a communication device through which the system controller is configured to transmit and receive signals to/from at least one component controller. The system controller is configured to receive via the communication device a data signal from the at least one component controller that includes information relating to operational parameters for at least one system component installed in the heating and cooling system. The system controller is configured to store in the memory the received operational parameters corresponding to the at least one system component. The stored operational parameters may be retrievable for communication to a replacement component controller in the event that the at least one component controller is replaced.

Abstract: An interactive system for controlling the operation of an HVAC system is provided that comprises a thermostat for initiating the operation of the HVAC system in either a full capacity mode of operation or at least one reduced capacity mode of operation, and a controller for an outside condenser unit having a condenser fan motor and a compressor motor, the controller being capable of operating the compressor in a full capacity mode and at least one reduced capacity mode. The system also comprises a controller for an indoor blower unit having a blower fan motor, the controller being capable of operating the blower fan motor in a full capacity mode and at least one reduced capacity mode. The system further includes a communication means for transmitting information between the outside condenser unit controller and at least the indoor blower controller, where the information relates to the operation of the indoor blower and the outdoor condenser unit.

Abstract: A system controller is disclosed that includes a communication means for transmitting and receiving information from an installed blower motor controller, and a removable memory device connected to the system controller. The removable memory device includes system parameter information stored thereon that relates to the particular heating or cooling system, where the system parameter information includes at least motor related parameters relating to the operation of one or more types of blower motors. The system controller further includes a processor configured to receive via the communication means the communication of identifying information from the blower motor controller that identifies the type of blower motor installed in the system. The processor is configured to retrieve motor related parameters corresponding to the specific identified blower motor controller from the memory device, and to send said corresponding motor related parameters to the blower motor controller.

Abstract: A system controller is provided that includes a communication network for transmitting and receiving information from an installed blower motor controller, and a removable memory device connected to the system controller. The removable memory device includes stored system parameter information related to a particular heating or cooling system, which information includes at least motor related parameters related to one or more types of blower motors. The system controller further includes a processor that receives, via the communication network, identifying information from the blower motor controller that identifies the type of blower motor that is installed. The processor is configured to retrieve motor related parameters corresponding to the specific identified blower motor from the memory device, and to send the corresponding motor related parameters to the blower motor controller.

Abstract: An interactive system for controlling the operation of an HVAC system is provide that comprises a thermostat for initiating the operation of the HVAC system in either a full capacity mode of operation or at least one reduced capacity mode of operation, and a controller for an outside condenser unit having a condenser fan motor and a compressor motor, the controller being capable of operating the compressor in a full capacity mode and at least one reduced capacity mode. The system also comprises a controller for an indoor blower unit having a blower fan motor, the controller being capable of operating the blower fan motor in a full capacity mode an at least one reduced capacity mode. The system further includes a communication means for transmitting information between the outside condenser unit controller and at least the indoor blower controller, where the information relates to the operation of the indoor blower and the outdoor condenser unit.

Abstract: An interactive system for controlling the operation of an HVAC system is provide that comprises a thermostat for initiating the operation of the HVAC system in either a full capacity mode of operation or at least one reduced capacity mode of operation, and a controller for an outside condenser unit having a condenser fan motor and a compressor motor, the controller being capable of operating the compressor in a full capacity mode and at least one reduced capacity mode. The system also comprises a controller for an indoor blower unit having a blower fan motor, the controller being capable of operating the blower fan motor in a full capacity mode an at least one reduced capacity mode. The system further includes a communication means for transmitting information between the outside condenser unit controller and at least the indoor blower controller, where the information relates to the operation of the indoor blower and the outdoor condenser unit.

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 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: A system controller is disclosed that includes a communication means for transmitting and receiving information from an installed blower motor controller, and a removable memory device connected to the system controller. The removable memory device includes system parameter information stored thereon that relates to the particular heating or cooling system, where the system parameter information includes at least motor related parameters relating to the operation of one or more types of blower motors. The system controller further includes a processor configured to receive via the communication means the communication of identifying information from the blower motor controller that identifies the type of blower motor installed in the system. The processor is configured to retrieve motor related parameters corresponding to the specific identified blower motor controller from the memory device, and to send said corresponding motor related parameters to the blower motor controller.

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: 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: Various embodiments of a thermostat are provided that comprise at least one user input means for enabling the user to input at least one request, a universal serial bus interface, a display device capable of displaying at least a number of alphanumeric characters configured to display information relating to a service provider, and a microprocessor in communication with the universal serial bus interface, the display device and the user input means. The microprocessor is capable of monitoring the user input means for a request to retrieve information relating to a service provider, and is configured to respond to such a request by requesting communication through the universal serial bus interface of information relating to the service provider. The microprocessor (is further configured to communicate the information relating to the service provider to the display device, which information may include the name and phone number of the service provider.

Abstract: A climate control system having two or more stages of cooling operation or heating operation is provided for supplying conditioned air to a plurality of zones within a space, where the climate control system comprises a plurality of controllable zone dampers for controlling the supply of conditioned air to each of the plurality of zones, and a plurality of zone temperature sensors for periodically sensing temperature at preset intervals and transmitting sensed temperature information when the temperature of the zone has changed by more than a predetermined amount.

Abstract: An interactive system for controlling the operation of an HVAC system is provide that comprises a thermostat for initiating the operation of the HVAC system in either a full capacity mode of operation or at least one reduced capacity mode of operation, and a controller for an outside condenser unit having a condenser fan motor and a compressor motor, the controller being capable of operating the compressor in a full capacity mode and at least one reduced capacity mode. The system also comprises a controller for an indoor blower unit having a blower fan motor, the controller being capable of operating the blower fan motor in a full capacity mode an at least one reduced capacity mode. The system further includes a communication means for transmitting information between the outside condenser unit controller and at least the indoor blower controller, where the information relates to the operation of the indoor blower and the outdoor condenser unit.

Abstract: A control is provided for controlling the operation of a climate control system, which includes a processor that is capable of receiving power from a low voltage power supply adapted to be connected to an external alternating current power source, or a second external low voltage power supply. The processor is capable of storing diagnostic information pertaining to the operating status of at least one component of the climate control system. The processor is configured to retrieve stored diagnostic information from memory pertaining to the climate control system and send the diagnostic information to the display means when the processor receives power from the external low voltage power supply and detects the absence of a connection to an external alternating current power source.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the operation of a HVAC system, where the apparatus is adapted to be releasably connectable to a thermostat sub-base assembly connected to an HVAC system. The apparatus is configured to be releasably connectable to the connector pins in a manner such that the apparatus may be slid onto the sub-base and easily removed without any disconnection of wiring. After completion of all construction, the apparatus may be removed and saved for future use, and a new digital thermostat may then be slid onto the connector pins of the sub-base.