Remote testing of HVAC systems
First Claim
21. A method for testing a plurality of HVAC systems each in a different building structure or in a different region of a common building structure from a remote location, the method comprising the steps of:
- transmitting a test request to each of the plurality of HVAC systems from the remote location;
performing one or more tests on each of the HVAC systems in response to the test request, and producing a test result for each of the HVAC systems; and
transmitting the test result for each of the HVAC systems to a remote location.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A number of methods for testing an HVAC system for a building structure from a remote location outside of the building structure are disclosed. Generally, the HVAC system has a primarily active component and a primarily dormant component. The method includes the steps of transmitting a test request to the HVAC system from the remote location, performing a test on the primarily dormant component of the HVAC system in response to the test request, and producing a test result. The test result can then be transmitted to a location outside of the building structure.
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Citations
34 Claims
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21. A method for testing a plurality of HVAC systems each in a different building structure or in a different region of a common building structure from a remote location, the method comprising the steps of:
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transmitting a test request to each of the plurality of HVAC systems from the remote location;
performing one or more tests on each of the HVAC systems in response to the test request, and producing a test result for each of the HVAC systems; and
transmitting the test result for each of the HVAC systems to a remote location. - View Dependent Claims (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 23, 24)
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23-1. The method of claim 21 wherein at least some of the plurality of HVAC systems include a primarily active component and a primarily dormant component, and wherein at least one of the one or more tests that is performed activates and tests the primarily dormant component of the corresponding HVAC system in response to the test request.
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25. A method for determining which of a plurality of HVAC systems will require maintenance, the method comprising the steps of:
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transmitting a test request to each of the plurality of HVAC systems from the remote location;
performing one or more tests on at least selected ones of the HVAC systems in response to the test request, and producing a test result for each of the selected HVAC systems;
transmitting the test result for each of the selected HVAC systems to a remote location; and
identifying which of the HVAC systems will likely need service by analyzing the test results. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27, 28)
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29. A method for testing an HVAC system for an inside space prior to a heating season, the HVAC system having a heating component, the method comprising the steps of:
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activating the heating component even though the HVAC system would not normally call for heat; and
determining if the heating component is in compliance with a number of predetermined conditions.
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30. A method for testing an HVAC system for an inside space prior to a cooling season, the HVAC system having a cooling component, the method comprising the steps of:
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activating the cooling component even though the HVAC system would not normally call for cool; and
determining if the cooling component is in compliance with a number of predetermined conditions.
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31. A method of remote testing of HVAC systems comprising the steps of:
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transmitting one or more maintenance signals from a remote unit to a specified group of customer HVAC systems, the specified group being a number less than a total number of customer HVAC systems in a customer database;
receiving the one or more maintenance signals at each of the HVAC systems, the one or more maintenance signals activating an HVAC component;
performing a self-test on the activated HVAC component based on the received one or more maintenance signal;
generating self-test result signals from the activated HVAC component based on the self-test preformed on the activated HVAC component;
transmitting the self-test result signals from the HVAC system to the remote unit; and
receiving the self-test result signals from the HVAC systems at the remote unit. - View Dependent Claims (32, 33, 34)
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Specification