THERMOSTAT RESPONSIVE TO INPUTS FROM EXTERNAL DEVICES
First Claim
1. A system for controlling the operation of a heat pump and auxiliary heating system, comprising:
- a unitary controller for establishing and monitoring the operation of at least a compressor of an outside condenser unit of a heat pump system;
a thermostat configured to send signals to the unitary controller for requesting operation of at least the compressor, wherein the thermostat is configured to receive signals from the unitary controller indicating that the compressor of the heat pump is inoperable or not operating properly, and to responsively communicate a signal to an auxiliary heating system to initiate auxiliary heating operation, regardless of the outside ambient temperature.
6 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
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.
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Citations
9 Claims
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1. A system for controlling the operation of a heat pump and auxiliary heating system, comprising:
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a unitary controller for establishing and monitoring the operation of at least a compressor of an outside condenser unit of a heat pump system;
a thermostat configured to send signals to the unitary controller for requesting operation of at least the compressor, wherein the thermostat is configured to receive signals from the unitary controller indicating that the compressor of the heat pump is inoperable or not operating properly, and to responsively communicate a signal to an auxiliary heating system to initiate auxiliary heating operation, regardless of the outside ambient temperature. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A system for controlling the operation of a heat pump and auxiliary heating system, comprising:
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a unitary controller for establishing and monitoring the operation of at least a compressor of an outside condenser unit of a heat pump system;
a thermostat configured to send signals to the unitary controller for requesting operation of at least the compressor, wherein the thermostat is configured to determine whether the compressor is not operating absent any signal from the unitary controller by detecting whether the temperature of the space being heated by the heat pump system reflects normal heating operation, whereupon determining a temperature indicative of abnormal heating operation the thermostat responsively communicates a signal to an auxiliary heating system to initiate auxiliary heating operation. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9)
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Specification