HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM USER INTERFACE HAVING SEASONAL PROGRAMS AND METHOD OF OPERATION THEREOF

• US 20130151015A1
• Filed: 03/28/2012
• Published: 06/13/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 12/13/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Lennox Industries Incorporated (Lennox International Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Lennox Industries Incorporated (Lennox International Incorporated)
• Inventors: DiFulgentiz, Bobby
• Granted Patent: US 9,063,555 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 700/276
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 11/30 for purposes related to the operation of the system, e.g. for safety or monitoring
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 11/52 Indication arrangements, e.g. displays
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 11/523 for displaying temperature data
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 23/1904 variable in time

Abstract

A user interface for use with an HVAC system, a method of providing service reminders on a single screen of a user interface of an HVAC system and an HVAC system incorporating the user interface or the method. In one embodiment, the user interface includes: (1) a display configured to provide information to a user, (2) a touchpad configured to accept input from the user and (3) a processor and memory coupled to the display and the touchpad and configured to drive the display and provide a plurality of seasonal programs.

Claims

1. A user interface for use with an HVAC system, comprising:

a display configured to provide information to a user;

and

a processor and memory coupled to said display and said touchpad and configured to drive said display and provide a plurality of seasonal programs.

2. The user interface as recited in claim 1 wherein said plurality of seasonal programs are selected from the group consisting of:

a summer program,

a winter program,

a spring program, and

an autumn program.

3. The user interface as recited in claim 1 wherein said plurality of seasonal programs are at least partially factory preconfigured.

4. The user interface as recited in claim 3 wherein said plurality of seasonal programs are at least partially factory preconfigured for HVAC operation that would typically occur during a corresponding season.

5. The user interface as recited in claim 1 wherein said plurality of seasonal programs are reprogrammable by a user.

6. The user interface as recited in claim 1 wherein said plurality of seasonal programs are factory preconfigured for different climates.

7. The user interface as recited in claim 1 wherein said user interface is a thermostat.

8. A method of providing seasonal programs on a user interface of an HVAC system, comprising:

providing information to a user with a display;

accepting input from said user with a touchpad; and

providing a plurality of seasonal programs.

9. The method as recited in claim 8 wherein said plurality of seasonal programs are selected from the group consisting of:

a summer program,

a winter program,

a spring program, and

an autumn program.

10. The method as recited in claim 8 wherein said plurality of seasonal programs are at least partially factory preconfigured.

11. The method as recited in claim 10 wherein said plurality of seasonal programs are at least partially factory preconfigured for HVAC operation that would typically occur during a corresponding season.

12. The method as recited in claim 8 wherein said plurality of seasonal programs are reprogrammable by a user.

13. The method as recited in claim 8 wherein said plurality of seasonal programs are factory preconfigured for different climates.

14. The method as recited in claim 8 wherein said user interface is a thermostat.

15. An HVAC system, comprising:

a heat pump or a compressor having at least one stage;

at least one condenser coil;

an expansion valve;

at least one evaporator coil;

a loop of pipe interconnecting said heat pump or compressor, said at least one condenser coil, said expansion valve and said at least one evaporator coil and containing a refrigerant;

at least one fan configured to cause outdoor air and indoor air to blow over said at least one condenser coil and said least one evaporator coil; and

a user interface, including;

a display configured to provide information to a user,

a touchpad configured to accept input from said user, and

a processor and memory coupled to said display and said touchpad and configured to drive said display and provide a plurality of seasonal programs.

16. The HVAC system as recited in claim 15 wherein said plurality of seasonal programs are selected from the group consisting of:

a summer program,

a winter program,

a spring program, and

an autumn program.

17. The HVAC system as recited in claim 15 wherein said plurality of seasonal programs are at least partially factory preconfigured.

18. The HVAC system as recited in claim 17 wherein said plurality of seasonal programs are at least partially factory preconfigured for HVAC operation that would typically occur during a corresponding season.

19. The HVAC system as recited in claim 15 wherein said plurality of seasonal programs are reprogrammable by a user.

20. The HVAC system as recited in claim 15 wherein said plurality of seasonal programs are factory preconfigured for different climates.

21. The HVAC system as recited in claim 15 wherein said user interface is a thermostat.