Energy control system

Claim 2

A control system for controlling a climate control device such as an HVAC device at a premise, said climate control device being supplied with electricity via a utility at various price tiers and said utility providing real time price tier data to said control system, said control system comprising: a) display means for displaying: 1) time of day data, 2) price tier identifying data for identifying price tiers representing at least the relative cost of electricity from one price tier to the next price tier, and 3) set point temperature data corresponding to each of said price tier identifying data, b) input means for inputting; 1) said time of day data for defining time intervals, 2) said set point temperature data corresponding to each price tier identifying data and corresponding to each of said time of day data, said set point temperature data indicative of the desired temperature corresponding to each price tier for each time interval, c) temperature sensing means for sensing the temperature within said premise and for producing actual temperature data indicative of said sensed temperature; d) clock means for maintaining a real time clock and for generating real time clock data corresponding thereto, and e) control means 1) connected to said input means for receiving said time of day data and said set point temperature data, 2) connected to said temperature sensing means for receiving said actual temperature data, 3) connected to said clock means for receiving said real time clock data, 4) connected to said utility for receiving said real time price tier data, and 5) connected to said climate control device for controlling said climate control device for regulating the temperature within said premise in accordance with (a) said set point temperature data for a corresponding price tier identifying data and a corresponding time of day data and (b) said actual temperature data, said real time price tier data and said real time clock data.

Claim 3

A control system as recited in claim 1, wherein said display means further includes means for displaying weekend and weekday identifying data, said input means further includes means for selecting said weekend or weekday identifying data, and said control means is further operative to control said climate control device in accordance with said weekend and weekday identifying data.

Claim 4

A control system as recited in claim 1, wherein said display means further includes means for displaying time of day subintervals, such as morning, day, evening and night, and said input means further includes means for selecting said time of day subintervals.

Claim 5

A control system as recited in claim 1 wherein said input means includes means for inputting contiguous time of day data for defining contiguous time intervals.

Claim 6

A control system as recited in claim 1 wherein said control system further includes storing means for storing preset time of day data corresponding to predetermined time intervals, and preset set point temperature data corresponding to said preset time of day data for each of said price tier identifying data, and wherein said control means is operative for controlling said climate control device for regulating the temperature within said premise in accordance with (a) said preset set point temperature data for a corresponding price tier identifying data and a corresponding preset time of day data and (b) said actual temperature data, said real time price tier data and said real time clock data.

Claim 7

A control system for controlling a climate control device such as an HVAC device at a premise, said climate control device being supplied with electricity via a utility at various price tiers and said utility providing real time price tier data to said control system, and control system comprising: a) display means for displaying; 1) time of day data, 2) price tier identifying data for identifying price tiers representing at least the relative cost of electricity from one price tier to the next price tier, and 3) set point temperature data corresponding to each of said price tier identifying data, b) input means for inputting; 1) said time of day data for defining time intervals, 2) said set point temperature data corresponding to each price tier identifying data and corresponding to each of said time of day data, said set point temperature data indicative of the desired temperature corresponding to each price tier for each timer interval. c) temperature sensing means for sensing the temperature within said premise and for producing actual temperature data indicative of said sensed temperature; d) clock means for maintaining a real time clock and for generating real time clock data corresponding thereto, and e) control means 1) connected to said input means for receiving said time of day data and said set point temperature data, 2) connected to said temperature sensing means for receiving said actual temperature data, 3) connected to said clock means for receiving said real time clock data, 4) connected to said utility for receiving said real time price tier data, and 5) connected to said climate control device for controlling said climate control device for regulating the temperature within said premise in accordance with (a) said set point temperature data for a corresponding price tier identifying data and a corresponding time of day data and (b) said actual temperature data, said real time price tier data and said real time clock data, wherein said control system further includes storing means for storing preset time of day data corresponding to predetermined time intervals, and preset set point temperature data corresponding to said preset time of day data for each of said price tier identifying data, and wherein said control means is operative for controlling said climate control device for regulating the temperature within said premise in accordance with (a) said preset set point temperature data for a corresponding price tier identifying data and a corresponding preset time of day data and (b) said actual temperature data, said real time price tier data and said real time clock data, wherein said storing means further stores said time of day data and said set point temperature data input via said input means, and said control means is operative to control said climate control device in response to said input time of day data and said input set point temperature data in place of said preset time of day data and said preset set point temperature data respectively, and wherein said input means further includes an optimizer switch, said control means responsive to actuation of said optimizer switch to control said climate control device in response to said preset time of day data and said preset set point temperature data in place of said input time of day data and said input set point temperature data respectively.

Claim 8

A control system for controlling a climate control device such as an HVAC device at a premise, said climate control device being supplied with electricity via a utility at various price tiers and said utility providing real time price tier data to said control system, and control system comprising: a) display means for displaying; 1) time of day data, 2) price tier identifying data for identifying price tiers representing at least the relative cost of electricity from one price tier to the next price tier, and 3) set point temperature data corresponding to each of said price tier identifying data, b) input means for inputting; 1) said time of day data for defining time intervals, 2) said set point temperature data corresponding to each price tier identifying data and corresponding to each of said time of day data, said set point temperature data indicative of the desired temperature corresponding to each price tier for each timer interval. c) temperature sensing means for sensing the temperature within said premise and for producing actual temperature data indicative of said sensed temperature; d) clock means for maintaining a real time clock and for generating real time clock data corresponding thereto, and e) control means 1) connected to said input means for receiving said time of day data and said set point temperature data, 2) connected to said temperature sensing means for receiving said actual temperature data, 3) connected to said clock means for receiving said real time clock data, 4) connected to said utility for receiving said real time price tier data, and 5) connected to said climate control device for controlling said climate control device for regulating the temperature within said premise in accordance with (a) said set point temperature data for a corresponding price tier identifying data and a corresponding time of day data and (b) said actual temperature data, said real time price tier data and said real time clock data, wherein said control system further includes storing means for storing preset time of day data corresponding to predetermined time intervals, and preset set point temperature data corresponding to said preset time of day data for each of said price tier identifying data, and wherein said control means is operative for controlling said climate control device for regulating the temperature within said premise in accordance with (a) said preset set point temperature data for a corresponding price tier identifying data and a corresponding preset time of day data and (b) said actual temperature data, said real time price tier data and said real time clock data, wherein said storing means further stores said time of day data and said set point temperature data input via said input means, and said control means is operative to control said climate control device in response to said input time of day data and said input set point temperature data in place of said preset time of day data and said preset set point temperature data respectively, and wherein said input means further includes an optimizer switch, said control means responsive to actuation of said optimizer switch to control said climate control device in response to said preset time of day data and said preset set point temperature data in place of said input time of day data and said input set point temperature data respectively.

Claim 9

A control system for controlling a climate control device such as an HVAC device at a premise, said climate control device being supplied with electricity via a utility at various price tiers and said utility providing real time price tier data to said control system, said control system comprising: a) display means for displaying: 1) time of day data, 2) price tier identifying data for identifying price tiers representing at least the relative cost of electricity from one price tier to the next price tier, and 3) set point temperature data corresponding to each of said price tier identifying data, b) input means for inputting; 1) said time of day data for defining time intervals, 2) said set point temperature data corresponding to each price tier identifying data and corresponding to each of said time of day data, said set point temperature data indicative of the desired temperature corresponding to each price tier for each time interval, c) temperature sensing means for sensing the temperature within said premise and for producing actual temperature data indicative of said sensed temperature; d) clock means for maintaining a real time clock and for generating real time clock data corresponding thereto, and e) control means 1) connected to said input means for receiving said time of day data and said set point temperature data, 2) connected to said temperature sensing means for receiving said actual temperature data, 3) connected to said clock means for receiving said real time clock data, 4) connected to said utility for receiving said real time price tier data, and 5) connected to said climate control device for controlling said climate control device for regulating the temperature within said premise in accordance with (a) said set point temperature data for a corresponding price tier identifying data and a corresponding time of day data and (b) said actual temperature data, said real time price tier data and said real time clock data, wherein said control system further includes storing means for storing preset time of day data corresponding to predetermined time intervals, and preset set point temperature data corresponding to said preset time of day data for each of said price tier identifying data, wherein said control means is operative for controlling said climate control device for regulating the temperature within said premise in accordance with (a) said preset set point temperature data for a corresponding price tier identifying data and a corresponding preset time of day data and (b) said actual temperature data, said real time price tier data and said real time clock data, wherein said climate control device operates in at least a cooling mode for cooling said premise and wherein for use in said cooling mode said storing means stores said preset set point temperature data for each of said price tier identifying data such that any given preset set point temperature data for a given cost of electricity as represented by said price tier identifying data has a value equal to or greater than the preset set point temperature value corresponding to any lower cost of electricity as represented by said price tier identifying data.

Claim 10

A control system for controlling a climate control device such as an HVAC device at a premise, said climate control device being supplied with electricity via a utility at various price tiers and said utility providing real time price tier data to said control system, said control system comprising: a) display means for displaying: 1) time of day data, 2) price tier identifying data for identifying price tiers representing at least the relative cost of electricity from one price tier to the next price tier, and 3) set point temperature data corresponding to each of said price tier identifying data, b) input means for inputting; 1) said time of day data for defining time intervals, 2) said set point temperature data corresponding to each price tier identifying data and corresponding to each of said time of day data, said set point temperature data indicative of the desired temperature corresponding to each price tier for each time interval, c) temperature sensing means for sensing the temperature within said premise and for producing actual temperature data indicative of said sensed temperature; d) clock means for maintaining a real time clock and for generating real time clock data corresponding thereto, and e) control means 1) connected to said input means for receiving said time of day data and said set point temperature data, 2) connected to said temperature sensing means for receiving said actual temperature data, 3) connected to said clock means for receiving said real time clock data, 4) connected to said utility for receiving said real time price tier data, and 5) connected to said climate control device for controlling said climate control device for regulating the temperature within said premise in accordance with (a) said set point temperature data for a corresponding price tier identifying data and a corresponding time of day data and (b) said actual temperature data, said real time price tier data and said real time clock data, wherein said control system further includes storing means for storing preset time of day data corresponding to predetermined time intervals, and preset set point temperature data corresponding to said preset time of day data for each of said price tier identifying data, wherein said control means is operative for controlling said climate control device for regulating the temperature within said premise in accordance with (a) said preset set point temperature data for a corresponding price tier identifying data and a corresponding preset time of day data and (b) said actual temperature data, said real time price tier data and said real time clock data, wherein said climate control device operates in at least a cooling mode for cooling said premise and wherein for use in said cooling mode said storing means stores said preset set point temperature data for each of said price tier identifying data such that any given preset set point temperature data for a given cost of electricity as represented by said price tier identifying data has a value equal to or greater than the preset set point temperature value corresponding to any lower cost of electricity as represented by said price tier identifying data.

Claim 11

A control system as recited in claim 4, wherein said climate control device operates in at least a cooling mode for cooling said premise and wherein for use in said cooling mode said storing means stores said preset set point temperature data for each of said price tier identifying data such that any given preset set point temperature data for a given cost of electricity as represented by said price tier identifying data has a value equal to or greater than the preset set point temperature value corresponding to any lower cost of electricity as represented by said price tier identifying data.

Claim 12

A control system for controlling a climate control device such as an HVAC device at a premise, said climate control device being supplied with electricity via a utility at various price tiers and said utility providing real time price tier data to said control system, said control system comprising: a) display means for displaying; 1) time of day data, 2) price tier identifying data for identifying price tiers representing at least the relative cost of electricity from one price tier to the next price tier, and 3) set point temperature data corresponding to each of said price tier identifying data, b) input means for inputting; 1) said time of day data for defining time intervals, 2) said set point temperature data corresponding to each price tier identifying data and corresponding to each of said time of day data, said set point temperature data indicative of the desired temperature corresponding to each price tier for each timer interval, c) temperature sensing means for sensing the temperature within said premise and for producing actual temperature data indicative of said sensed temperature; d) clock means for maintaining a real time clock and for generating real time clock data corresponding thereto, and e) control means 1) connected to said input means for receiving said time of day data and said set point temperature data, 2) connected to said temperature sensing means for receiving said actual temperature data, 3) connected to said clock means for receiving said real time clock data, 4) connected to said utility for receiving said real time price tier data, and 5) connected to said climate control device for controlling said climate control device for regulating the temperature within said premise in accordance with (a) said set point temperature data for a corresponding price tier identifying data and a corresponding time of day data and (b) said actual temperature data, said real time price tier data and said real time clock data, wherein said control system further includes storing means for storing preset time of day data corresponding to predetermined time intervals, and preset set point temperature data corresponding to said preset time of day data for each of said price tier identifying data, wherein said control means is operative for controlling said climate control device for regulating the temperature within said premise in accordance with (a) said preset set point temperature data for a corresponding price tier identifying data and a corresponding preset time of day data and (b) said actual temperature data, said real time price tier data and said real time clock data, wherein said climate control device operates in at least a heating mode for heating said premise and wherein for use in said heating mode said storing means stores said preset set point temperature data for each of said price tier identifying data such that any given preset set point temperature data for a given cost of electricity as represented by said price tier identifying data has a value equal to or less than the preset set point temperature value corresponding to any lower cost of electricity as represented by said price tier identifying data.

Claim 13

A control system for controlling a climate control device such as an HVAC device at a premise, said climate control device being supplied with electricity via a utility at various price tiers and said utility providing real time price tier data to said control system, said control system comprising: a) display means for displaying; 1) time of day data, 2) price tier identifying data for identifying price tiers representing at least the relative cost of electricity from one price tier to the next price tier, and 3) set point temperature data corresponding to each of said price tier identifying data, b) input means for inputting; 1) said time of day data for defining time intervals, 2) said set point temperature data corresponding to each price tier identifying data and corresponding to each of said time of day data, said set point temperature data indicative of the desired temperature corresponding to each price tier for each timer interval, c) temperature sensing means for sensing the temperature within said premise and for producing actual temperature data indicative of said sensed temperature; d) clock means for maintaining a real time clock and for generating real time clock data corresponding thereto, and e) control means 1) connected to said input means for receiving said time of day data and said set point temperature data, 2) connected to said temperature sensing means for receiving said actual temperature data, 3) connected to said clock means for receiving said real time clock data, 4) connected to said utility for receiving said real time price tier data, and 5) connected to said climate control device for controlling said climate control device for regulating the temperature within said premise in accordance with (a) said set point temperature data for a corresponding price tier identifying data and a corresponding time of day data and (b) said actual temperature data, said real time price tier data and said real time clock data, wherein said control system further includes storing means for storing preset time of day data corresponding to predetermined time intervals, and preset set point temperature data corresponding to said preset time of day data for each of said price tier identifying data, wherein said control means is operative for controlling said climate control device for regulating the temperature within said premise in accordance with (a) said preset set point temperature data for a corresponding price tier identifying data and a corresponding preset time of day data and (b) said actual temperature data, said real time price tier data and said real time clock data, wherein said climate control device operates in at least a heating mode for heating said premise and wherein for use in said heating mode said storing means stores said preset set point temperature data for each of said price tier identifying data such that any given preset set point temperature data for a given cost of electricity as represented by said price tier identifying data has a value equal to or less than the preset set point temperature value corresponding to any lower cost of electricity as represented by said price tier identifying data.

Claim 14

A control system as recited in claim 6 wherein said climate control device operates in at least a heating mode for heating said premise and wherein for use in said heating mode said storing means stores said preset set point temperature data for each of said price tier identifying data such that any given preset set point temperature data for a given cost of electricity as represented by said price tier identifying data has a value equal to or less than the preset set point temperature value corresponding to any lower cost of electricity as represented by said price tier identifying data.

Claim 15

A control system as recited in claim 1 wherein said input means further includes means for selecting an appliance module data indicative of a selected one of a plurality of appliance modules and means for inputting start and stop time data for each selected appliance module, and wherein said control means is further operative in response to said appliance module data and said start and stop time data to activate said appliance during a time period defined by said start and stop time data.

Claim 16

A control system as recited in claim 11 wherein said appliance modules are connected to said control means via an AC power line within said premise.

Claim 17

A control system as recited in claim 1 wherein said climate control device is connected to said control means via AC power lines within said premise.

Claim 18

A control system as recited in claim 1 wherein said climate control device is connected to said control means via dedicated lines within said premise, said dedicated lines separate from any AC power lines within said premise.

Claim 19

A control system as recited in claim 1 wherein said control means is connected to said utility via a telephone communication link.

Claim 20

A control system as recited in claim 1 wherein: said control means includes a data processing unit and an analog to digital converter, said analog to digital converter connected to said temperature sensing means for receiving said actual temperature data and providing digital actual temperature data to said data processing unit, said processing unit operative for averaging said digital actual temperature data to provide an average temperature data, and said control means operative for controlling said display means so as to display said average temperature data.

Claim 21

A control system as recited in claim 1 wherein said control means is operative for controlling said display means to display said actual temperature data as sensed by said temperature sensing means.

Claim 22

A control system as recited in claim 1 wherein said control means further includes means for calculating the cost of electricity over a given time period as utilized at least by said climate control device.

Claim 23

A control system as recited in claim 18 wherein said input means includes a bill information switch and said control means is connected to said display means for controlling said display means to display said calculated cost of electricity in response to actuation of said bill information switch.

Claim 24

A control system as recited in claim 1 wherein said control means includes means for determining electricity usage data in each of said price tiers, said control means controlling said display means to display said electricity usage data in response to actuation of a given switch on said input means.

Claim 25

A control system as recited in claim 20 wherein said given switch is a bill information switch, sequential actuation of said bill information switch causing sequential action by said control means to cause said display means to sequentially display said electricity usage data in each price tier.

Claim 26

A control system as recited in claim 1 wherein said control means includes means for determining electricity cost data in each of said price tiers, said control means controlling said display means to display said electricity cost data in response to actuation of a given switch on said input means.

Claim 27

A control system as recited in claim 1 further including a hot water heater connected to said control means and wherein said control means further includes means for calculating the cost of electricity over a given time period as utilized by at least said climate control device, said appliance modules, and said hot water heater.

Claim 28

A control system as recited in claim 1 further including: a hot water heater connected to said controller, and wherein said display means further includes means for displaying a start and stop time for displaying the scheduling of the on time of said hot water heater, and wherein said input means further includes means for inputting said start and stop times for scheduling the on time of said hot water heater, said controller being further operative to control said hot water heater in accordance with said scheduled on time and said real time clock data and further in response to said real time price tier data.

Claim 29

A control system for controlling a climate control device such as an HVAC device at a premise, said climate control device being supplied with electricity via a utility at various price tiers and said utility providing real time price tier data to said control system, said control system comprising: a) display means for displaying: 1) time of day data, 2) price tier identifying data for identifying price tiers representing at least the relative cost of electricity from one price tier to the next price tier, and 3) set point temperature data corresponding to each of said price tier identifying data, b) input means for inputting: 1) said time of day data for defining time intervals, 2) said set point temperature data corresponding to each price tier identifying data and corresponding to each of said time of day data, said set point temperature data indicative of the desired temperature corresponding to each price tier for each timer interval, c) temperature sensing means for sensing the temperature within said premise and for producing actual temperature data indicative of said sensed temperature; d) clock means for maintaining a real time clock and for generating real time clock data corresponding thereto, and e) control means 1) connected to said input means for receiving said time of day data and said set point temperature data, 2) connected to said temperature sensing means for receiving said actual temperature data, 3) connected to said clock means for receiving said real time clock data, 4) connected to said utility for receiving said real time price tier data, and 5) connected to said climate control device for controlling said climate control device for regulating the temperature within said premise in accordance with (a) said set point temperature data for a corresponding price tier identifying data and a corresponding time of day data and (b) said actual temperature data, said real time price tier data and said real time clock data, a hot water heater connected to said controller, and wherein said display means further includes means for displaying a start and stop time for displaying the scheduling of the on time of said hot water heater, wherein said input means further includes means for inputting said start and stop times for scheduling the on time of said hot water heater, said controller being further operative to control said hot water heater in accordance with said scheduled on time and said real time clock data and further in response to said real time price tier data, and wherein said controller is operative for turning on said hot water heater in advance of said scheduled on time so as to preheat said hot water heater in a preheat time interval immediately preceding said scheduled on time.

Claim 30

A control system for controlling a climate control device such as an HVAC device at a premise, said climate control device being supplied with electricity via a utility at various price tiers and said utility providing real time price tier data to said control system, said control system comprising: a) display means for displaying: 1) time of day data, 2) price tier identifying data for identifying price tiers representing at least the relative cost of electricity from one price tier to the next price tier, and 3) set point temperature data corresponding to each of said price tier identifying data, b) input means for inputting: 1) said time of day data for defining time intervals, 2) said set point temperature data corresponding to each price tier identifying data and corresponding to each of said time of day data, said set point temperature data indicative of the desired temperature corresponding to each price tier for each timer interval, c) temperature sensing means for sensing the temperature within said premise and for producing actual temperature data indicative of said sensed temperature; d) clock means for maintaining a real time clock and for generating real time clock data corresponding thereto, and e) control means 1) connected to said input means for receiving said time of day data and said set point temperature data, 2) connected to said temperature sensing means for receiving said actual temperature data, 3) connected to said clock means for receiving said real time clock data, 4) connected to said utility for receiving said real time price tier data, and 5) connected to said climate control device for controlling said climate control device for regulating the temperature within said premise in accordance with (a) said set point temperature data for a corresponding price tier identifying data and a corresponding time of day data and (b) said actual temperature data, said real time price tier data and said real time clock data, a hot water heater connected to said controller, and wherein said display means further includes means for displaying a start and stop time for displaying the scheduling of the on time of said hot water heater, wherein said input means further includes means for inputting said start and stop times for scheduling the on time of said hot water heater, said controller being further operative to control said hot water heater in accordance with said scheduled on time and said real time clock data and further in response to said real time price tier data, and wherein said controller is operative for turning on said hot water heater in advance of said scheduled on time so as to preheat said hot water heater in a preheat time interval immediately preceding said scheduled on time.

Claim 31

A control system as recited in claim 25 wherein said control means includes means for calculating a preheat time interval which produces a lowest utility cost with respect to said real time price tier data and said real time clock data.

Claim 32

A control system for controlling a climate control device such as an HVAC device at a premise, said climate control device being supplied with electricity via a utility at various price tiers and said utility providing real time price tier data to said control system, said control system comprising: a) displaying means for displaying: 1) time of day data, 2) price tier identifying data for identifying price tiers representing at least the relative cost of electricity from one price tier to the next price tier, and 3) set point temperature data corresponding to each of said price tier identifying data, b) input means for inputting: 1) said time of day data for defining time intervals, 2) said set point temperature data corresponding to each price tier identifying data and corresponding to each of said time of day data, said set point temperature data indicative of the desired temperature corresponding to each price tier for each timer interval, c) temperature sensing means for sensing the temperature within said premise and for producing actual temperature data indicative of said sensed temperature; d) clock means for maintaining a real time clock and for generating real time clock data corresponding thereto, and e) control means 1) connected to said input means for receiving said time of day data and said set point temperature data, 2) connected to said temperature sensing means for receiving said actual temperature data, 3) connected to said clock means for receiving said real time clock data, 4) connected to said utility for receiving said real time price tier data, and 5) connected to said climate control device for controlling said climate control device for regulating the temperature within said premise in accordance with (a) said set point temperature data for a corresponding price tier identifying data and a corresponding time of day data and (b) said actual temperature data, said real time price tier data and said real time clock data, a hot water heater connected to said controller, and wherein said display means further includes means for displaying a start and stop time for displaying the scheduling of the on time of said hot water heater, wherein said input means further includes means for inputting said start and stop times for scheduling the on time of said hot water heater, said controller being further operative to control said hot water heater in accordance with said scheduled on time and said real time clock data and further in response to said real time price tier data, and wherein said control means is operative for inhibiting operation of said hot water heater if said real time price tier data for said scheduled on time corresponds to a highest price tier data.

Claim 33

A control system for controlling a climate control device such as an HVAC device at a premise, said climate control device being supplied with electricity via a utility at various price tiers and said utility providing real time price tier data to said control system, said control system comprising: a) displaying means for displaying: 1) time of day data, 2) price tier identifying data for identifying price tiers representing at least the relative cost of electricity from one price tier to the next price tier, and 3) set point temperature data corresponding to each of said price tier identifying data, b) input means for inputting: 1) said time of day data for defining time intervals, 2) said set point temperature data corresponding to each price tier identifying data and corresponding to each of said time of day data, said set point temperature data indicative of the desired temperature corresponding to each price tier for each timer interval, c) temperature sensing means for sensing the temperature within said premise and for producing actual temperature data indicative of said sensed temperature; d) clock means for maintaining a real time clock and for generating real time clock data corresponding thereto, and e) control means 1) connected to said input means for receiving said time of day data and said set point temperature data, 2) connected to said temperature sensing means for receiving said actual temperature data, 3) connected to said clock means for receiving said real time clock data, 4) connected to said utility for receiving said real time price tier data, and 5) connected to said climate control device for controlling said climate control device for regulating the temperature within said premise in accordance with (a) said set point temperature data for a corresponding price tier identifying data and a corresponding time of day data and (b) said actual temperature data, said real time price tier data and said real time clock data, a hot water heater connected to said controller, and wherein said display means further includes means for displaying a start and stop time for displaying the scheduling of the on time of said hot water heater, wherein said input means further includes means for inputting said start and stop times for scheduling the on time of said hot water heater, said controller being further operative to control said hot water heater in accordance with said scheduled on time and said real time clock data and further in response to said real time price tier data, and wherein said control means is operative for inhibiting operation of said hot water heater if said real time price tier data for said scheduled on time corresponds to a highest price tier data.

Claim 34

A control system for controlling a climate control device such as an HVAC device at a premise, said climate control device being supplied with electricity via a utility at various price tiers and said utility providing real time price tier data to said control system, said control system comprising: a) display means for displaying; 1) time of day data, 2) price tier identifying data for identifying price tiers representing at least the relative cost of electricity from one price tier to the next price tier, and 3) set point temperature data corresponding to each of said price tier identifying data, b) input means for inputting: 1) said time of day data for defining time intervals, 2) said set point temperature data corresponding to each price tier identifying data and corresponding to each of said time of day data, said set point temperature data indicative of the desired temperature corresponding to each price tier for each timer interval, c) temperature sensing means for sensing the temperature within said premise and for producing actual temperature data indicative of said sensed temperature; d) clock means for maintaining a real time clock and for generating real time clock data corresponding thereto, and e) control means 1) connected to said input means for receiving said time of day data and said set point temperature data, 2) connected to said temperature sensing means for receiving said actual temperature data, 3) connected to said clock means for receiving said real time clock data, 4) connected to said utility for receiving said real time price tier data, and 5) connected to said climate control device for controlling said climate control device for regulating the temperature within said premise in accordance with (a) said set point temperature data for a corresponding price tier identifying data and a corresponding time of day data and (b) said actual temperature data, said real time price tier data and said real time clock data, a hot water heater connected to said controller, and wherein said display means further includes means for displaying a start and stop time for displaying the scheduling of the on time of said hot water heater, and wherein said input means further includes means for inputting said start and stop times for scheduling the on time of said hot water heater, said controller being further operative to control said hot water heater in accordance with said scheduled on time and said real time clock data and further in response to said real time price tier data, and wherein said control means is operative for inhibiting operation of said hot water heater if said real time price tier data for said scheduled on time corresponds to either a highest or next to highest price tier data.

Claim 35

A control system for controlling a climate control device such as an HVAC device at a premise, said climate control device being supplied with electricity via a utility at various price tiers and said utility providing real time price tier data to said control system, said control system comprising: a) display means for displaying; 1) time of day data, 2) price tier identifying data for identifying price tiers representing at least the relative cost of electricity from one price tier to the next price tier, and 3) set point temperature data corresponding to each of said price tier identifying data, b) input means for inputting: 1) said time of day data for defining time intervals, 2) said set point temperature data corresponding to each price tier identifying data and corresponding to each of said time of day data, said set point temperature data indicative of the desired temperature corresponding to each price tier for each timer interval, c) temperature sensing means for sensing the temperature within said premise and for producing actual temperature data indicative of said sensed temperature; d) clock means for maintaining a real time clock and for generating real time clock data corresponding thereto, and e) control means 1) connected to said input means for receiving said time of day data and said set point temperature data, 2) connected to said temperature sensing means for receiving said actual temperature data, 3) connected to said clock means for receiving said real time clock data, 4) connected to said utility for receiving said real time price tier data, and 5) connected to said climate control device for controlling said climate control device for regulating the temperature within said premise in accordance with (a) said set point temperature data for a corresponding price tier identifying data and a corresponding time of day data and (b) said actual temperature data, said real time price tier data and said real time clock data, a hot water heater connected to said controller, and wherein said display means further includes means for displaying a start and stop time for displaying the scheduling of the on time of said hot water heater, and wherein said input means further includes means for inputting said start and stop times for scheduling the on time of said hot water heater, said controller being further operative to control said hot water heater in accordance with said scheduled on time and said real time clock data and further in response to said real time price tier data, and wherein said control means is operative for inhibiting operation of said hot water heater if said real time price tier data for said scheduled on time corresponds to either a highest or next to highest price tier data.

Claim 36

A control system as recited in claim 1 wherein said means for inputting includes a keypad and said means for displaying included an LCD display.

Claim 37

A control system as recited in claim 1 wherein said control means is connected to said utility to receive said real time price tier data and a corresponding utility time schedule data during which said real time price tier data is in effect, said control means being further operative for controlling said climate control device for regulating the temperature within said premise in accordance with (a) said set point temperature data for a corresponding price tier identifying data and a corresponding time of day data and (b) said actual temperature data, said real time price tier data and said corresponding utility time schedule data and said real time clock data.

Claim 38

A control system as recited in claim 1 wherein: said control means includes a data processing unit connected to receive said actual temperature data from said temperature sensing means, said processing unit operative for averaging said actual temperature data to provide an average temperature data, and said control means operative for controlling said climate control means in response to said averaged temperature data.

Claim 39

A control system as recited in claim 31 wherein said control means is operative for controlling said display means to display said actual temperature data as sensed by said temperature sensing means.

Claim 40

A control system as recited in claim 31 wherein said data processing means averages a current actual temperature data with an immediately preceding actual temperature data and with a past average of said actual temperature data to calculate a current average temperature data and wherein said control means controls said climate control device in response to said current average temperature data.

Claim 41

A control system for controlling a climate control device such as an HVAC device at a premise, said climate control device being supplied with electricity via a utility at various price tiers and said utility providing real time price tier data to said control system, said control system comprising: a) display means for displaying: 1) time of day data, 2) price tier identifying data for identifying price tiers representing at least the relative cost of electricity from one price tier to the next price tier, and 3) set point temperature data corresponding to each of said price tier identifying data, b) input means for inputting said set point temperature data corresponding to each price tier identifying data and corresponding to each of said time of day data, said set point temperature data indicative of the desired temperature corresponding to each price tier for each time interval, c) temperature sensing means for sensing the temperature within said premise and for producing actual temperature data indicative of said sensed temperature; d) clock means for maintaining a real time clock and for generating real time clock data corresponding thereto, e) control means 2) connected to said input means for receiving said time of day data and said set point temperature data, 2) connected to said temperature sensing means for receiving said actual temperature data, 3) connected to said clock means for receiving said real time clock data, 4) connected to said utility for receiving said real time price tier data, and 5) connected to said climate control device for controlling said climate control device for regulating the temperature within said premise in accordance with (a) said set point temperature data for a corresponding price tier identifying data and a corresponding time of day data and (b) said actual temperature data, said real time price tier data and said real time clock data.

Claim 42

A control system for controlling a climate control device such as an HVAC device at a premise, said climate control device being supplied with electricity via a utility at various price tiers and said utility providing real time price tier data to said control system, said control system comprising: a) display means for displaying: 1) time of day data, 2) price tier identifying data for identifying price tiers representing at least the relative cost of electricity from one price tier to the next price tier, and 3) set point temperature data corresponding to each of said price tier identifying data, b) input means for inputting said set point temperature data corresponding to each price tier identifying data and corresponding to each of said time of day data, said set point temperature data indicative of the desired temperature corresponding to each price tier for each time interval, c) temperature sensing means for sensing the temperature within said premise and for producing actual temperature data indicative of said sensed temperature; d) clock means for maintaining a real time clock and for generating real time clock data corresponding thereto, e) control means 2) connected to said input means for receiving said time of day data and said set point temperature data, 2) connected to said temperature sensing means for receiving said actual temperature data, 3) connected to said clock means for receiving said real time clock data, 4) connected to said utility for receiving said real time price tier data, and 5) connected to said climate control device for controlling said climate control device for regulating the temperature within said premise in accordance with (a) said set point temperature data for a corresponding price tier identifying data and a corresponding time of day data and (b) said actual temperature data, said real time price tier data and said real time clock data.

Claim 49

The method of claim 37, wherein the apparatus is an electric hot water heater.

Claim 50

The method of claim 37, wherein the apparatus is an appliance.

Claim 51

The method of claim 37, wherein the controller unit is provided with peak energy usage times from the power company, the method further comprising the steps of: comparing the real time to the peak energy usage times; and setting the status of the apparatus to OFF if the real time is equal to a peak energy usage time.

Claim 54

The method of claim 41, wherein the user interface includes a keypad, and the means for displaying includes an LCD display.

Claim 55

The method of claim 41, wherein the apparatus is an electric hot water heater.

Claim 56

The method of claim 41, wherein the apparatus is an appliance.

Claim 57

The method of claim 37, wherein the controller is coupled to a power company data supply with a data link, the method further comprising the steps of: accessing the data supply over the data link to acquire electrical energy cost data and the associated power company schedule times; and storing the electrical energy cost data and the associated power company schedule times in the second means for storing information.

Claim 58

The method of claim 45, wherein the apparatus is an electric hot water heater.

Claim 59

The method of claim 40, wherein the controller is coupled to a power company data supply with a data link, the method further comprising the steps of: accessing the data supply over the data link to acquire peak energy usage times; and storing the peak energy usage times in the second means for storing information.

Claim 66

The method of claim 49, wherein the means for heating and cooling comprises a heat pump.

Claim 67

The method of claim 49, wherein the means for heating and cooling comprises at least one resistive heating element and an air conditioner.

Claim 68

The method of claim 49, wherein the thermostat includes a user interface for allowing a user to manipulate the first schedule and means for displaying the first schedule, the step of establishing the first schedule including the steps of: displaying the first schedule on the means for displaying; and altering the first schedule by activating the user interface to provide desired setpoint temperatures and associated times.

Claim 69

The method of claim 49, wherein the user interface includes a keypad and the means for displaying includes an LCD display.

Claim 72

The method of claim 55, wherein the controller unit is coupled to a power company data supply with a data link, the method further comprising the steps of: accessing the data supply over the data link to acquire the energy cost data and associated power company time periods; and storing the energy cost data and the associated power company time periods in the second means for storing information.

Claim 73

The method of claim 55, wherein the thermostat unit includes a user interface for allowing a user to manipulate a hot water hot water schedule and means for displaying the hot water schedule, the step of manipulating the hot water schedule including the steps of: storing the hot water schedule from the second means for storing information in the first means for storing information; displaying hot water schedule on the means for displaying; altering the hot water schedule data in the first means for storing information by activating the user interface to provide desired setpoint temperatures at associated times; and storing the altered hot water schedule from the first means for storing information in the second means for storing information.

Claim 74

The method of claim 57, wherein the user interface includes a keypad and the means for displaying includes an LCD display.