A demand response system includes a mobile application of a mobile device that is configured to initiate altering an operating condition of a network device disposed at a site using location based services. A demand response application interface module is configured to enable access between a utility company and the network device to communicate energy management information therebetween. The network device is configured to be remotely altered by each of the demand response application interface module and the mobile application separately based on the location based services and the energy management information. A method of managing a demand response system includes detecting a user being disposed away from a site, detecting energy management information from a utility company associated with the site, and initiating a reduction in energy use at the site in response to the relative location of the user and the energy management information.

A demand response system includes a mobile application of a mobile device that is configured to initiate altering an operating condition of a network device disposed at a site using location based services. A demand response application interface module is configured to enable access between a utility company and the network device to communicate energy management information therebetween. The network device is configured to be remotely altered by each of the demand response application interface module and the mobile application separately based on the location based services and the energy management information. A method of managing a demand response system includes detecting a user being disposed away from a site, detecting energy management information from a utility company associated with the site, and initiating a reduction in energy use at the site in response to the relative location of the user and the energy management information.

Apparatus, systems and methods for ascertaining the occupancy of a building are presented. The building is divided into one or more control zones which correspond to physical areas of the building associated with controllable modules, such as HVAC units, lighting, irrigation, or other environmental features such as fountains, music, video, and the like. Zone parameters define how zone devices shall react to the number of occupants located in the particular zone. A building control system detects individual mobile devices in and around the building, and determines the locations of each device by using trilateration and/or location services. The identified mobile devices act as proxies for building occupants. The locations of these devices are correlated with the locations of the zones in the building, and the building control system then adjusts the operating parameters of the zone based on the number of devices present in the zone.

An air conditioning apparatus including a storage unit that stores therein a setting table in which a schedule of an air conditioning operation for one week is set, and a control unit that executes operation control according to the schedule in the setting table, the air conditioning apparatus including a remote controller that sets operation information of a target time slot as a part of one week, and a temporary storage unit that temporarily stores therein the set operation information of the target time slot, wherein the control unit executes operation control based on the operation information of the target time slot stored in the temporary storage unit in priority to the schedule in the setting table.

A building management system includes a building efficiency improvement system and method configured to monitor and control subsystems and equipment for improved efficiency of operation. A user device is configured to display a user interface for monitoring and controlling one or more building equipment efficiency parameters and settings. The building efficiency management system further includes a controller configured to collect and analyze data from equipment, generate displays of the operational status and efficiency levels, generate sets of alternative equipment control algorithms based on efficiency objectives, and present users with a set of alternative equipment control algorithms displayed via graphic user interface elements on the user device. The user device further provides a means to select and implement an alternate equipment control algorithm. The controller is further configured to receive inputs from the user device commanding changes to equipment controls and process transactions associated with changes to equipment configuration.

A building management system includes a building efficiency improvement system and method configured to monitor and control subsystems and equipment for improved efficiency of operation. A user device is configured to display a user interface for monitoring and controlling one or more building equipment efficiency parameters and settings. The building efficiency management system further includes a controller configured to collect and analyze data from equipment, generate displays of the operational status and efficiency levels, generate sets of alternative equipment control algorithms based on efficiency objectives, and present users with a set of alternative equipment control algorithms displayed via graphic user interface elements on the user device. The user device further provides a means to select and implement an alternate equipment control algorithm. The controller is further configured to receive inputs from the user device commanding changes to equipment controls and process transactions associated with changes to equipment configuration.

An HVAC controller is configured to automatically change between a HEAT mode and a COOL mode in accordance with a sensed temperature in the building structure, a HEAT temperature set point and a COOL temperature set point. The user is allowed to adjust the HEAT temperature set point and the COOL temperature set point, with the HVAC controller automatically adjusting one of the set points in response to the user making a change to the other of the other of the set points that violates a minimum deadband. If the user readjusts the user-adjusted set point in a way that no longer violates the minimum deadband, the HVAC controller will adjust the other set point back towards its previous setting.

An HVAC controller is configured to automatically change between a HEAT mode and a COOL mode in accordance with a sensed temperature in the building structure, a HEAT temperature set point and a COOL temperature set point. The user is allowed to adjust the HEAT temperature set point and the COOL temperature set point, with the HVAC controller automatically adjusting one of the set points in response to the user making a change to the other of the other of the set points that violates a minimum deadband. If the user readjusts the user-adjusted set point in a way that no longer violates the minimum deadband, the HVAC controller will adjust the other set point back towards its previous setting.

A system for remote diagnostic analysis of a heating, ventilation and air condition (HVAC) system is provided. The system includes a thermostat in operable communication with at least one peripheral component of the HVAC system and configured to receive information relating to the at least one peripheral component, and a server in operable communication with the thermostat for receiving and analyzing the information. The server causes the at least one peripheral component to conduct a diagnostic test and analyzes the test result to perform a root cause analysis of a system malfunction.

A system for remote diagnostic analysis of a heating, ventilation and air condition (HVAC) system is provided. The system includes a thermostat in operable communication with at least one peripheral component of the HVAC system and configured to receive information relating to the at least one peripheral component, and a server in operable communication with the thermostat for receiving and analyzing the information. The server causes the at least one peripheral component to conduct a diagnostic test and analyzes the test result to perform a root cause analysis of a system malfunction.