Temperature control of unoccupied living spaces

Abstract

Apparatus is provided for controlling, during unoccupied periods, the operation of an HVAC system and perimeter heating system providing hot air and hot fluid, respectively, to a temperature controlled living space having occupied and unoccupied periods, the apparatus including an electronic processing means in combination with dedicated sensing apparatus, the apparatus providing controlled actuation of the HVAC and permieter heating system in dependence on the temperature difference between an actual space temperature signal and unoccupied space heat and cool reference temperature signals, the apparatus further providing an optimum start-up procedure including simultaneous actuation of the HVAC and perimeter heating system to accelerate the heating of the space, the HVAC discharge temperature being modulated during the start-up procedure in dependence on the temperature difference between the actual space temperature and an occupied space heat reference temperature signal, the perimeter heating system discharge temperature being preset to a start-up reference discharge temperature having a value greater than that maximum perimeter heating system discharge temperature permitted in normal operation.