MXPA04004268A - Programmable thermostat incorporating air quality protection - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention is directed to programmable temperature control in which a controller may be programmed to control a thermal output of said temperature-modifying device, and to operate an air circulating system independently of the temperature-modifying device. The apparatus may incorporate a user input for entering air handling information to program the air circulating system to operate at predetermined intervals. The controller may be further programmed to receive air filtration information from the user input and to generate air filtration output information. The system may also be programmed to receive information regarding a characteristic of the air circulating system from an sensor for use in calculating the air filtration output information.

Description

PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTAT THAT INCORPORATES AIR QUALITY PROTECTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION The field of the invention is that of programmable thermostats for controlling a heating and / or cooling system to maintain the predetermined temperatures of the set point, and more particularly to programmable thermostats that incorporate air quality protection characteristics.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION It has been a problem for many years in the heating and cooling of homes and offices to efficiently regulate the ambient temperature to maintain the desired level of comfort, while minimizing the amount of energy consumed by the heating / cooling apparatus. The heating / cooling needs of a home or office are not constant over time and can, in fact, vary substantially depending on the time and day of the week. Conventional thermostats have been highly inefficient in this respect due to the fact that only a fixed temperature could be maintained. In response to this, the programmable thermostats were developed in the prior art which allowed the programming of set points for the thermostats based on the hour and day of the week. These programmable thermostats use a microprocessor in which the user enters the desired temperature setting information by means of a numeric keypad or some other arrangement of buttons and switches.

Air handling systems for use in temperature control, such as in residential or commercial heating systems, air conditioning and ventilation (HVAC) usually use an air filtration system, usually incorporating an oven or a air conditioner filter, to collect the particles carried by the air that may be circulating in the system. The use of a filtration system helps reduce the formation of allergens (such as pollen, mold, spores, dandruff, etc.) and other material within the work pipe that circulates air through the system, and helps remove these particles of air. The presence of such material can greatly reduce the efficiency of the temperature control system itself, in addition to posing risks to the health of those who inhabit the environmentally controlled space. Maintaining filter efficiency through proper filter change or cleaning is particularly important in some systems, such as those that incorporate the use of heat pumps. In the past, some programmable thermostats have included a counter-filter that operates in a subordinate position while the thermostat is in operation.

When the designated period of use for the filter has expired, a "FILTER" message appears on the thermostat screen. There is no information available about the use of the filter for the user during normal operation of the thermostat. Instead, the user must change the thermostat to a filter mode to adjust or readjust the period of use of the filter (usually from 0 to 500 hours) and observe the time remaining in the period of use of the filter. In addition, the amount of allergens and other particles present in the working duct for the air circulation system can be reduced by operating a fan that circulates the air on a regular basis. Fan operation at regular independent intervals (compared to continuously or only when operating the furnace or cooling system) can be more effectively cleaned used air within the system, while also conserving energy usage and prolonging the life of the air handling unit. However, this is not done in the systems of the prior art. Therefore, a temperature control system is needed that further improves the cleanliness of the air circulating through an environmental control system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The embodiments of the invention may include a system for programmable temperature control in which a control can be programmed to regulate a thermal output of said temperature modifying device, and to operate an air circulation system independently of the temperature modifying device. The apparatus may incorporate an input circuit operable by the user to input the air handling information to program the air circulation system to operate it at predetermined intervals. The air handling information may include one or more periods of operation and / or the "ON" time for the air circulation system during periods of operation. The controller can also be programmed to receive information from the air filtration from an input circuit operable by the user and generate the output information of the air filtration displayed on the screen during the control of the thermal output of the temperature modifying device. The output information of the filter can include how much is left in a period of use of the air filter, what percentage of the remaining period of use of the air filter, and / or whether to check the air filter.

The system can also be programmed to receive information regarding the characteristics of the air circulation system from a sensor to be used in calculating the output information of the air filtration. The feature may include, for example, one or more selected from the group consisting of air pressure, air flow, air heat loss, fan usage, fan current carry and fan power usage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The foregoing and other aspects and advantages will be better understood from the detailed description of the following invention with reference to the drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a block diagram of a programmable thermostat. Figure 2 is a front elevation of a programmable thermostat. Figures 3 (a) - (d) are illustrations of a programmable thermostat screen. Figures 4 (a) - (b) are a schematic of a programmable thermostat. Figures 5 (a) - (b) are illustrations of a programmable thermostat screen for adjusting the filter usage counter. Figure 6 is an illustration of an air handling system of an environmental control system in accordance with aspects of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The invention will be more fully understood from the detailed description given below and from the accompanying drawings of the preferred embodiments of the invention which, however, should not be taken to limit the invention to a specific embodiment, but are only for explanation and understanding. Figure 1 contains a block diagram of a mode of a programmable thermostat. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the invention is not limited thereto and may include any device or configuration of components capable of functioning in the manner of the invention. In the embodiment disclosed herein, the information regarding set point temperature, date or time for each program can be input to the thermostat 101 by the user through an input device 102 at the interface 103. The interface 103 can being connected to a programming device 104 of the controller 105 such that the programming device 104 receives the information fed into the input device 102, and can display this information on the display device 106. The programming device 104 can also controlling the operation of the temperature modifying device 107, which is typically a heating / cooling system for the medium whose temperature is always controlled, such as HVAC systems, geothermal systems, furnaces and water heaters for gas, natural or electric gas, etc. The programmable device 104 may store the information received from the input device 102 in the memory 108, together with an algorithm or program to operate the temperature modifying device 107 in accordance with this information. The programming device 104 may comprise any device capable of operating in the manner of the invention, such as a logic circuit in a logic card, a microprocessor, or other integrated circuit. Similarly, the memory 108 may comprise electronic memory, such as RAM, SRAM or DRAM, or the like, in an integrated circuit, such as a PROM, EPROM, or EEPROM, and Similar. The memory 108 may also be part of the programming device 104. The display device 106 is not particularly limited and may include, for example, an electronic display, such as an LCD, LED, and the like. The input device 102 may include buttons, keypads or any other device or arrangement of pressure sensitive devices that are capable of entering the appropriate information. The operation of these devices is notorious for those of ordinary skill in the art. A comparison device 109 can be used to compare the ambient temperature of the medium to be controlled with the desired control temperature, as determined by the programming device 104 and stored in the memory 108. The comparison device 109 can detect the current temperature of the environment when using a conventional temperature sensing device, such as a thermistor, thermocouple, or other type of temperature transducer. A timer 110 can be connected to the programming device 104 in order to provide the time information thereto to be used in connection with the operation of the programming device 104 and its temperature control program. Information related to time from timer 110 may also be stored in memory 108 and displayed on screen 106. Timer 110 may comprise any device that provides time-related information, such as a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) , a crystal oscillator, and the like, together with the associated circuitry. The information related to the time provided by the timer 110 is not limited and may comprise, for example, chronological information of the time, such as year, month, day, hour, minutes and / or seconds, or synchronization information for the device. programming 104 (which can be used to calculate this information). The timer 10 may also be part of the programming device 104. One or more remote sensors 112 may be employed in communication with the controller 105 such as to provide the feedback information for the programming device 104. For example, the sensors may be used near the air filter to detect air pressure, air flow, or heat loss. In another example, the sensors can be used to detect the operation of the fan, such as by detecting fan current draw. The information can be transmitted to and from the sensor using any number of mechanisms, such as wireless systems (eg, radio frequency or infrared), low-voltage communication wiring, or even using the house wiring. The invention is not limited in this respect. The use of such sensors is discussed in more detail below with respect to fan monitoring and filter management. The operation of the controller 105 and / or the interface 103 may be powered by the power supply 111. The power supply 111 is not particularly limited, but can comprise any power source capable of operating the controller 105 and the interface 103, such as the house current (e.g., 102v of AC at 60 Hz), or one or more batteries (for example, 9v of CD). Figure 2 illustrates an example of a programmable thermostat. As shown in Figure 2, the thermostat 200 may include an outer cover 202 for housing the aforementioned components. The display window 204 can be used to house the screen 106 (Figure 1) for interaction with the user. Switches 206 can be used to switch between heating and cooling modes, or to change fan air handling from an automatic mode to a constant "on" mode. The buttons 213 may also be used to input information to the thermostat, with the information displayed through the display window 204. The switches 206 and the buttons 213 may be in communication with the input device 102 (Figure 1) to enter the information in the programmable thermostat. Of course, these aspects of temperature control of the programmable thermostats are known in the art and will not be elaborated further here. The thermostat 200 may also include a rotating dial or selector 212, or some other mechanism, to switch between the operating modes of the thermostat, such as adjusting the day and time, adjusting the weekdays and weekend functions, adjusting the filter, and of operation, and may also be in communication with the input device 102, Of course, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that it is not necessary to use a rotary dial or selector and that other mechanisms, such as a combination of switches and buttons can be used to achieve the functionality described here. As noted above, air handling systems for use in temperature control, such as in residential or commercial CVAA systems, typically utilize one or more filters, such as high efficiency particulate air filter (or "PAAE"), electrostatic filters, etc., to collect particles carried by the air that may be circulating within the system. These filters generally comprise a tight fabric or fine mesh of material that is placed inside a log or network of ducts through which the air is passed through the air manipulating fan, or blower. As the air passes through the filter, the particles carried by the air are trapped with the fibers of the filter fabric. These filter systems are highly beneficial in reducing the spread of allergens, such as pollen, mold, spores, dandruff, etc. through the home or office. However, if an air handling system is not properly maintained, the efficiency of the temperature control system can be greatly reduced, reducing its ability to adequately clean the circulated air. For example, a filter that is not changed or cleaned regularly can become clogged from the accumulation of particulate matter, reducing the flow of air through the system and increasing the amount of allergens within the pipeline network. These additional allergens can consequently be circulated through the system once the filter is replaced. Also, reduced or inconsistent airflow can allow allergens to congregate within the network of system ducts. In order to further improve the cleanliness of the air circulating through the system, the thermostat can be programmed to operate a manipulator or air conveyor in a cleaning cycle, which circulates the air through the system at predetermined intervals to avoid accumulation and growth of allergens within the duct network of the temperature control system. In one embodiment, an air cleaning time control program may be operating as part of the programming device 104. To set the user definable parameters to the program, the user may turn the selector (or equivalent) to the ADJUST position. OF FAN PROGRAMS. The FAN button switch (206) can be adjusted to the CLEAN position FAN and the MODE button (206) can be placed in the HEAT or COOL positions. In one embodiment, the air cleaning time control program may incorporate one or more automatic program periods, during which the fan may be operated for a set duration, such as 15 minutes of ON-TIME time per hour. In this way, for example, each day may have one or more programs during which the ventilator is turned on for a set amount of time to circulate the air through the system and help prevent the accumulation and growth of allergens - despite of the operation itself of the temperature modifying device. Several examples of these periods are listed in the Step 1 below.

TABLE 1 Although the way of programming the air cleaning cycles is not particularly limited, in one embodiment, programming can be done in the following order: Start Time Monday Morning, Minimum On Time Monday Morning, Start Time Monday Day, On Time Minimum Day Monday, etc. until Sunday Night is fully scheduled. At this point, pressing [NEXT] again can start the list in the Start Time Monday Morning. During the programming process, the information can be displayed on the screen 106 for the user. For example, the icons "PROGRAM", "FAN", "START A" can be solidified together with the appropriate day icons "MO" (Monday) and period "MORN". The actual scheduled start time period may flash intermittently in the time section. To change an automatic setting, a user can press and release the "INCREASE" button to increase the time in intervals, for example 15 minutes. The user could also press and release the "DECREASE" button for decreases in the time intervals. Alternately, the user can press and release the "INCREASE" or "DECREASE" button to change the time at a programmed rate, such as 60 minutes / second. The user can press and release the "NEXT" button to advance to the minimum set fan ON time (for example, in hours). On screen 106, the "PROGAMA" and "FAN" icons can be set together with the appropriate "MO" day and period "MORN" to indicate the change to the user. The minimum time set in progress can flash with an icon such as "MIN / HR". The user can then adjust the value of the minimum time on per hour (for example, in minutes or seconds). In one mode, the value can be changed from 9 to 60 minutes in 3 minute increments. The user can then press and release the "INCREASE" or "DECREASE" button to alter the Minimum On Time setting for 3 minutes. The user can press [NEXT] to go to the next period of the program, and after all four program periods of a day have been programmed, pressing "next" can go "MORN" the next day. The user can also copy the programs from previous days on the current day and then advance to the "Tomorrow" program the next day. For example, the user can copy the program adjustment from Friday Morning to the program setting on Saturday morning. When the user finishes programming the air cleaning program cycle, the selector (or equivalent) can be turned away from the FAN PROGRAM ADJUSTMENT position. A filter usage counter can also be employed in the invention to help ensure proper maintenance of the system filters. In one embodiment of the invention, a filter counter can be programmed in the programming device 104 using the timer 110 and the screen 106. In one embodiment, the filter counter can include a three-digit counter, which can count from 000 up to 999 days for example. The period of the counter can be set by the user, as described below in more detail. The filter counter can increase, for example, by one day at 12:00 midnight each day. The filter counter may further include a default period, such as 90 days, although the invention is not limited thereto. Figures 3 (a) to (d) incorporate samples of the screen 106 (Figure 1) illustrating the operation of the filter counter according to the invention. As illustrated in Figures 3 (a) to (d), in the operation mode, the screen 106 can show the number of days remaining before the filter needs to be changed in the numerical indicator 302. The amount of the period of the The elapsed filter can also be graphically illustrated, such as with the bar indicator 304. The indicator 306 shows the user that the filter counter is in operation. A PRESENT TIME / TEMPERATURE section 308 can display present information of time and / or temperature. A PROGRAM section 310 and a TEMP section 312 may also be included, which show the operating program information in progress and the temperature of the set point. As shown in Figure 3 (a), the use of the filter can start at 100% in the bar indicator 304. In this example, the filter utilization has been set at 30 days, as indicated by the numerical indicator 302 As the counter counts down, the number of days can be decreased in the numerical indicator 302, as shown in Figure 3 (b). The bar indianator 304 can also indicate the percentage of filter life remaining. When the filter counter has decreased to zero (indicated the end of the set period of the filter), the indicator 306 may now flash a "change filter" message, which shows the user that the filter should be changed or cleaned.

In one embodiment, the filter counter may continue counting beyond the end of the filter utilization period. An example of this is illustrated in Figure 3 (d). The numeric indicator 302 can now increase the number of days that have elapsed since the end of the filter usage period (for example, "DAYS IN EXCESS"). Indicator 306 may also continue to flash the message "CHANGE FILTER". A schematic of one embodiment of a controller 105 of the invention for use with the aforementioned temperature control, fan control, and filter utilization counter is illustrated in Figures 4 (a) to (b). As shown in Figures 4 (a) to (b), a microprocessor can be powered by a CD power card, and, instead, power an LCD screen. The microprocessor may have a plurality of outputs to individual Segments on the LCD screen to produce information thereto that will be seen by the user. The microprocessor may also include the plurality of inputs / outputs to a temperature modifying device and to a series of switches (eg, next, hold, decrease, and increase). One of these switches SW2, may be able to be selected in this example, between a week-day program, a weekend program, date and time selection, adjustment of the fan control information, adjustment of the control information of the filter, and operation and operation of the thermostat. By selecting one of these positions in SW2, the user can designate which aspects of the programming setting (eg, temperature control, fan control, filter utilization, etc.) can be entered into the microprocessor using the remaining switches. Of course, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that this is only one possible embodiment of the invention and is not limited thereto. In order to adjust the period of use of the filter in the controller 105, the user can rotate the selector 212 (or any equivalent mechanism that is being used) to the ADJUST AIR FILTER position. The programmable device 104 of the controller 105 is now in the adjustment mode of the air filter of its programming. The screen 106 may display the information indicated in Figure 5 (a), although the invention is not limited to this example. As shown in Figure 5 (a), the indicator 306 may show that the thermostat is now in the filter adjustment mode. The current time / temperature portion of the screen can now be replaced with a 308 SET LIMIT screen that indicates with the FILTER UTILIZATION LIMIT in progress, in days. The percentage of the remaining filter life can be displayed in the bar indicator 304 and the number of days remaining in the numerical indicator 302. The PROGRAM section 310 and the TEMP 312 section can be set without data in this mode to reduce the minimum any confusion of the user. In this example, the automatic utilization value is 90 days, but the invention is not limited to this. The user can press and release the buttons 213 [INCREASE] or [DECREASE] to scroll through a selection of preset options. These selections can be displayed for example in the numerical indicator 302 and the screen 308 ADJUST LIMIT. Once a period of use has been selected, you can also reset the bar indicator 304 to show 0% used. The standard preset options may include, for example, 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 days, although the invention is not limited to this. Of course, the programming of the controller 105 may allow the user to also select a customary usage period (eg, 45 days), such as by pressing and holding a button combination to increase the utilization counter to the desired number of days. The adjustment of the filter utilization limit to 0 days can be used to disable the filter utilization counter.

The system of the invention can also be programmed to determine the time of use of the filter using a predetermined use formula. In this modality for example, the user can enter the classification of the filter (as determined by the American Society of Engineering for Health Care or ASHE). This classification is usually given in days or months. The system can then calculate the filter usage time (for example, in days or fan operating time) using a formula like the following: Filter Utilization = [Filter Classification (days) x 24 hrs. X (Daily operating time of the fan (hrs.) / 24 hrs.)] / 100 Dividing by 100 allows a rounded number to be used. In this example, the operating time of the fan can be as programmed by the user, or it can be an estimated automatic time of operation (for example, 20 minutes per hour). The system can also be programmed to determine the classification of the filter from the model number of the filter, such as by using a look-up table of the model information or by determining the classification directly from the model number itself. The utilization measurement may therefore also reflect the utilization of the filter in a number of days selected by the user, as discussed above, or based on scheduled or estimated operating time of the ventilator. The user can also readjust the counter to its automatic value or reset a previous count using a combination of buttons 213. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the invention is particularly limited in this way. Once the user finishes adjusting the utilization counter, he only then changes the thermostat to another mode, such as the OPERATION mode for the operation, or one of the time or temperature adjustment modes. The use of the filter can also be programmed based on a direct or indirect measurement of the exact use of the filter. This can be further explained in relation to Figure 6, which illustrates a sample embodiment of the air handling portion of an environmental control system. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that this example is for purposes of illustration only and that the system of the invention can be used with any system or configuration of temperature control. In this example, the environmental control system 600 may include the thermostat 602, which is used to detect and control the temperature in one or more rooms through the structure. Air is circulated around the system by blower (fan) 616. Thermostat 602 and fan 610 can also be in communication with one or more heating / cooling apparatuses, as is known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The fan 616 circulates the air through the supply conduit 618, which discharges into each room or room through one or more registers 620, 622. In the embodiment shown, the air is circulated back to the fan 616 using a socket return flow 604. The return air passes through a filter 608 and the return duct 612 back to the fan 616. One or more sensors 606, 610 and / or 614 may be employed to detect the various characteristics of the system. For example, sensors 610 and 606 can be used to measure changes in air pressure on either side of air filter 608. In such an embodiment, the system of the invention can be programmed to sample an exact pressure differential when a filter is changed or installed first. Alternatively, an individual 610 sensor can be used with its compared value against standard air pressure. In this embodiment, sensors 606 and / or 610 may comprise any sensing element capable of detecting changes in air pressure, such as diaphragms and the like. The information from the sensors can be communicated back to the thermostat 602, where the programming device 104 (Figure 1) can use this information to determine the excess usage time for the filter for the screen 106 (Figure 1). For example, the programming device 104 may include a formula for estimating the utilization life of a filter based on changes in air pressure on the downstream side of the filter due to the accumulation of particles in the filter, in a form similar to the formula discussed above. The period of use can change based on the classification or model of the filter (since it can be fed by the user). Alternatively, the sensor may incorporate a pass switch or not pass or other mechanism that determines the period of excess use and communicates this information back to the thermostat. The sensor may also contain a reset switch to reset the characteristic information for the air circulation system back to an automatic value, such as when the filter is changed. In another embodiment, the sensors 606 and / or 610 can measure the air flow in the system and the programming device 104 (Figure 1) can calculate the utilization of the filter from the measurements of the air flow. As with the calculation of the air pressure, a formula can be used to determine the period of use of the filter. Also as with the air pressure sensor, any sensor capable of measuring the air flow can be used. For example, the airflow sensor may comprise mechanical sensors (for example, "pin wheel" type sensors) or electronic thermal loss sensing elements. The invention is not limited. In yet another embodiment, the use of the filter can be measured indirectly as well, such as by measuring the use of the ventilator. This can be done, for example, by incorporating the sensor 614 to detect the operation of the fan 616 and communicating this information back to the thermostat 602. For example, the sensor 614 can detect current carry and / or fan power usage 616. This is achieved using any number of known current / energy sensors. The programming device 104 (Figure 1) can use the information received from the sensor 614, together with the programming information of the fan and the classification information / model of the filter, to calculate the period of use of the filter using a formula similar to »The formula discussed before. Although the invention has been described as disclosed herein, in relation to its specific embodiment, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiment disclosed herein, but only as set forth in the appended claims. It will be appreciated that various components known to those of ordinary skill in the art may be substituted for those described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. For example, the input device may include a key number pad for pressure or a series of contact switches instead of the pressure switches disclosed herein.

The display device may also include an LED display or other illuminated display mechanisms, or any of a number of conventional mechanical display mechanisms such as meters or the like. The invention can be used in connection with any device that controls the temperature.

Claims (51)

1. A programmable temperature control apparatus for temperature control in communication with a temperature modifying device and an air circulation system, said programmable temperature control apparatus characterized in that it comprises: a controller programmed to control the thermal output of the device temperature modifier to obtain a desired temperature, and to operate the air circulation system independently of the temperature modifying device.

The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises an input circuit operable by the user to input the air handling information to program the air circulation system to operate it at predetermined intervals.

The apparatus according to claim 2, further characterized in that the air handling information comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of operating periods and / or the "ON" time during the periods of operation.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, further characterized in that the "ON" time can be adjusted between 9 and 60 minutes.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, further characterized in that the "ON" time can be adjusted in increments of three minutes.

The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises an input circuit operable by the connected user to record filtering information of the air used by said controller to generate the air filtering output information and a display to display said output information of the air filtration during the control of the thermal output of the temperature modifying device.

The apparatus according to claim 6, further characterized in that the air filtration control information comprises a period of use of the air filter which is one or more selected from the group formed of 0 days, 30 days, 60 days , 90 days and 120 days.

The apparatus according to claim 6, further characterized in that the control information of the air filtration comprises one or more selected from the group formed of how much time remains of the period of use of the air filter, which percentage remains of the period of use of the air filter; and if the air filter should be checked.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, further characterized in that the time is represented in days.

10. The apparatus according to claim 8, further characterized in that the percentage is represented using a bar indicator.

The apparatus according to claim 6, further characterized in that the output information of the air filtration is calculated using a formula based on the filter information entered by the user and the operation of the air circulation system.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises at least one sensor for detecting at least one characteristic of the air circulation system and communicating said characteristic information based thereon to the controller, and wherein said controller it is further programmed to generate the output information of the air filtration used said characteristic information and a screen to display the output information of the air filtration during the control of the thermal output of the temperature modifying device.

The apparatus according to claim 12, further characterized in that said characteristic of the air circulation system includes one or more selected from the group consisting of air pressure, air flow, air heat loss, fan utilization, entrainment of fan current, and utilization of fan power.

The apparatus according to claim 12, further characterized in that the sensor includes a reset button for restoring the characteristic information.

15. The apparatus according to claim 12, further characterized in that the sensor (s) is located close to the filter.

16. The apparatus according to claim 12, further characterized in that the sensor communicates with the controller using one or more of the group formed of radio frequency communication, infrared communication, low voltage wiring, and household power lines.

17. The apparatus according to claim 12, further characterized in that the sensor is configured to determine at least a part of the output information of the air filtration from said air circulation system characteristic.

18. A programmable temperature control apparatus for controlling the temperature in communication with a temperature modifying device and an air circulation system, said programmable temperature control apparatus characterized in that it comprises: an input circuit operable by the user connected to enter the air filter information; a controller programmed to control the thermal output of the temperature modifying device to obtain a desired temperature, and to generate an air output information based on the information of the air filter fed into the input circuit operable by the user; and a display device for displaying the output information of the air filter during control of the thermal output of the temperature modifying device.

19. The apparatus according to claim 18, further characterized in that the information of the air filter comprises a period of use that is one or more selected from the group consisting of 0 days, 30 days, 60 days, 90 days and 120 days.

20. The apparatus according to claim 18, further characterized in that the output information of the air filter comprises one or more selected from the group formed of how much time remains of the period of use of the air filter, which percentage remains of the period of use of the air filter; and if the air filter should be checked.

21. The apparatus according to claim 18, further characterized in that the time is represented in days.

22. The apparatus according to claim 18, further characterized in that the percentage is represented using a bar indicator.

23. The apparatus according to claim 18, further characterized in that the input circuit operable by the user is connected to enter the air handling information to program the air circulation system to operate it at predetermined intervals.

24. The apparatus according to claim 23, further characterized in that the air handling information comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of operating periods and / or the "ON" time during the periods of operation.

25. The apparatus according to claim 24, further characterized in that the "ON" time can be adjusted between 9 and 60 minutes.

26. The apparatus according to claim 25, further characterized in that the "ON" time can be adjusted in increments of three minutes.

27. The apparatus according to claim 18, further characterized in that the output information of the air filtration is calculated using a formula based on the information of the air filter and the operation of the air circulation system.

The apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that it further comprises at least one sensor for detecting at least one characteristic of the air circulation system and communicating said characteristic information based thereon to the controller, and wherein said controller is further programmed to generate the output information of the air filtration used said characteristic information.

29. The apparatus according to claim 18, further characterized in that said characteristic of the air circulation system includes one or more selected from the group consisting of air pressure, air flow, loss of air heat, utilization of the fan, entrainment of fan current, and utilization of fan power.

30. The apparatus according to claim 18, further characterized in that the sensor includes a reset button for restoring the characteristic information.

31. The apparatus according to claim 18, further characterized in that the sensor (s) is located close to the filter.

32. The apparatus according to claim 18, further characterized in that the sensor communicates with the controller using one or more of the group formed of radio frequency communication, infrared communication, low voltage wiring, and household power lines.

33. The apparatus according to claim 18, further characterized in that the sensor is configured to determine at least a part of the output information of the air filtration from said air circulation system characteristic.

34. A programmable temperature control device for temperature control in communication with a temperature modifying device and an air circulation system, said programmable temperature control apparatus characterized in that it comprises: an input circuit operable by the user connected to enter the information of the air filter; a controller programmed to control the thermal output of the temperature modifying device to obtain a desired temperature, and to generate an air output information based on the information of the air fihter fed into the input circuit operable by the user; a display device for displaying the output information of the air filter during the control of the thermal output of the temperature modifying device; and at least one sensor for detecting at least one characteristic of the air circulation system and communicating said characteristic information based thereon to the controller that will be used in the generation of said output information from the air filtration.

35. The apparatus according to claim 34, further characterized in that the information of the air filter comprises a period of use that is one or more selected from the group consisting of 0 days, 30 days, 60 days, 90 days and 120 days.

36. The apparatus according to claim 34, further characterized in that the output information of the air filter comprises one or more selected from the group formed of how much time remains of the period of use of the air filter, which percentage remains of the period of use of the air filter; and if the air filter should be checked.

37. The apparatus according to claim 34, further characterized in that the time is represented in days.

38. The apparatus according to claim 34, further characterized in that the percentage is represented using a bar indicator.

39. The apparatus according to claim 34, further characterized in that the input circuit operable by the user is connected to enter the air handling information to program the air circulation system to operate it at predetermined intervals.

40. The apparatus according to claim 39, further characterized in that the air handling information comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of periods of operation and / or the time "ON" during the periods of operation.

41. The apparatus according to claim 40, further characterized in that the "ON" time can be adjusted between 9 and 60 minutes.

42. The apparatus according to claim 41, further characterized in that the "ON" time can be adjusted in increments of three minutes.

43. The apparatus according to claim 34, further characterized in that the output information of the air filtration is calculated using a formula based on the information of the air filter and the operation of the air circulation system.

44. The apparatus according to claim 34, further characterized in that said characteristic of the air circulation system includes one or more selected from the group consisting of air pressure, air flow, loss of air heat, use of the fan, entrainment of fan current, and utilization of fan power.

45. The apparatus according to claim 34, further characterized in that the sensor includes a reset button for restoring the characteristic information.

46. The apparatus according to claim 34, further characterized in that the sensor (s) is located close to the filter.

47. The apparatus according to claim 34, further characterized in that the sensor communicates with the controller using one or more of the group formed of radio frequency communication, infrared communication, low voltage wiring, and household power lines.

48. The apparatus according to claim 34, further characterized in that the sensor is configured to determine at least a part of the output information of the air filtration from said air circulation system characteristic.

49. A method for operating an air circulation system in communication with a programmable temperature control system, characterized in the method because it comprises the step of using a programmed controller to control a thermal output of a temperature modifying device to reach a desired temperature for operate the air circulation system independently under the programmed operation.

50. A method for monitoring an air filter used in a programmable temperature control system, characterized in that the method comprises the steps of: entering the information of the air filter to a programmable controller to control a thermal output of a modifier device. temperature to reach a desired temperature; generate output information of the air filtration using the information of the air filter; and displaying the output information of the air filtration in a display device during the control of the thermal output of the temperature modifying device.

51. A method for monitoring an air filter used in a programmable temperature control system, characterized in that the method comprises the steps of: entering the information of the air filter to a programmable controller to control a thermal output of a modifier device. temperature to reach a desired temperature; receiving the characteristic information with respect to at least one characteristic of the air circulation system; generate output information of the air filtration using the information of the air filter and the information of the characteristic ^; and displaying the output information of the air filtration in a display device during the control of the thermal output of the temperature modifying device.