Indoor air quality controllers and user interfaces

Abstract

Controllers for controlling heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and cooling (HVAC) systems are provided. The controllers include graphical user interfaces for user adjustment of system settings. The controllers also include communication interfaces for receiving climate data. In certain embodiments, the controllers govern operation of the HVAC systems based at least in part on the climate data. Further, the controllers may display information and alerts related to the climate data. The controllers also may govern operation of air treatment devices within the HVAC systems.

1 . A method comprising a control device performing the following steps:
 receiving air quality data;   adjusting, via a processor of the control device, an operating parameter of a heating, ventilating, air conditioning, or cooling system based on the air quality data; and   operating the heating, ventilating, air conditioning, or cooling system based on the adjusted operating parameter.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the air quality data comprises allergen information, pollen information, or duct cleanliness information, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the air quality data comprises an allergen or pollen forecast. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein adjusting an operating parameter comprises adjusting operation of an electronic air cleaner. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein adjusting an operating parameter comprises selectively enabling operation of ultraviolet lamps. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein adjusting an operating parameter comprises directing an air treatment substance into conditioned air of the heating, ventilating, air conditioning, or cooling system. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , comprising requesting verification from a user prior to adjusting the operating parameter. 
     
     
         8 . A control device, comprising:
 a communication interface suitable for operable connection to an air treatment device that directs an air treatment substance into conditioned air of a heating, ventilating, air conditioning, or cooling system;   a display capable of displaying one or more selectable graphical elements defining operating parameters for the air treatment device;   a graphical user interface comprising the selectable graphical elements and capable of receiving a user input that selects one or more operating parameters for the air treatment device via the selectable graphical elements; and   a processor capable of controlling operation of the air treatment device based on the selected operating parameters and capable of operating the heating, ventilating, air conditioning, or cooling system.   
     
     
         9 . The control device of  claim 8 , wherein the selectable graphical elements correspond to cartridges disposed within the air treatment device. 
     
     
         10 . The control device of  claim 8 , wherein the selectable graphical elements define an air treatment time, frequency, duration, or strength, or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         11 . The control device of  claim 8 , wherein the air treatment substance comprises a fragrance, a neutralizer, or a disinfectant. 
     
     
         12 . The control device of  claim 8 , wherein the processor is capable of detecting a level of the air treatment substance within the air treatment device and wherein the display is capable of displaying the level. 
     
     
         13 . The control device of  claim 8 , wherein the communication interface comprises a wireless network connection. 
     
     
         14 . The control device of  claim 8 , wherein the processor is configured to adjust an operating parameter of the heating, ventilating, air conditioning, or cooling system based on air quality data received by the control device. 
     
     
         15 . An air treatment device for a heating, ventilating, air conditioning, or cooling system, the air treatment device comprising:
 an enclosure for receiving a removable cartridge of an air treatment substance;   a communication interface suitable for operable connection to a controller of the heating, ventilating, air conditioning, or cooling system; and   a dispenser for expelling the air treatment substance from the cartridge in response to receiving a signal from the controller.   
     
     
         16 . The air treatment device of  claim 15 , wherein the air treatment substance comprises a fragrance, a neutralizer, or a disinfectant. 
     
     
         17 . The air treatment device of  claim 15 , wherein the enclosure comprises a mounting assembly for disposing the air treatment device within ductwork of the heating, ventilating, air conditioning, or cooling system. 
     
     
         18 . The air treatment device of  claim 15 , wherein the air treatment device comprises a sensor for detecting an amount of the air treatment substance within the cartridge. 
     
     
         19 . The air treatment device of  claim 15 , wherein the air treatment device comprises a plurality of receptacles for receiving a plurality of removable cartridges. 
     
     
         20 . The air treatment device of  claim 15 , wherein the air treatment device is configured to adjust an operating parameter based on air quality data received by the air treatment device.