HVAC System with SMS Capability

Abstract

Systems and methods are disclosed that include providing a system controller in a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system with an SMS module. Initialization and/or actuation of an SMS initiator input may cause the SMS module to generate, transmit, and/or to allow a request for generation and/or transmittal of a predetermined SMS message to alter a setting and/or an operation of a smartphone that allows the smartphone to produce an audible alert, even when the smartphone is configured in a so-called silent mode.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system, comprising:
 an SMS module.   
     
     
         2 . The HVAC system of  claim 1 , wherein the SMS module is carried by a system controller of the HVAC system. 
     
     
         3 . The HVAC system of  claim 1 , wherein the SMS module is configured to generate an SMS message. 
     
     
         4 . The HVAC system of  claim 1 , wherein the SMS module is configured to request generation of an SMS message. 
     
     
         5 . The HVAC system of  claim 1 , wherein the SMS module is configured to transmit an SMS message. 
     
     
         6 . The HVAC system of  claim 1 , wherein a system controller of the HVAC system is configured to selectively communicate information regarding an SMS message to a home automation provider. 
     
     
         7 . The HVAC system of  claim 1 , wherein a system controller of the HVAC system is configured to selectively communicate information regarding an SMS message to an SMS gateway. 
     
     
         8 . The HVAC system of  claim 1 , wherein a system controller of the HVAC system is configured to selectively communicate information regarding an SMS message to a second HVAC system. 
     
     
         9 . The HVAC system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 an SMS initiator input.   
     
     
         10 . The HVAC system of  claim 9 , wherein the SMS initiator input comprises a push button. 
     
     
         11 . A method of operating a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system, comprising:
 providing an HVAC system comprising an SMS module; and   communicating information regarding an SMS message to a remote system.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the remote system comprises a smartphone. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the remote system comprises a home automation provider. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the remote system is a security provider. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the remote system is a second HVAC system. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein when the remote system receives the information regarding the SMS message the remote system changes at least one of a visual, audible, and tactile operation mode. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising:
 causing the remote system to produce an audible alert.